Surgeon and Medical Director of General Surgery Service Line,
Mon Health Medical Center
Photo by Jenna Rabideau.
By Pagett Dusic
Born and raised in Morgantown, WV, Dr. Mark Johnson has always felt a deep connection to his hometown. A 1984 graduate of Morgantown High School and a proud member of the 1983 West Virginia State AAA football championship team, Johnson’s early years were defined by discipline, teamwork and a strong sense of community.
His academic journey took him from the rolling hills of West Virginia to the prestigious halls of Duke University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and psychology. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, solidifying his passion for patient care. Johnson then completed a residency and research fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he honed his technical skills and deepened his commitment to general surgery.
As a practicing general surgeon in Morgantown, Johnson handles various cases, including endoscopy, gastrointestinal surgery and oncology. He has embraced advancements in minimally invasive techniques, particularly laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
“At the beginning of my career, laparoscopic surgery was mostly limited to gallbladders and inguinal hernias,” Johnson says. “Now, almost all of the procedures I perform can be done laparoscopically, greatly benefiting patients.”
Johnson credits much of his success to his father, Dr. Jerome “JJ” Johnson, a general and thoracic surgeon in Morgantown.
“I’ve wanted to follow in his footsteps ever since I was 4,” he says. “His devotion to patient care is legendary. Patients happily tell me that as much as they like me, JJ is their favorite doctor. He is certainly my favorite doctor, too.”
Practicing alongside his father for 20 years was a career highlight, and his father’s mentorship profoundly shaped his growth.
“His role as a surgical mentor cannot be understated,” says Johnson. “Dedication to patient care and meticulous surgical techniques were skills I developed and improved under his guidance.”
In turn, Johnson has made mentorship a cornerstone of his career.
“Mentoring invigorates me,” he says. “The challenge of helping a young surgeon develop the confidence and skill that will guide them throughout their career has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I’ve been blessed to work with smart and talented partners who make the job easier.”
Since joining his father’s practice in 1999, Johnson has remained dedicated to serving the Morgantown community. In 2015, he transitioned from independent practice to Mon Health Medical Center, allowing him to focus more on patient care while taking on administrative roles, including service line director for general surgery and participation on the Mon Health System board.
Johnson’s approach to health care is deeply personal.
“At its core, health care is about one person at a time,” he says.
He emphasizes the importance of listening to patients and ensuring they feel cared for, often drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou’s words: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
While surgical advancements have improved patient outcomes, they have also required ongoing learning and adaptation. Balancing these demands with family life has been another challenge.
Johnson credits his wife, Lynn, for her incredible support.
“The only way to be a successful surgeon is through dedication and sacrifice,” he says. “Thankfully, Lynn has done an amazing job managing our personal life and raising two great children.”
For Johnson, it was an easy decision to return home to West Virginia after training and join his father’s practice.
“West Virginia has always felt like home,” he says. “It’s a beautiful place, a safe environment to raise children and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the world around me.”
His professional achievements have been recognized with numerous awards. While accolades are a testament to his dedication, Johnson finds his greatest satisfaction in the trust and gratitude of his patients.
Looking ahead, Johnson plans to continue advancing surgical care in West Virginia while mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Through his administrative roles and mission work, he seeks to enhance access to quality health care both locally and globally.
“One person at a time, I am making a difference for my neighbors and the community that supports me,” he says.
Surgical Mission Trips
Dr. Mark Johnson’s dedication to service extends far beyond Morgantown. He has always believed in the power of medicine to transform lives, but it wasn’t until a surgical mission trip to Brazil during his residency that his belief was solidified into a lifelong calling.
More recently, he has partnered with Dr. David Fogarty and Interplast West Virginia, traveling to Pignon, Haiti, to provide both general and plastic surgery care.
“The opportunity to care for those with no chance of receiving care without your help is incredibly rewarding,” he says.
Although a planned return trip this past fall was canceled due to political unrest, the mission has been rescheduled for this spring.
“The need is so great that it creates a sense of urgency to give more,” Johnson says. “It is my plan to continue to support and participate with Dr. Fogarty’s organization through the rest of my career.”
