Sara Johnstone, MD
MNWCare delivers expert, compassionate support tailored to each patient. Read more to learn about this care provider.
Provider Information
Dr. Sara Johnstone is a board-certified OB/GYN with a deep commitment to comprehensive women’s health. Her expertise spans all aspects of well-woman care, routine and high-risk pregnancy, infertility, menstrual disorders, contraception, vaginosis and vulvar care, and minimally invasive surgery and procedures.
Her passion for women’s health began early—sparked by accompanying her mother to an OB appointment while expecting her younger sister. That early exposure inspired her lifelong dedication to helping women feel understood, supported, and empowered. Many of her patients describe her care as that of a trusted sister or mother—compassionate, attentive, and deeply personal.
“The best part of my work is being part of bringing new life into the world and seeing growing, happy families.”
— Dr. Sara Johnstone
Work Background
Allina Health, Shoreview Clinic & United Hospital, St. Paul, MN
OB/GYN Physician (2016–Present)
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Provides comprehensive care for routine and high-risk pregnancies, as well as minimally invasive GYN procedures.
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Teaches Family Practice Residents in both clinic and hospital settings.
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Member of the Allina Pregnancy Care Council, guiding clinical quality and patient safety across the Allina system.
Allina Health, United Hospital, St. Paul, MN
OB Hospitalist (2014–2015)
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Managed care for complex inpatient OB cases and coordinated multidisciplinary care among OB, Family Medicine, and Midwifery teams.
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Member of the Allina Pregnancy Care Council, focused on OB excellence and safety.
Misawa Air Base Hospital, Misawa, Japan
Medical Director, OB/GYN Department (2012–2013)
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Led a full OB/GYN department with over 8,000 appointments, 250 deliveries, and 140 surgeries annually.
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Mentored junior physicians and implemented clinical policies.
OB/GYN Staff Physician (2010–2013)
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Delivered comprehensive OB/GYN care to active-duty service members and their families.
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Directed High-Risk OB and Dysplasia Programs and led emergency OB simulations.
Wright Patterson Medical Center, Dayton, OH
OB/GYN Staff Physician (2009–2010)
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Managed a wide range of OB/GYN cases from pediatric to geriatric patients.
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Supervised and trained 24 residents and 50 medical students.
Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH
Faculty Instructor, Department of OB/GYN (2009–2010)
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Educated residents and medical students through lectures, labs, and clinical instruction.
Education
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Integrated Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program
Wright State University Affiliated Hospitals | Dayton, OH -
Doctor of Medicine
University of Minnesota Medical School | Minneapolis, MN -
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Asian Studies, Summa Cum Laude
St. Olaf College | Northfield, MN
Credentials & Affiliations
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American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2011–Present)
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Medical Licenses:
Minnesota (Active) | Ohio (Former) -
Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
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Christian Medical and Dental Association
Research & Publications
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Page-Ramsey SM, Johnstone SK, et al. “Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Subsequent Pregnancies…” American Journal of Perinatology, 2012.
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Ventolini G., Johnstone S., et al. “Obstruction of Labor by a Vertical Lower Vaginal Septum: A Case Report.” Journal of Gynecologic Surgery, 2006.
Oral Presentation:
“Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus Colonization Status in Subsequent Pregnancies of Colonized Women,” Armed Forces District, Norfolk, VA (2008).
Military Service
United States Air Force (2001–2013) — Final Rank: Major
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Flight Commander, OB/GYN Clinic, Misawa, Japan
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Medic for Operation Tomodachi, Humanitarian Relief Mission (2011, Japan)
Awards:
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Humanitarian Service Medal
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Senior Resident Teaching Award
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ACOG Resident Research Award
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Top CREOG Score Award
International Medicine & Humanitarian Work
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Founder, Kenyan Free Clinic Project – Established and directed a free medical clinic in Eldoret, Kenya.
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Physician Leader, Jamaican Medical Missions – Led free clinics and taught medical students in rural Jamaica.
