I had the distinct honor of knowing Dr. Dale Johnson as a physician & surgeon when caring for his patients as a bedside nurse, as the Surgeon in Chief, leader and founder of pediatric surgery in the Intermountain West, and as a philanthropist and board member at Primary Children’s Hospital.
He was truly a remarkable physician, leader and human. Throughout his life he exhibited characteristics that were admired by so many, and shaped the world around him. Kindness, respect, empathy, curiosity, an endless quest for knowledge, courage, and a pioneering spirit to name a few. He was the consummate gentleman.
When he returned from the East coast, having trained with the true founders of pediatric surgery, he came with a mission to bring this new field to Salt Lake City and the Intermountain west. He was the first hospital-based pediatric surgeon in the region, and it was only through his diplomacy and strength of character that a model of hospital-based pediatric surgery took a foothold — and thrived. Just as importantly, he created a culture at Primary Children’s Hospital that endures today, based on respect, and a focus on patients, education, and families, rather than ego.
Dr. Johnson almost didn’t choose surgery as a profession, as he was discouraged by some of what he had seen and experienced. Fortunately for all of us, he met now President Russel M. Nelson while he was in medical school. This is an excerpt from a recorded oral history he shared with us in 2010:
I thought some of the surgeons were a bit haughty and full of themselves. This carried over in the way they treated young trainees and nurses. It varied with the individuals, of course.
Russell Nelson was an exception. I had a rotation on Cardiology in my third year, and he was a young cardiac surgeon who, at the time, had just come from Minnesota. He really established open-heart surgery in Utah. He said, "Why don't you apply to Mass General for training in Boston?"
I had never heard of Mass General, but I followed his advice, was somehow accepted, and became immersed in the training, the philosophy of medicine, and the professional contacts, which have guided my life and career ever since.
Dr. Johnson was a true pioneer in medicine, from his early days of starting the use of intravenous nutrition in children, to traveling to Germany to personally purchase medical telescopes — which he brought with him to Utah. These bronchoscopes and gastroscopes revolutionized medicine. Similar telescopes were involved in the development of laparoscopic surgery, which continues to advance medicine today.
Dr. Johnson also brought experience with caring for children with cancer. He was our first pediatric cancer chemotherapist for children's solid tumors, and instrumental in building the team approach to cancer care — and the ultimate creation of our cancer unit. This pioneering spirit touched the lives of thousands, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. His contributions will not be forgotten.
He was also a passionate educator. Again, in his words,
It was one of the most satisfying parts of our whole practice — seeing young people getting excited about things that excited me and being able to help them develop their skills and their knowledge. I loved that almost as much as seeing patients. And the fact that, as pediatric surgical faculty, we could integrate the rewards both of helping sick children and teaching bright young students made me feel grateful and blessed every day I went to work.
Dr. Johnson was at the cusp of the specialization of children’s health care. This specialization and focus on the unique needs of children has advanced treatment and care and saved countless children’s lives. It was his outstanding skill and character of collaboration and respect that advanced this work in 70s and 80s and has helped to make Primary Children’s the nationally recognized hospital it is today. We are forever grateful to him for his work.
We were incredibly honored for Dr. Johnson to continue a connection to the hospital even after he retired as he joined us on the Philanthropy Board for Primary Children’s. His inquisitive mind continued to be exhibited as he asked the most thoughtful questions, championed the science, and helped us prioritize the work that would make the most significant difference for the children of the Intermountain West.
I would be remiss if I did not thank Beverly and the family for their support and sacrifice. Being a pioneer and single surgeon is grueling work. Dr. Johnson was on call 24 hours a day for many years and I know that caring for the community’s children required that he was often not at home for you. Know that his hands, mind, and heart saved so many — and they and all of us at Primary Children’s Hospital are eternally grateful for the amazing surgeon and man he was.