Dr Johnson has practiced emergency radiology for over 15 years in both private practice and Level 1 trauma academic medical centers. He is the founding director of the Emergency and Trauma Imaging Division at Emory University School of Medicine and the Chief of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Emory University Midtown Hospital. Dr Johnson focuses not only on the imaging coordination, consultation and interpretation of acutely ill and injured patients but also the delivery of coordinated, evidence-based expertise with the goal of providing timely, appropriate and value based care at the patient, hospital and system levels.

Research Interest:

Trauma is the leading cause of death in persons less than 46 years in the US. The US healthcare costs and loss of productivity related to trauma exceed $671 billion annually. With over 146 million yearly visits, many emergency rooms are at or exceeding capacity. Treating patients in the emergent setting involves a plethora of diagnostic and interventional resources, tools and expertise. Imaging is a cornerstone of the patient’s evaluation. Dedicated emergency radiologists are an integral part of the hospital’s emergency team involved in helping to diagnose the traumatized or acutely and chronically ill patient in real time. As subject matter experts, emergency radiologists are aptly positioned to provide timely consultation, well-versed in injury patterns and emergent presentations and specifically trained to function in the high volume, high stakes, quick-response and chaotic environment of the emergency department. Their inclusion into care teams promotes coordinated care, evidence-based, appropriate imaging and a better value for patients, hospitals and payors.