Dr. Richard Johnson Remembered as Kidney Dialysis 'Pioneer'
27-3-2024
A long-time staple in the local health care community is being honoured for his innovation and dedication to the world of medicine.
Dr. Richard Johnson passed away in 2018, but his impact on kidney care will live on forever having pioneered the Chronic Renal Dialysis Program - a first of its kind in Canada.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the launch of this historic program, family of the late physician leader gathered to recognize his legacy and celebrate the memorial plaque now situated in the lobby of the Regional Renal Program dialysis unit on Goyeau St. The plaque was originally featured inside the former Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital prior to the local hospital services realignment in 2013.
“As a family, we are immensely proud knowing that his work in the renal dialysis program continues to save lives and is honored through the Windsor-Essex health care system,” explains Alan Johnson, son of Dr. Johnson. “When we think about how his work is being honoured, we are filled with a profound sense of satisfaction. His legacy is not just his medical contributions, but also a reflection of his empathy and vision. It's inspiring to see his values continue to guide and inspire others.”
Upon graduating from Queens University for Medicine in 1955, Dr. Johnson came back to Windsor to begin his internship and residency across the border through Wayne State University while working at Detroit Receiving and Detroit City Hospital. Following completion, Dr. Johnson opened his practice in Internal Medicine and Nephrology in Windsor in 1960.
Fast forward to December 1964 when, under the care of Dr. Johnson, the first patient was treated for Acute Dialysis at the newly opened Chronic Renal Dialysis Program at the former Grace Hospital.
“While I’m not sure if my father would have foreseen how much the renal dialysis program has changed, I am struck by his foresight, his forward thinking, and his unwavering dedication to improving patient care,” says Johnson. “It's an honour to witness his enduring influence and to see his roadmap continuing to chart the course for future advancements for renal dialysis patients throughout the area.”
Dr. Johnson’s passion and expertise for caring for the local community was widespread. He served as Chief of Medicine and Chief of Staff at Grace Hospital until 1992 before his retirement several years later. