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Bethany Johnson-Kerner

MD PhD

Pediatric neurologist
Passionate about helping patients understand the brain

Dr. Bethany Johnson-Kerner is a pediatric neurologist dedicated to treating children with a wide array of neurological conditions. With a strong focus on brain injury, she founded and directs the Pediatric Neurorecovery Clinic, where she provides specialized support for young patients experiencing symptoms following a brain injury.

In her research, Johnson-Kerner participates in a variety of projects related to brain injury aftercare, including using therapeutic techniques that address intellectual impairments, assessing quality of life after brain injury, and finding effective methods to support learning in patients returning to school. She is an advocate for more resources supporting brain health in pediatric patients.

Johnson-Kerner earned her medical degree from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She also earned her doctorate at Columbia, where her research involved creating stem cell models of degenerative neurological disease that could be used to look for new treatments. At UCSF, she completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in child neurology, as well as postdoctoral research on how inherited conditions alter brain development.

In her free time, Johnson-Kerner enjoys hiking with her family, reading mysteries, gardening and studying languages.

  • Education

    Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, MD, 2014

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Pediatrics, 2016

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Child Neurology, 2019

  • Board Certifications

    Neurology w/ Special Qualification in Child Neurology - General, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

  • Academic Title

    Assistant Professor

My goal is to provide comprehensive, family-centered neurological care.

Where I see patients (3)

    Learning never stops

    Our classroom and bedside classes help kids get credit and keep learning during treatment.

    See our school program

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