Jonathan E. Kohler, MD, MA, FAAP

Specialties
  • Pediatric Surgery

Jonathan Kohler, M.D, M.A., FAAP.'s philosophy of care is that every patient deserves the care that best fits them and their family. He believes that the parents of patients are vital to the care process and to deciding what is right for their child, and always strives to make shared decisions with parents and patients. There is no such thing as minor surgery for a child or their family, and his goal is to help families through what is always a challenging time by providing support, guidance, honesty and reassurance that their child is in great hands at Shriners Children's Northern California.

Dr. Kohler is a pediatric general surgeon who cares for children from birth to adulthood who have a wide variety of surgical problems, using advanced techniques such as minimally invasive surgery. He has a particular interest in pediatric trauma, including ways to reduce the number of injured children who need operations, minimizing opioid use after injuries and operations, and preventing injuries through education and advocacy. He particularly enjoys working with children with special needs, including autism.

Dr. Kohler's research centers on communications between physicians, parents and patients. He is particularly interested in decision making and decision supports for rural physicians managing common pediatric surgical problems, such as umbilical hernias, opioid prescribing, and minor injuries. He has developed a number of connected learning solutions using telementoring, videos and interactive teaching tools to improve communications between primary care providers and specialists, and between doctors and patients.

Pediatric Care

More About Me

Board Certifications
  • American Board of Surgery, General Surgery, Surgery - General
  • American Board of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
Education and Training

Medical Education
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Chicago, IL
6/30/2005

Graduate School
Emerson College
Boston, MA
12/31/2009

Fellowship
Brigham & Women's Hospital
Boston, MA
6/30/2010

Residency
University of Washington Medical Center
Seattle, WA
6/30/2013

Fellowship
University of Chicago - Children's Hospital
Chicago, IL
6/30/2015

Academic Positions and Locations

UC Davis Medical Center
Associate Professor

Leadership and Memberships
  • Member, American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Member, American College of Surgeons
  • Member, American Pediatric Surgical Association
  • Member, Association for Academic Surgery (AAS)
  • Member, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma
  • Member, Pediatric Trauma Society
Awards and Honors
  • 2013-2015, Junior Faculty Scholar, Bucksbaum Institute for Clinical Excellence, University of Chicago
  • 2007-2009, American College of Surgeons Resident Research Fellowship
  • 2007, Schilling Resident Research Fellow Prize, Department of Surgery, University of Washington
  • 2005, Graduation with Honors, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
  • 2005, Pritzker Leadership Award, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
  • 2005, Association for Academic Surgery Student Research Award, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Ratings

About the Patient Experience Rating System

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score. 

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.