Graduating from University of Massachusetts Medical School and finishing his General Surgery Residency training at the Univ. of Massachusetts Medical Center, he then served as Surgical Registrar (General Surgery and Vascular Surgery) at the William Harvey Hospital in Kent, England. Returning to Boston, Dr. Johnson completed a Residency in Thoracic (Cardio-Vascular) Surgery at the New England Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Surgical Service, and is Board Certified in both surgical fields. (Dr. Johnson recently passed his 10-year re-certification exam for General Surgery.)
rDr. Johnson divides his surgical patient care about equally amongst Vascular Surgery (neck artery surgery to avoid strokes, repair of aneurysms, bypass of leg and arm artery blockages, and varicose vein surgery, etc.), Thoracic Surgery (bronchoscopy, lung and chest masses, esophageal reflux and diaphragm surgery, etc.), and General Surgery (open abdominal cases and laparoscopic-endoscopic surgery including minimally invasive scope repair of hernias, scope removal of gallbladder and colon masses, and colonoscopy, gastroscopy, etc.).
rThe minimally invasive approach to all three areas of surgery for which Dr. Johnson practices allows patients less discomfort, fewer complications, and more rapid return to work. He pioneered the endoscopic approach to leg bypass surgery, and his groundbreaking research, including cases at Chester River Hospital Center, was published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Further, endovascular techniques are being employed by Dr. Johnson in the Radiology Suite, allowing repair of aneurysms and opening up blocked arteries by wires, balloons, and stents, which has revolutionized Vascular Surgery, and usually allows patients to be treated and go home comfortably on the same day! Dr. Johnson also uses the endo-venous laser to seal varicose leg veins which is performed in the office under local anesthesia.
rDr. Johnson’s favorite part about living and practicing surgery on the shore is the connection to the people he serves. Inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps, he strives to practice in a manner for which both would be proud. Dr. Walter Johnson was a naval surgeon who served in Vietnam and on the carrier U.S.S. Forrestal. Watching and learning much from his father, Dr. Paul believes in the community connection to patient care, and is pleased he can make house calls (as his father taught him to do!). He recalled a case in which an elderly diabetic lady had suffered a non-healing foot ulcer. Despite maximal therapy, including leg bypass, it would not heal. Making a house call one weekend with his wife on the spur of the moment, they saw that the lady was wearing two left shoes, which rubbed the right foot/toe and perpetuated the ulceration. They bought her some slippers and shoes and the wound finally healed.
rBesides his love of surgery, his love of family and Civil War history are pivotal to Dr. Johnson. His Texan wife stole his heart, and they have happily made their home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with their wonderful daughter. As a surgeon, Dr. Johnson is fascinated by the role of Surgeons in the Civil War. He is passionate about sharing the understanding of their professionalism, courage, and dedication during this horrendous conflict. He is a Contributing Editor for Military Images Magazine, teaches Civil War History of Surgery to students and area organizations, as well as participating in reenactments for several Civil War movies and television documentaries, and has published many articles and a chapter for a reference work on this subject.
rIt is Dr. Johnson’s hope that his patients, colleagues, friends, and family will consider him successful in following his father’s footsteps and example to be a capable, faithful, honest Christian surgeon, and who has always tried to do his best for his patients.
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Paul R. Johnson, MD, FACS
rChester River Hospital Center
r400 S. Cross Street, Suite One
rChestertown, MD 21620
r410-778-0088
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