Doing the Most at the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit: Cowboy Carter!

Nobody is more ambitious about plan than Jasmine 3–6 months out from an event 😅

Over a year ago, I was invited to be speaking faculty at Pinnacle Conference 2025—a TED-style talk on Advocating for Black Maternal Health.

Then in February, Nate scored us Beyoncé tickets through the Ticketmaster lottery 🙌🏾… only catch? The concert was the Thursday going into Pinnacle weekend.

I told myself it would just make the weekend even more exciting! Right? 😅

Fast forward to this past week and I found myself wondering (yet again) why I do this to myself: maximum ambition, minimum time.

But last week, I pulled together my concert look AND finalized my talk outfit, all while rehearsing my 30-minute talk daily, seeing patients, answering emails, meeting with students, coordinating childcare, and packing for Austin. Whew.

Then… 48 hours before the concert, I found out I wouldn’t have my presenter notes on screen (my comfort zone!!). I almost told Nate to sell the tickets 😩

But we went. And THEN—we arrive in Chicago and… there’s a tornado watch 🌪️ The concert gets delayed, and by hour 2  I’m thinking, “Beyoncé, girl, just let us know if it's cancelled so I can go to bed...”

We waited out the storm with thousands of new friends at Soldier Field. And y’all… THE SHOW. WAS. EVERYTHING. Start to finish, I was in awe. No notes needed. A true masterclass.

We didn’t leave until 1:30am. I was at the airport by 7:30am feeling raggedy - like that Bratz doll meme 😮‍💨

And then—I got to Austin and channeled the energy of the Queen herself and gave my talk with heart, fire, and purpose.

Because when the moment comes… we show up and we SLAY. 

Can't wait to share more about my talk soon but in the meantime, here are some of my faves from the concert. You can find the rest on my instagram. 💫

Four Years In: Reflection, Growth, and the Work Still Ahead

This September marks four years since I officially stepped into my role as an academic faculty Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician.

Recently, I found myself rereading a post I wrote back in 2013 about my third-year OB/GYN clerkship.  It is amazing how so much can change and stay the same at the very same time. The heart of the work, the calling, the joy, and even the tension—it’s all still there, just expressed through new experiences and responsibilities.

By the Numbers

I never feel like I have done enough, or I underestimate what I have done, so sometimes it helps to quantify the journey. Here’s a snapshot of the past four years:

• >1,000 pregnant patients cared for (and double or triple that if you count the babies)

• 17 invited lectures and talks (soon to be 18!)

• 16 weeks on call

• 8 papers published

• 6 conferences attended 

• 3 clinical sites served

• 2 local committee appointments

• 2 national committee appointments

• 2 awarded grants

• 2 research projects as primary investigator (PI)

• 1 board certification 

• 1 directorship in medical student affairs

• 1 legislative testimony delivered

Whew. She’s been busy—and yes, she has the receipts.

The Clinical Core

Clinically, I find joy and purpose in supporting people through the ups and downs of pregnancy. Pregnancy is rarely simple—emotionally, physically, or socially. Every patient brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn. As our healthcare systems evolve (and sometimes struggle), the complexity of clinical care seems to grow year by year.

I aim to be a source of steadiness and clarity, helping patients feel informed and empowered to make decisions right for them and their families. It is a job that I do not ever take lightly and feeling the weight of that responsibility can be so heavy at times. 

It is why the residents know me as the attending who ends her service weeks by buying herself a present...hey, there are worse ways to deal with stress, right?! #TreatYoSelf

The #BlackGirlMagic call team during my last service week

Advocacy: Still Speaking the Truth

In my advocacy work, I continue to focus on the Black maternal health crisis. One thing I didn’t anticipate early in my career was how often I’d still be explaining the same truths: that the structures and systems in our country directly impact health. That inequity is not theoretical—it’s lived. That centering the needs of the most vulnerable helps improve outcomes for everyone.

Despite that, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the platforms I’ve been given. Public speaking still makes me nervous (thank goodness for propranolol!), but I’ve learned to channel that nervous energy into purpose. If sharing my expertise and lived experience can move us even one step closer to equity, I’ll keep showing up.

Speaking on a panel about using data to advance health equity

Indiana ACOG 2025

Supporting the Future of Medicine 

I also didn’t expect that I would have a formal role in medical student education—or how meaningful that work would become.  

Suture lesson

Last month, I had one of those full-circle moments. I helped "coat" our newest third-year medical students during their White Coat Ceremony—a rite of passage that signals the beginning of their clinical journey. Watching them step into their future reminded me of my own white coat ceremony, my own dreams, my own fears.

And it reminded me how far I’ve come.

White Coat Ceremony 2025

The Quiet Question

Here’s something else I didn’t expect: that after all the training, all the sleepless nights on call, all the sacrifices—there would still be a small, persistent voice inside asking: Am I enough?

During training, medicine feels like the center of your universe. But once you emerge from that intense orbit, you begin to realize that what truly matters has nothing to do with titles, publications, or accolades. What matters is:

• The love of your family and friends

• Your sense of self

• Your integrity and call to serve

These are the constants. These are the things that ground me—through every triumph, every challenge, and every new chapter.

