Timothy Johnson

January 26, 2009 -- Dr. Timothy Johnson, who has achieved distinction as one of the nation's leading medical communicators of health care information, has provided commentary on medical problems and answers for viewers of ABCNEWS' Good Morning America since the program's debut in November 1975.

His timely reports, in which Johnson addresses himself to a limitless number of medical topics, help to enlighten and inform.

In addition to his commentary on Good Morning America, Johnson provides on-air analysis of medical news for World News, Nightline and 20/20. He consults with ABCNews in general regarding coverage of medical news.

Johnson holds joint positions in medicine at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, placing him in the mainstream of the nation’s top medical resources. He is also the founding editor of the Harvard Medical School Health Letter and co-editor of the Harvard Medical School Health Letter Book.

Johnson’s health information and advice have won him the trust of millions of Americans and national critical acclaim. He was honored with the 1993 Howard W. Blakeslee Award for three 20/20 features: “Laser’s Costly Lure,” “Ignored to Death” and “A Deadly Rhythm.” In 1989, he was awarded the Surgeon General Medallion by Dr. C. Everett Koop for counsel, support and advice given to the Surgeon General’s office, as well as the Howard W. Blakeslee Award given by the American Heart Association in recognition of his reports on World News Tonight. He also is the recipient of Emmy Awards from the New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In March, 1988, he received the Lewis Thomas Award for Communications given by the American College of Physicians. Johnson was the winner of the 1986-87 William Harvey Award for “outstanding reporting on hypertension” given by the American Medical Writers Association, National High Blood Pressure Education Corporation and Squibb Corporation. His 20/20 feature titled “Rx for Danger” earned him the 1987 Howard W. Blakeslee Award.

He is the co-editor of the book Your Good Health, published by Harvard Press, as well as co-author with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop of the book Let’s Talk, published by Zondervan in 1992.

Originally headed for the ministry, he graduated in 1963 from the North Park Seminary, but two years later decided to enter medicine. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Augustana College, he graduated summa cum laude from Albany Medical College and holds a Master’s degree in public health from Harvard University.

Johnson and his wife, Nancy Ann, reside in the Boston suburbs. He is the father of two children, and serves as assisting minister of the Community Covenant Church in West Peabody, Mass.