Wayne Johnson, M.D.

With over 34 years in medicine and more than 26 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery—including 23 years of dedicated service in Lawton, Oklahoma—Dr. Johnson is a highly respected leader in the field. He currently serves as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, where he leads a subspecialized practice focused on knee and shoulder arthroscopy.

Dr. Johnson began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Howard University, followed by a medical degree from Meharry Medical College. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Colorado, serving as Chief Resident at both UC Hospital and Denver Children’s Hospital. He then pursued fellowship training in Orthopaedic Trauma at the Ryder Trauma Center, University of Miami. In addition, he served with distinction in the U.S. Army for 21 years in both active duty and reserve roles, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Johnson serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor for the University of Oklahoma Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program and Oklahoma State University’s Rural Orthopaedics Program. In these roles, he is dedicated to training the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons in both urban and rural health care settings.

Dr. Johnson has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including President of the Oklahoma State Orthopaedic Society, the Mid-Central States Regional Orthopaedic Society, and the Cameron University Foundation Board of Directors. At the national level, he has contributed significantly as an Oral and Written Board Examiner for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

His long-standing involvement with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spans over a decade. He served seven years on the AAOS Board of Councilors, including as Chair, and three years on the AAOS Board of Directors. He currently serves as Chair of the AAOS Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (OrthoPAC) and is an active member of the AAOS Advocacy Council. His past contributions also include service on the Research, Education, and Advocacy Councils; the Diversity Advisory Board; the Communications Cabinet; the Coding, Coverage, and Reimbursement Committee; and as a five-year Editor for AAOS Now.

Locally, Dr. Johnson has held leadership roles as Chief of Surgery and Chair of the Orthopaedic Section at Southwestern Medical Center, as well as Chair of its Ambulatory Surgery Center Board of Directors. He has also served as a team physician for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, including for USA Boxing and various professional boxing organizations.

Currently, he serves as Vice President of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS) and chairs both the Legislative Issue & Public Advocacy Committee and the Resident Support & Success Committee.

Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has remained committed to excellence in orthopaedic care, promoting diversity and inclusion, mentoring future leaders, and advocating for both patients and the profession. He believes that true leadership is rooted not in titles, but in service, mentorship, and creating a lasting, positive impact for future generations.