Dr. Johnson is an expert in laparoscopic surgery for many conditions including splenectomy, bowel resections, anti-reflux procedures, hernia repair and gallbladder removal. In addition, Dr. Johnson performs weight loss (bariatric) surgery through the Bariatric Surgery Center at Highland Hospital, one of the top programs in New York State for minimally-invasive weight loss surgery. Dr. Johnson is the Division Chief of Bariatric and GI Surgery at the University of Rochester.

Dr. Johnson was the Chief of the Department of Surgery at Highland Hospital from 2001 to 2022. He received his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed his residency training in general surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester.

Dr. Johnson is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also actively involved in the Geriatrics Education for Specialty Residents Program (GESR).

Certified Specialties

Surgery (General Surgery) - American Board of Surgery

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor - Department of Surgery, Bariatric/GI (SMD)

Chief - Department of Surgery, Bariatric/GI (SMD)

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Residency, Surgery (General Surgery), University of Rochester Medical Center. 1989 - 1993

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), University of Rochester Medical Center. 1988 - 1989

Education

MD | New York Medical College. 1988

Awards

Shining Example. 2023

Elethea H. Caldwell, MD Plastic Surgery Residents Teaching Award The Division of Plastic Surgery University of Rochester. 2022

Healthcare Achievement Award. 2017

Elethea H. Caldwell, MD Plastic Surgery Residents Teaching Award. 2014

Shining Example. 2009

Elethea H. Caldwell, MD Plastic Surgery Residents Teaching Award. 2008 - 2000

Shining Example. 2008

President. 1998 - 2000

Publications

Journal Articles

Trends in internal hernia incidence after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Ahmed AR, Rickards G, Husain S, Johnson J, Boss T, O'Malley W

Obesity surgery.. 2007 December 17 (12):1563-6. Epub 11/15/2007.

Small-bowel obstruction after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: etiology, diagnosis, and management.

Husain S, Ahmed AR, Johnson J, Boss T, O'Malley W

Archives of surgery.. 2007 October 142 (10):988-93. Epub 1900 01 01.

Cholecystectomy during laparoscopic gastric bypass has no effect on duration of hospital stay.

Ahmed AR, O'Malley W, Johnson J, Boss T

Obesity surgery.. 2007 August 17 (8):1075-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Gamma probe-confirmed laparoscopic accessory splenectomy.

Hendrickson RJ, Koniaris LG, Kovach SJ, Johnson JA

Surgical endoscopy.. 2002 September 16 (9):1364. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

Principles of Surgery, Companion Handbook (1999)

Chapter: Appendix

Authors: Joseph A. Johnson, MD

Publisher: McGraw-Hill 1999

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

4.8

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

4.7

During this visit, did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

4.8

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

4.8

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

4.8

Patient Comments

4.6

Smiling thorough, caring - I don't think I could've asked for more.

Feb 27, 2024

5.0

Excellent advice and care.

Jan 13, 2024

5.0

Dr. Joseph Johnson addressed my concerns concisely. He is awesome!!

Dec 07, 2023

3.0

The provider was nice, courteous, and knowledgeable, but went over everything too quickly. He didn't seem to understand my desire for a more detailed explanation of my problem, what I should do about, and what were the risk. I left a little confused and uncertain, feeling like I should talk to someone else.

Sep 26, 2023

5.0

After meeting with the doctor I am very confident in his ability to correct my hernia

Sep 21, 2023

2.6

The appointment was rushed and it felt like he just wanted me out of the office.

Aug 16, 2023

5.0

Professional, polite.

Jul 18, 2023

1.8

Dr Johnston seemed to rush through the visit, no tests/lab work were ordered to confirm the diagnosis and he didn't provide any other reasons for my issues. He was dismissive, unempathetic and didn't like to be questioned. I'm still not feeling well, but I don't want to return to his care [...]

Jul 02, 2023

1.0

Just didn't really listen or understand me at all, not sure if he cared either

Jun 28, 2023

5.0

I have had two surgeries and a follow up appointment. Communications have gotten better with each contact. I was impressed with his physical examination and his analysis that the ultra sound hernia test result may have been inaccurate, and he concurred that I follow through with my second opinion appointment.

Jun 28, 2023

5.0

I would definitely recommend this surgeon.

Apr 19, 2023

5.0

I have great respect for Dr. Johnson He performed an operation on me in the past. I have confidence in his analysis of a situation and recommended steps forward.

Apr 19, 2023

5.0

Dr. Johnson is awesome.

Apr 10, 2023

4.2

Was a little rushed, but still very courteous

Mar 23, 2023

4.6

He was lovely

Mar 17, 2023

5.0

Dr. Johnson is superb. [...].

Jan 20, 2023

5.0

The provider called me by name and shook my hand when he entered. Again I was a person to him.

Jan 09, 2023

1.8

Dr constantly talked over me, doubted everything that I was saying [...] Definitely did not address my concern [...] Not impressed, and would never allow him to operate on me, even in an emergency. So frustrating!

Dec 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Johnson was totally honest and straightforward, totally refreshing.

Dec 20, 2022

5.0

Outstanding.

Dec 08, 2022

2.6

As a surgeon #1. As an after care consult not so good.

Dec 03, 2022

5.0

I received outstanding care from Dr. Johnson. His professionalism, deep knowledge base & experience, and compassion were well displayed. I have greatly benefited from the successful surgery and follow up care he has provided me.

Nov 18, 2022

5.0

Dr Johnson is an excellent commentator & is friendly.

Nov 11, 2022

5.0

Very satisfied and confident

Oct 12, 2022

5.0

Excellent first experience with doctor

Jul 29, 2022

5.0

I have complete confidence in his doctor heading into my surgery

Jul 10, 2022

2.2

Again surgeon seemed like a great guy and came highly recommended but we were not connecting at all on my issues. [...] felt rushed and poorly informed of options. [...]

Feb 18, 2022