UNC Urology is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. David Johnson, MD, MPH, to Clinical Associate Professor on the fixed-term track. Dr. Johnson’s promotion to Associate Professor reflects his remarkable achievements and continued dedication to advancing healthcare for North Carolinians and beyond. His work transcends traditional academic boundaries, bridging the worlds of clinical care, research, and real-world health system innovation.
We are immensely proud to have Dr. Johnson on our team and look forward to his continued contributions as he helps lead the charge in transforming healthcare delivery.
A Visionary Leader in Healthcare Transformation
Dr. Johnson’s unique career path combines his expertise in urologic oncology with a deep understanding of health policy, economics, and delivery system redesign. His work focuses on value-based care transformation, alternative payment models, and aligning healthcare incentives to improve outcomes for patients and providers alike.
Before returning to UNC as a faculty member in 2019, Dr. Johnson held prestigious fellowship positions at UCLA, including a Health Services Research Fellowship and the National Clinician Scholars Program. These roles set the foundation for his groundbreaking work in health system innovation. He has also served as the Medical Director of Value Transformation at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS-NC), where he led the development of alternative payment models aimed at improving the quality and affordability of specialty care.
Currently, Dr. Johnson is a Clinical Operating Partner at Rubicon Founders, where he is helping design and build transformative companies that address critical gaps in the transition to value-based care. Through his leadership, he has advanced initiatives that are shaping the future of healthcare delivery, including complex care coordination programs for both adults and children.
With 53 peer-reviewed publications to his name—28 of which were published during his current appointment—Dr. Johnson has made significant scholarly contributions, particularly in health services research and value-based care. His thought leadership has been recognized nationally, with numerous invited presentations and leadership roles, including serving as an Expert Health Policy Advisor for the CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
An Outstanding Clinician and Educator
Dr. Johnson is highly regarded for his compassionate patient care and innovative clinical approaches. Specializing in urologic oncology, he consistently earns glowing reviews from patients and colleagues alike. His ability to connect with patients while delivering cutting-edge care exemplifies the values of UNC Urology.
As an educator, Dr. Johnson’s impact is equally profound. Residents and students commend his engaging teaching style, whether in clinical settings or through health policy lectures. As one resident aptly noted, “Dr. Johnson is always prepared, explains his plans thoroughly, and shares invaluable insights about health policy.”