The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is home to some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the state, specializing in the areas of foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, joint, oncology, pediatrics, spine, sports medicine, and trauma. The department is dedicated to unmatched education under leading faculty, groundbreaking research efforts, and maintaining excellence in patient care–making UAB Orthopaedic Surgery a preferred orthopaedic provider.
In our Meet the Faculty series, we get to know more about our leading faculty members–their medical backgrounds, current research, clinical interests, and what they believe makes UAB Orthopaedic Surgery one of the best places for orthopaedic services.
Meet Joseph P. Johnson, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Trauma Section
Joseph P. Johnson, M.D., received his medical doctorate from the Emory University School of Medicine. He then attended Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, where he completed both his residency and an orthopedic trauma fellowship. After graduating, he completed an AO short-term fellowship in orthopaedic trauma at Leeds General Infirmary in Leeds, United Kingdom.
Johnson moved to Birmingham in November 2020 to be closer to family and to join the UAB Orthopaedic Surgery team.
What made you interested in orthopaedics and your specific specialty?
My interest in orthopaedics started when I was injured as a kid and was taken care of by an orthopaedic surgeon. I eventually shadowed him in college and decided to go to medical school. In medical school, my primary mentor was an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, and he really got me interested in the subspecialty.
Are you involved in any current research? What interests you about it?
Yes, we do a lot of outcomes research on orthopaedic trauma patients. Right now, we are working on several projects looking at fracture-related infection, peri-articular fractures (fractures in and around joints), and relatively uncommon fractures and patient injuries that we have a uniquely high volume of. The ability to look at data and use that to improve care pathways and discussions with patients makes orthopaedics and orthopaedic trauma a constantly evolving field.
What makes UAB Orthopaedic Surgery special? What makes us a preferred provider?
UAB is uniquely positioned in the state of Alabama to be the primary care provider for critically injured patients, which gives an incredible patient volume and the ability to take care of a lot of people very efficiently. The people I get to work with every day are top-notch and really care about their jobs and patients.
Learn more about Dr. Johnson here.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson online or by calling 205-801-8630.