Personal Note
Outside of medicine, Dr. Johnstone enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle with her husband and three children, focusing on family exercise and nutrition. She has summited Mount Fuji, led global medical missions, and continues to advocate for women’s wellness through compassionate, evidence-based care. Though originally from Washington, she proudly calls Minnesota home.
“Together we can create the healthiest version of you — so that you may live life to the fullest.”
Stories from Mothers Like You
Hear how MWC made pregnancy more comfortable, more supported, and more personal.
Everyone is wonderful. Would 100% recommend this clinic! Update: I just had my beautiful baby boy 2 days ago and delivered at St.Johns in maplewood. I had Dr. Lexi Eul and CNM Katie Ireland delivered him. I had seen them throughout most my clinic visits. Everyone has been so compassionate and amazing. I really had a fear of the medical side of pregnancy going in, and just can't day enough good things about my team or this clinic. If you want an amazing and supportive experience, please go here.
Hannah Nielsen
She was great, formative, and great with answering all my questions and hearing me out with my concerns. She is very passionate in what she does for her patients. I went in and come out with great information that I could use for my second pregnancy that I didn't know before Thank you.
karen thor
I absolutely love them! From my first pregnancy, to New Mom Group, to aftercare postpartum anxiety, to my miscarriage I have always received the best care! Every single person I have interacted with is genuine and cares about my needs. It was important to me when switching health insurance providers I could still go here! Absolutely the best in women's health!
Molly Bruer
Jaime Abeler (CNP) is the sweetest!! I felt extremely comfortable with her. She is the most caring genuine nurse practitioner there could be. I'm eternally grateful to have had her as part of my first pregnancy journey ❤ The clinic in general is a very welcoming environment. Very kind and patient.
Marlene Hernandez
Pregnant with our 1st, due in a month, and I've been coming to this clinic since the beginning of my pregnancy. Outside of the impressive and dynamic range of professionals and services they offer, it's really the women that work here that make such a difference. From the women at the front desk, to the midwives, NPs, RNs, and MDs - I've experienced nothing short of top of line care as a patient, but also as a human. The kindness and warmth I am always met with is just as prevalent as the gold standard level of care I receive. I couldn't have had a better experience here, and highly recommend for wrap around care no matter what your reason for visiting is. The women here have made a world of difference for me, and I will continue to see them for all OB needs long after my pregnancy.
Jennifer White
I highly recommend Erin Beer for chiropractic. She is amazing at what she does and makes sure you're comfortable with everything before proceeding any adjustments. I was having really bad tailbone pain during my pregnancy and she did an adjustment that changed my life - Coccyx Adjustment! This procedure sounds intimidated but it was super fast and easy. The pain relief was instantly! Again, everyone at MN Women is great and I would totally recommend this clinic to all!
Queenlacheefa Vang
MN Women's Care is seriously the best! I felt so cared for and heard during pregnancy and postpartum. And the new moms group was invaluable to me as I navigated being a new mom! I highly recommend to any woman looking for a clinic, especially those who are pregnant.
Allison Westad
Minnesota women's care has exceeded my expectations over and over again. More recently when visiting different Healthcare providers I have felt like a burden and as though they just wanted to make money. It is not like that at MN women's care. They go above and beyond and approach Healthcare holistically! I am ecstatic I found a dr that will see me and my kids and will be providing maternity care during this pregnancy. We see Dr Vu and couldn't recommend her more. It's inclusive care that covers all of the bases. This is how Healthcare should be!
Jessica Geffre
I have had such a positive experience at MWC! I am a regular patient at the family practice because I wanted to have one main doctor, who is also my OBGYN. My doctor is also my daughter's paediatrician, which makes life so much easier because she gets to know our whole family! I also see the chiropractors and physical therapists here, who were incredibly helpful during my pregnancy and postpartum. I also attend the new mommy's group at the clinic, which is great for making new friends and asking any questions about parenting ☺️
Marie Gomez
My wife and I were super nervous entering our first pregnancy. We were recommended them by friends and they were so right! We have an amazing, reassuring and enjoyable experience with them. We just got home with our new son and we are so thankful to the wonderful people at Minnesota Women's Care.
