Dr. Johnson grew up in Minneapolis and completed his undergraduate studies at Revelle College at UC San Diego, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Chemistry and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, graduating at the top of his class and as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society – where he first developed his passion for orthopedic and spine surgery under world-renowned faculty. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he was elected Chief Administrative Resident, overseeing the entire residency program. He received journal club grants from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, as well as a Hark Lectureship grant. He served as a team physician for the Chicago Public Schools' athletic program – and his role as Chief Resident earned him a memorable opportunity to work with the Chicago Cubs during spring training.
While spine surgery is performed by both orthopedic and neurological surgeons, Dr. Johnson trained alongside both during his fellowship under Dr. Steven R. Garfin at UC San Diego – one of the most respected spine programs in the country – gaining firsthand experience with the full range of advanced surgical approaches to spinal disorders. He was awarded the DePuy Spine Fellowship Award.
Dr. Johnson's leadership extends well beyond the operating room. He has served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Chief of Surgery at Saddleback Hospital and was selected to participate in the prestigious MemorialCare Leadership Academy. He has earned a Lean Leader Certification and is one of only a few dozen physicians nationally to have graduated from Optum's prestigious Sequoia Fellowship. He has served as the inaugural President of OrthoWest since its founding, and has lectured locally, regionally, and nationally on spinal disorders and their treatment, and has taught courses in both traditional open and advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.
He has been recognized as a Super Doctors® Rising Star for three consecutive years, named one of America's Top Physicians, and selected to Orange Coast Magazine's Top Doctors list multiple times.
Outside of the office, Dr. Johnson is an avid skier and snowboarder and can often be found supporting his daughter's athletic pursuits or following his son's theatrical career.
Awards
- Dr. Johnson was named by his peers to the Super Doctors Southern California list for 2017
- ‘Top Doctors’ (Spinal Surgery)
- Orange Coast Magazine, January 2017
Click here for more information about Bryce Johnson, MD
Physician Assistant
Tony Nguyen, PA-C Physician AssistantView Profile
Patient Testimonials
-
GoogleDr Johnson has corrected two impingement problems in my lumbar/ sacral region and the results are phenomenal. Dr Johnson and his team at South Coast Orthopedic have my full trust. I have severe stenosis and expect / hope to see Dr. Johnson several more times during my latter years.~ Mike P ~
-
GoogleI was in extreme pain and maxing out on pain killers. One week after the surgery I was completely off all medications including OTC tylenol. 7-8 weeks later I was back to playing golf and all normal activities. Great recovery and great experience with Dr. Johnson and his entire team.
~ Andy E ~
-
GoogleI saw Dr. Johnson twice for lower back pain and was very pleased with both his evaluation and bedside manners. His diagnosis and options for treatment helped me understand clearly my condition and move forward. I would recommend this doctor to anyone dealing with specific back issues.
~ M Chevallier ~
-
GoogleDr. Johnson and his team have performed two spinal fusions for me over the last few years and continue to advise and treat me on some ongoing issues. Dr. Johnson and his PA Tony are always informative and interested in my input. It's a great comfort to have a medical team you can trust and rely up...
~ Stuart L ~
-
GoogleI am so fortunate to have Dr. Johnson as my spinal surgeon. After years of putting off back surgery, Dr. Johnson agreed to take on the task after a thorough evaluation, MRI’s, PT, etc. He and his office staff were very detailed on what to expect, prep, etc. After 40 years of pain, I am now pain...
~ Lori K ~
-
GoogleAbsolutely love Dr Johnson. He has done 3 spinal fusions and all have gone brilliantly. His bedside manner is top notch. He is caring and kind, always has time to talk and answer questions. His PA Tony is wondeful, The staff is great. Couldn’t recommend a better Doctor
~ Carol B ~
-
Googledr. Johnson did a great job. I am happy to be rid of the pain without taking painkillers or epidural shots. His assistant was awesome and was able to do all the follow ups on behalf of Dr. Johnson because the good doctor is performing a lot of surgeries. I would recommend him and his group to anybod...
~ Chad B ~
-
HealthgradesTerrific surgeon and staff
I couldn’t be happier with the presurgery, surgery, and post surgery care from Dr. Johnson and his entire staff~ Scott ~
-
HealthgradesVery thorough….
1st visit… More later~ Donna Ewbank ~
-
HealthgradesHe was very thorough and explained everything.
~ Kristin Johnson ~
