Surgeon and Medical Director of General Surgery Service Line , Mon Health Medical Center
Mark Johnson , M . D .
Surgeon and Medical Director of General Surgery Service Line , Mon Health Medical Center
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
Photo by Jenna Rabideau .
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
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