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
-
HealthgradesExtremely knowledgeable. Explains things in layman’s terms. Very happy with results from both my surgeries (lower back and neck)~ Nancy McBride ~
-
HealthgradesAfter months of arm and shoulder pain and going through various therapies to address it, I found out I had a herniated disc in my neck. Once this was pinpointed through an MRI, I was discussing neck surgery with Dr. Johnson - something I had not even contemplated! He was very personable and compassi...
~ Gloria S ~
-
HealthgradesDr. Johnson was understanding and patient. My appointment time was honored. He explained the options to me, no pressure.
~ Carol ~
-
HealthgradesDr Johnson listened to my concerns, and made a plan to help me. I look forward to getting better with his knowledge.
~ Verified Patient ~
-
HealthgradesDr Johnson is very informative and easy to talk with. Great surgeon!
~ Randall E Hobby ~
-
HealthgradesAppointment was friendly, thorough and specific with recommended treatment.
~ Verified Patient ~
-
HealthgradesGreat, Dr. Johnson explained things to me very clearly. The office was quick and efficient. I recommend him.
~ Karen ~
-
HealthgradesDr. Johnson is a great surgeon, I have had 2 surgeries, and both have exceeded my expectations. I am 61 and did not expect the great results we have gotten. I almost did not see Dr. Johnson because he was my second opinion and my first was such a disaster that I was not going to go see him. But my w...
~ Scott ~
-
HealthgradesDr Johnson is a wonderful doctor! After listening to me describe the issues I was having with my back and going over my MRI with me, he told me that he could do a minimally invasive surgery on my back. The first doctor I saw was at Hoag in Irvine and he told me he would have to do a full open back s...
~ Lynnda ~
-
Website-reviews“It worked!” is what I said to Dr. Johnson the day after my surgery. I could tell the pain, weakness, and tingling was gone. I felt different and it felt right. I had needed anterior and posterior spinal fusion and disc repair for over 15 years. I kept putting off the surgery until my body final...~ LG ~
