Doctor Mark Johnson: A Leading Expert in Cerebrovascular Diseases and Stroke

Mark Johnson, M.D., stands as a distinguished figure in the field of neurology, renowned for his expertise in cerebrovascular diseases and stroke. As Co-Section Head of Cerebrovascular Diseases & Stroke at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Johnson dedicates his career to providing exceptional care for patients facing complex neurological conditions. His profound knowledge and commitment to advancing stroke treatment make him a leading expert in his field.

Dr. Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, a testament to his academic contributions and clinical excellence. His specialization encompasses a wide range of neurological issues, with a particular focus on cerebrovascular disease, intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), and the acute clinical care of stroke patients. Patients seeking the highest level of expertise and compassionate care for stroke and related conditions will find Dr. Johnson to be an exceptional choice.

Driven by a passion for medicine, Dr. Johnson obtained his medical degree from Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico. He pursued his residency in neurology and a fellowship in vascular neurology at George Washington University Medical Center, building a strong foundation in neurological care. Further enhancing his skills, he completed advanced training in neurocritical care through a fellowship at the UT Health Science Center. These rigorous training experiences have equipped him with comprehensive expertise to address the diverse needs of his patients.

Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both neurology and vascular neurology, Dr. Johnson joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 1998. His commitment to UT Southwestern reflects his dedication to serving the Dallas community and contributing to a leading medical institution.

Dr. Johnson’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice into the realm of clinical research. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in stroke patient research, participating in numerous national and international clinical trials. His work aims to translate groundbreaking basic science and clinical research into effective treatments, directly benefiting stroke patients. His dedication to research underscores his commitment to advancing the field and improving patient outcomes.

Within UT Southwestern, Dr. Johnson has held significant administrative positions, showcasing his leadership and organizational skills. He has served as Medical Director and Co-Director of the hospital’s comprehensive stroke centers and Section Chief of the Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke section. His leadership roles demonstrate his ability to manage complex medical programs and contribute to the strategic direction of stroke care within the institution. He has also contributed his expertise to numerous committees at the departmental, institutional, and national levels, further emphasizing his commitment to the broader medical community.

Recognized for his exceptional teaching abilities, Dr. Johnson has twice received the prestigious Trephined Cranium Award for best teaching from the UTSW Department of Neurology. This award, coveted within the department, highlights his dedication to educating future neurologists and his impact as an inspiring mentor.

Education & Training

Dr. Johnson’s extensive education and training have provided him with a robust foundation in neurology and its subspecialties:

Fellowship in Neurocritical Care – UT Health Science Center (1997-1998)
Fellowship in Vascular Neurology – George Washington University Medical Center (1996-1997)
Residency in Neurology – George Washington University Hospital (1993-1996)
Internship in Internal Medicine – George Washington University Hospital (1992-1993)
Medical Degree – Universidad Central del Caribe

Professional Associations & Affiliations

Dr. Johnson is actively involved in leading professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of his field and collaborating with peers:

American Academy of Neurology
American Society of Neuroimaging
American Stroke Association
World Stroke Organization

Honors & Awards

Dr. Johnson’s dedication and excellence have been recognized through numerous honors and awards, highlighting his contributions to medicine and patient care:

D Magazine Best Doctor, 2010-2020, 2022
PACT Employee Recognition 2019
Trephined Cranium Award – For Excellence in Teaching 2019, UT Southwestern Department of Neurology
Texas Super Doctors 2008-2019
Best Doctor in America 2006-2019
Stroke Volunteer Award 2007, Dallas/Fort Worth and East Texas American Heart Association, US South Central Affiliate
Gold Level of Service 2006, PACT Employee Recognition Program
Trephined Cranium Award – For Excellence in Teaching 2005, UT Southwestern Department of Neurology
Scholarship for Residents 1996, American Academy of Neurology
Alpha Omega Alpha 1992

Clinical Focus

Dr. Johnson’s clinical expertise focuses on a range of cerebrovascular conditions, ensuring patients receive specialized and targeted care:

Cerebrovascular Disease: Expert in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting blood vessels in the brain.
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD): Specializes in ICAD, a condition involving the hardening and narrowing of arteries inside the skull, a major cause of stroke.
Neurosonology: Skilled in using ultrasound technology to assess the brain and blood vessels, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring.
Acute Clinical Care of Stroke Patients: Provides critical, immediate care for patients experiencing acute stroke to minimize brain damage and improve recovery.
Moyamoya Disease: Experienced in treating Moyamoya disease, a rare condition affecting arteries in the brain.

Articles by Dr. Johnson

Dr. Johnson is committed to educating the public about stroke awareness and prevention. He has authored several informative articles available on the UT Southwestern Medical Center MedBlog: