National Medical Fellowships (NMF) welcomes John A. Johnson, M.D., M.B.A., FACP, chief medical officer of Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A), to its Board of Directors.

The mission of NMF closely aligns with the work Dr. Johnson does every day as chief medical officer at G.E.H.A.

“NMF has been the leader for nearly 80 years in providing transformative leadership opportunities within and access to medical education for students from communities underrepresented in health care, and today, they’re also creating pathways for more diversity in clinical research and advocating and developing support for those addressing health inequities.”

For nearly 87 years, G.E.H.A, a nationwide non-profit member association, has provided medical and dental benefits to 2 million members who are federal employees and retirees, military retirees, and their families.

In 2021, G.E.H.A established the Barbara Sheffield Medical Scholarship to address the lack of diversity in medicine in the U.S.

“We know patient-provider relationships and health outcomes are better when patients can feel comfortable, relate, and open up more with their physician. Health equity relies upon us understanding the value of increasing the numbers of health care providers who look like the people within the communities in which they serve.”  Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson’s own career trifecta of clinical care, military service, and physician leadership started as a dream for a sixth-grade student from Jersey City, New Jersey.

“I always tell mentees that people will see in you what you see in yourself, and when you see what it is you’re destined to become – regardless of it being more than your current circumstances – that’s when others will go that extra mile to invest in you.”

Dr. Johnson, the first in his family to attend college, earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Seton Hall University and his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Then, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps, for which he is now a 27-year Colonel and Battalion Commander.

“I’ve deployed around the world in support of both humanitarian and combat missions and I am very proud of my military service,” Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson did his internal medicine residency with Emory University School of Medicine.

“Internal medicine physicians are like detectives. We ask a lot of questions, get to know our patients, and grow those bonds with not only them but their families and communities to better understand what’s at hand relative to a diagnosis.”

Immediately following his residency, Dr. Johnson founded West Atlanta Internal Medicine, his private practice of more than 22 years.

“Hanging my own shingle was scary, but I found the courage thanks to mentors who guided and reminded me that this was the right path for me. Coupled with my strong ability to connect with others, the journey was exciting,” he said.

He transitioned his career to managed care after accepting a medical director position with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, and later, WellCare of Georgia.

“Going from bedside to boardroom, I knew that I could have a greater impact on a much larger scale,” Dr. Johnson said.

He then worked as chief medical officer for Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, Molina Healthcare of Ohio, and Virginia Premier Health Plan before joining G.E.H.A in 2022.

“Being a physician leader is an art and science, and it requires a commitment. I’m always open to learning more and developing my skills in new areas,” Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson currently focuses on quality improvement for all clinical programs and enhancing culturally relevant services inherent to G.E.H.A’s efforts to evolve its member experience.

“Addressing racial disparities in medicine and health care should remain a focus area for health plans. We need to have the right tools available to help us identify members at the right time who need help because while not everyone needs personalized care management, we don’t want to miss those individuals who do.”

Dr. Johnson said that G.E.H.A continually assesses its benefit design and product offerings to support the needs of the members they serve.       

“For example, we provide fertility health benefits because we want to ensure that we’re meeting the specific needs of our at-risk members who want to start a family,” he said.

In addition to offering plans to meet its members at every stage of life on the continuum, G.E.H.A is committed to addressing the social determinants of health.

“We provide members with chronic metabolic conditions who are discharged from the hospital with nutritious, medically tailored meals at home from Mom’s Meals to stabilize and reduce their risk of readmission,” Dr. Johnson said.

Overall, it’s important to address health literacy and access to primary care providers for our members, he added.

“Over the last 30 years, we’ve gone from two treatment modalities for diabetes (insulin and sulfonylureas) to 10 different categories of oral anti-diabetic agents,” he said. “We need to ensure members with diabetes are connected with in-network providers to anchor their care. Studies show that when you have a primary care provider guiding your treatment plan, your health outcomes are much better.”

Outside of his work with G.E.H.A, Dr. Johnson serves as president of the Emory University Medical Alumni Board, Board Chairman of the Medical Association of Atlanta, stakeholder council member of American Board of Medical Specialties, and Vice President of the Board of Directors for Leadership Empowerment Project, a non-profit helping Black men excel in their first years of college.

“Regardless of my role or where I serve, I maintain three important attributes: commitment, competence, and character, all of which I’m excited and honored to bring now to NMF.”

“Though NMF has existed for nearly 80 years, there are still people who, sadly, have not heard of the organization. Getting our name and mission out there, especially to other corporations and community-based organizations, will go a long way into ensuring the sustainability of our efforts.”