Dr. Johnson is the specialist to see if you suffer from pain and disability caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, fractures, dislocations, congenital deformities, and other joint-related problems.
“I see many people who have lived with pain and decreased mobility for so long,” Dr. Johnson said. “They come to me looking for relief and a better life. My goal is to help give them that, using whatever treatment will work best for them.”
Often times, the answer is a hip or knee replacement. Dr. Johnson has extensive training and experience in minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery, including the anterior approach to hip replacement, partial and custom knee replacements, and complex revision surgery for failed hip and knee replacements.
A graduate of Holland Christian High School, Dr. Johnson’s interest in orthopedics started in the Calvin College Department of Microbiology where he researched osteolysis, a biologic response to artificial implants.
“Having this early hands-on experience with orthopedics and joint replacements really helped me to set my priorities and focus my future medical education and training,” Dr. Johnson said. “I think that realizing your passion sooner rather than later can make a big difference in the doctor you become. I knew that joint replacement was what I wanted to do, so I learned everything and anything I could and sought out the best training in this field.”
After his time at Calvin, Dr. Johnson went onto receive his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi, National Osteopathic Honor and Service Fraternity.
From there, he completed his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at St. Vincent’s Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, which included a year of visiting rotations at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills, California.
Finished with his orthopedic residency, Dr. Johnson completed his fellowship training at the prestigious Anderson Orthopedic Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia. While there, he trained with Charles A. Engh Sr. M.D., a pioneer who helped develop porous-coated, cementless implants for joint replacement surgery, which changed the way hip replacements are performed. He also trained with Gerald A. Engh M.D., a past president of the Knee Society, who continues to develop innovative partial knee implant technology and design.
“What a privilege it was to train with some of the best in my field,” Dr. Johnson said. “Through my experience I was able to learn techniques and technology that are invaluable to my patients now. Not all orthopedic surgeons are as fortunate to have trained with such innovators.”
Dr. Johnson believes in helping others, whether here in West Michigan or throughout the world. He has participated in medical mission trips to Kenya, Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, but is glad to be back in his hometown of Holland.
“I’m grateful for all the education, training and experiences I’ve had around the country and around the world,” Dr. Johnson said. “But, truth be told, my favorite place to be and practice is right here. This is where I belong, helping other West Michigan residents to feel and live better.”