Thanks for reading. Whether you're just starting your journey in medicine or you’re deep into your own version of the work, I hope you know: reflection is powerful, rest is necessary, and growth is ongoing. Here’s to continuing the work—with purpose, with joy, and with grace.

xo.

Life Lately and Showing Up—Even When It's Not Perfect

So it’s officially been over a year since I wrote that “I’m back!” post—and clearly, your girl did not follow through on making this space a regular thing. 😅 Life has been… a lot. Full, messy, beautiful, overwhelming—and I'm learning (sometimes the hard way) to extend myself grace, even when I fall short of my own intentions.

But here’s the thing: instead of doing my usual - sitting in the guilt of what I didn’t do - I’m choosing to show up today. Because it’s never too late to begin again. So—hi. 👋🏽 I really do miss this part of me.

You might be wondering, “So… what’s been going on?”

Honestly? A lot. I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last post. I’ve poured energy into my family, my friends, my patients, my students, and my advocacy—and while I haven’t written much here, I’ve been sharing little glimpses over on Instagram. That’s where I’ve managed to be a tiny bit more present, so feel free to catch up there if you’re curious about the in-between.

But let’s talk about 2025, because we all have to start somewhere.

At home, things are moving at the fastest pace imaginable. The Johnson household is a whirlwind of school runs, sports, laughter, and late-night chats. Nate and Isabelle are thriving, and I am doing my best to soak in every single moment. I didn’t expect to be having this much fun with them at this stage—and it’s been one of the sweetest surprises of motherhood so far.

Nate II is 16—a whole sophomore in high school (!!) and officially a licensed driver this week. This milestone hit me in the heart in so many ways. I’ve been praying over his safety and protection since the day he got his permit, and now here we are… He’s a careful, thoughtful driver, but whew—this mama heart is definitely feeling the stretch. Letting go just enough to let him grow, while still holding space to protect and guide. As we move into the summer, we are making college lists, planning football camps, and I am always thinking about the lessons I want to make sure he knows before he leaves us for college. This season is full of big emotions and even bigger prayers. 

Isabelle is 11 and absolutely taking middle school by storm! She is kind and brilliant and brave and all the things I wish I was at her age. This past year, we joined the world of travel soccer—and wow, what a ride it’s been. It’s a big commitment, but it’s been so worth it. She’s incredibly talented, and it’s been such a joy to watch her grow in confidence, skill, and teamwork on the field. Off the field, her heart for animals continues to shine. She’s still completely in love with all things animal rescue, and this summer, we’ll be turning that passion into action. Isabelle (and I—because, minors 😅) will be volunteering at our local Humane Society. She’s so excited, and honestly, I am too. Watching her step into the things she loves is one of the greatest gifts of motherhood.

One of the things I appreciate so much about this stage of parenting—raising a teen and a tween—is that we still genuinely enjoy being together. Don’t get me wrong, our days are often a whirlwind. Between practices, games, meetings, and the kids retreating to their rooms to do what teens and tweens do (phones, games, solo time), there are days I blink and realize we barely crossed paths.

But what I’m really proud of is how intentional we’ve been with the time we do spend together. It’s not perfect or overly structured, but it’s real—and meaningful.

Our spring break getaways the last two years have been such gifts. Yes, it was fun exploring somewhere new and going on adventures, but the true magic happened in the in-between moments—those quiet, connected pockets of time. Dinner conversations. Long car rides. Laughter for no reason. Just being together.

One unexpected highlight? Nate found this amazing deck of conversation cards called Talking Points, and we’ve started using them during meals. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s opened up new ways to learn about who our kids are becoming—what they care about, how they think, and what makes them laugh. This season can be so stressful, but it’s also full of sweet, sacred moments. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

And it is not just parenting. Marriage feels so different at this stage in our journey. This past April, Nate and I celebrated 15 years—and honestly, I’m still in awe of how quickly time has passed. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth: marriage has not been easy. The day-to-day can be exhausting, and there were so many moments when we were just trying to make it through. But when I take a step back and really look at what we've built, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.  Fifteen years of growing, evolving, and choosing to break cycles/be better—even when it was hard. I’m so thankful for the love that’s carried us this far. 

Oh, instead of ringing in 40 with a party, Nate chose to go skydiving. And I didn't freak out watching it happen like a thought I would #growth. 

These days, I'm holding space for both the joy and the stretch. The daily juggle of being a mom, physician, mentor, and human. The highs and the hard days. And I'm learning to say: "It's okay if I don't do it all. It's okay to start again."

So here’s to that—a fresh start, a soft reentry, and the reminder that presence doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real. 

Thanks so much for reading—I really do hope to pop back in sooner than last time! 😅

I’ve got so much more to share, especially from the work front… you know, the doctor job that inspired this whole blog in the first place. 😂

So stay tuned—more updates coming (hopefully) soon.

xo,
Jasmine