Jonas T. Johnson, M.D., has been named Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology, in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.   Dr. Johnson’s appointment follows a nationwide search, headed by Dr. Joel S. Schuman, Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology and Director of the UPMC Eye Center.  Dr. Johnson succeeds Dr. Eugene N. Myers who is continuing his practice of medicine, research and teaching at the Eye and Ear Institute.

“Dr. Johnson is a highly regarded physician and surgeon and a masterful educator and mentor,” said Arthur S. Levine, M.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences and Dean, School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.  “He has been instrumental in establishing the leadership and renown of the department in the U.S. and internationally.”

Since 1985, Dr. Johnson has directed the Fellowship in Advanced Oncologic Head and Neck Surgery, and since 1986, he has been Director of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Immunology in the department of otolaryngology. 

His clinical interests include treatment of patients with cancer and tumors of the head and neck and those requiring surgery for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Head and Neck Surgeons, the Society of University Otolaryngologists, and the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society.  He  is a past President of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2002-2003) and past president of the American Head and Neck Society (2003-2004).  He has also been a member of the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Johnson’s distinguished career includes lecturing and authoring for professional societies and journals.  He has been Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Otolaryngology and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Laryngoscope.  He has also published on issues of broad interest to the medical community, such as conflicts of interest in medical publishing and advocacy for patient care. 

“Our challenge and pursuit at the Eye and Ear Institute has always been leadership in all fields: teaching, research, and clinical care,” Dr. Johnson said.  “Our staff shares a passion for excellence and a drive for always asking the next question, pushing the next boundary.   It is an honor to continue to inspire this group of professionals to continue the legacy that Dr. Myers has built.”

Dr. Johnson completed his medical degree at the SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, and trained at the Medical College of Virginia.  He then returned to SUNY for his fellowship in otolaryngology.   Dr. Johnson’s first academic appointment was as an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology in the UPMC School of Medicine in 1979.   He rose to Associate Professor in 1984 and Professor in 1987, and has been Vice Chairman of  the Department since 1982.    He has received the Distinguished Service Award of the American Head and Neck Society, the Chair Award of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and honorary membership in both the Spanish and the South African Societies of Otorhinolaryngology.