He underwent Orthopaedic Surgery residency training at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he was elected Chief Administrative resident. As Chief resident, he helped oversee the entire residency program, and was awarded journal club grants from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery/Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. He was also awarded a Hark Lectureship grant and served as a team physician for the Chicago Public Schools’ athletic program. Additionally, his position as chief resident earned him the opportunity to work at spring training with the Chicago Cubs.
Following residency, he furthered his spine surgery training with a fellowship at the University of California, San Diego under Dr. Steven R. Garfin. During this time, he worked with both neuro and orthopaedic spine surgeons to learn advanced surgical techniques in the treatment of spinal disorders. His training with both orthopaedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons taught him the techniques utilized in both realms of spinal surgery that he now incorporates into his own practice. As a fellow, he was awarded the Depuy Spine Fellowship award. He has lectured locally, regionally, and nationally on spinal disorders and treatments, and has taught numerous courses on both traditional open and advanced minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques.
In 2008, Dr Johnson was elected Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Saddleback Hospital, and, in 2010, he was elected Chief of Surgery at Saddleback Hospital. He served in various medical staff leadership roles until the end of 2022. In 2015, he participated in the MemorialCare Leadership Academy, which exposed him to the administrative challenges of hospitals and hospital systems. Afterwards, he also obtained his Lean Leader Certification in 2019/20. He is also one of only a few dozen physicians, nationally, to have graduated from Optum’s prestigious Sequoia Fellowship. In 2020, he was elected as the inaugural President of OrthoWest, and has served in that capacity since that time.
Dr. Johnson practices all aspects of operative spine care, and treats the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Although, he specializes in both open and minimally invasive techniques of spinal surgery, he has an extended interest in minimally invasive spinal surgery and outpatient spinal surgery. His philosophy is to find the most minimally invasive surgical treatment that will maximize a patient’s improvement and recovery. He has been actively involved in the creation and growth of the outpatient spine surgery line at the Surgical Center of Saddleback.
Dr. Johnson was listed in Super Doctors® Rising StarsSM for three consecutive years 2013, 2014, and 2015; was voted as America’s Top Physicians; and was selected to Orange Coast Magazine’s Top Doctors 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Although he enjoys splitting his time between his clinical and administrative duties as a physician, he is deeply committed to his family. Outside of work, he can be found working with his daughter on her many sporting endeavors, or supporting his son’s theatrical pursuits, either as an audience member or as a volunteer building or tearing down sets. He also enjoys snow or waterskiing, snowboarding, and biking.
He sees patients at the Laguna Woods and Fountain Valley office locations.
Awards
- Dr. Johnson was named by his peers to the Super Doctors Southern California list for 2017
- ‘Top Doctors’ (Spinal Surgery)
- Orange Coast Magazine, January 2017
Click here for more information about Bryce Johnson, MD
Physician Assistant
Tony Nguyen, PA-C Physician AssistantView Profile
Patient Testimonials
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GoogleDr Johnson has corrected two impingement problems in my lumbar/ sacral region and the results are phenomenal. Dr Johnson and his team at South Coast Orthopedic have my full trust. I have severe stenosis and expect / hope to see Dr. Johnson several more times during my latter years.~ Mike P ~
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GoogleI was in extreme pain and maxing out on pain killers. One week after the surgery I was completely off all medications including OTC tylenol. 7-8 weeks later I was back to playing golf and all normal activities. Great recovery and great experience with Dr. Johnson and his entire team.
~ Andy E ~
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GoogleI saw Dr. Johnson twice for lower back pain and was very pleased with both his evaluation and bedside manners. His diagnosis and options for treatment helped me understand clearly my condition and move forward. I would recommend this doctor to anyone dealing with specific back issues.
~ M Chevallier ~
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GoogleDr. Johnson and his team have performed two spinal fusions for me over the last few years and continue to advise and treat me on some ongoing issues. Dr. Johnson and his PA Tony are always informative and interested in my input. It's a great comfort to have a medical team you can trust and rely up...
~ Stuart L ~
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GoogleI am so fortunate to have Dr. Johnson as my spinal surgeon. After years of putting off back surgery, Dr. Johnson agreed to take on the task after a thorough evaluation, MRI’s, PT, etc. He and his office staff were very detailed on what to expect, prep, etc. After 40 years of pain, I am now pain...
~ Lori K ~
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GoogleAbsolutely love Dr Johnson. He has done 3 spinal fusions and all have gone brilliantly. His bedside manner is top notch. He is caring and kind, always has time to talk and answer questions. His PA Tony is wondeful, The staff is great. Couldn’t recommend a better Doctor
~ Carol B ~
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Googledr. Johnson did a great job. I am happy to be rid of the pain without taking painkillers or epidural shots. His assistant was awesome and was able to do all the follow ups on behalf of Dr. Johnson because the good doctor is performing a lot of surgeries. I would recommend him and his group to anybod...
~ Chad B ~
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HealthgradesTerrific surgeon and staff
I couldn’t be happier with the presurgery, surgery, and post surgery care from Dr. Johnson and his entire staff~ Scott ~
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HealthgradesVery thorough….
1st visit… More later~ Donna Ewbank ~
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HealthgradesHe was very thorough and explained everything.
~ Kristin Johnson ~
