Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Walter H. Johnson, Jr., M.D., professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, after a distinguished career of extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication to children with congenital heart disease. Johnson will be retiring at the end of June 2026.
Johnson has been a valued member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Children’s of Alabama community for decades, with deep involvement in pediatric cardiology, congenital heart disease, adult congenital heart disease, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, and resident education. His career has included major academic, clinical, and educational contributions, along with longstanding mentorship of trainees, students, and colleagues.
Johnson received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his pediatric residency at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Upon completion of his residency program, he continued his training with a pediatric cardiology fellowship at the University of Minnesota before joining UAB in 1991.
Johnson has been a valued mentor to generations of learners and colleagues, and his influence on the field and on our institution will be felt for years to come. To honor Johnson’s excellence in teaching and inspiration to all learners from medical students to residents to fellows, the Division of Pediatric Cardiology established the Walt “The Rock” Johnson Award to be given to the resident who cumulatively answers the most correct questions from the monthly cardiology quiz sent out by the division.
Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has been recognized nationally and locally for his scholarship, teaching, and leadership, including authorship of influential textbooks and scientific publications, service on major professional committees, and ongoing contributions to congenital heart disease care. His impact on the field and on the patients and families served at UAB has been profound and lasting.
To honor Johnson’s many contributions, we invite colleagues, friends, trainees, and staff to a retirement celebration on July 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Bradley. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Johnson and wishing him all the best in retirement.