During Johnson’s career at U-M, he has mentored hundreds of undergraduate students, medical students, residents and fellows — in the U.S. and Ghana. Most of his mentees continue his international legacy as faculty, effectively multiplying his impact on global health. More than 50 publications have documented Johnson’s unique program development, bidirectional pedagogical approach and ethical grounding.
For Dee Fenner, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johnson’s conceptual framework of sustained academic partnership has made U-M a role model in Africa. “Dr. Johnson’s service to global health and his commitment to ideals of trust, sustainability, mutual respect, accountability and leadership laid the groundwork for Michigan’s international education programs,” Fenner said.