Matthew Davidson
I had a really great experience here my first pregnancy with Shawn Johnson at MN Women's care. I also was introduced to their other providers so that I can be more familiar with whoever is on rotation when I go into labor. They were all really kind, but I was lucky that it was Shawn who delivered my baby as she was the provider on call the day I went into labor. I will continue to get care with them and have them take care of me again with my next pregnancy. Highly recommend.
Gaokhue Xiong
Had a positive experience with pre-natal care at MNWC and birthing experience. The midwives (esp. Johnson and Nordahl) are knowledgeable, listen to my concerns, and are great at explaining the process in detail. I appreciate their high-tech ultrasound technology, I always think that my ultrasound photos come out the best compared to other clinic locations and I love that there's a huge display screen! Will continue to come here for all-things women's health and pregnancy. Their staff member, Jaymi, also does a great job connecting me to resources and handling any questions I have via email! Convenient location and they offer services at their sister clinics if needed (Woodbury, Apple Valley).
Choua Xiong
I have to transfer to another OB care because of relocating, and then realize how good they are in many details. They have high quality ultrasound, nurses have great skills, environment is wonderful, everyone is very sweet. They always have water for visitors in the refrigerator, preparing stuffy toys with fetus heartbeat record for moms, I didn't know not all places do these sweet things for you. I had great experiences in my past two pregnancy here, I truly appreciate it!
Lettie
Shawn Johnson was absolutely amazing for my 4th pregnancy. She listens and actually cares about you. Thank you for helping us along this journey.
cassie Ellingson
Very caring and kind staff. Helpful with what might or might not happen in the next 6 months after getting my birth control taken out of my arm and inviting for all the steps along the way for my age as well. Going to continue my pregnancy journey with MWC for sure!
Nicole Olson
The best of the best! switched from a local hospital system to MWC after a bad experience. Every doctor, nurse & staff member was warm & welcoming. I saw Dr Mirr throughout my pregnancy and she was thorough, polite and listened to every concern while also reassuring me at every bump along the way. Heather Dejarnett delivered our baby and wow, she was incredible! She was fun, easy going and read me just right. She knew when I needed fun and knew when I needed serious. She was with me every step of the way (like really didn't leave my side except only for a few minutes here and there). Both Dr Mirr & Dejarnett really cared. They went above and beyond of just doing their jobs and really made a solid connection which makes things less scary and tons more comfortable. Thank you thank you thank you MWC!!
katie berg
Nothing but positive things to say about this facility! The midwives, especially Rachel Gates, made me feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout my pregnancy and birth. After your baby arrives, be sure to check out the New Moms Group on Thursday afternoons. It was great to have a community during my maternity leave. Erin, and the awesome moms in attendance, can answer your biggest (and smallest) questions about your new baby. Incredibly thankful to have found this place!
Savannah Metz
Excellent care! Worked with several different providers (OBs and midwives) throughout my pregnancy and they were all wonderful. Thankful for the midwife who helped me change positions in order to deliver my baby naturally!
Alicia Wales
The midwifery team at MN Womens Care is excellent. Appointments were all timely, thorough, helpful, and appropriate throughout pregnancy. Details about my care were prioritized. I was made to feel not just like a number but like a patient receiving individualized care.
Jill Gierke
We've been visiting MN Women's Care in the past couple of years. Everyone here is very courteous, patient and knowledgeable we really like all the providers and staff we met here, particularly Dr. Stecher. She's been caring and nursing through wife's whole pregnancy, very patient and going extra miles to make sure everything is doing well, and did a fantastic C-section to safely land our rainbow baby who was in breech position - can't be overestimated how crucial it is for our lives. Super grateful to MN Women's Care and Dr. Stecher who deserves all the compliments to a doctor.
Yifan Li
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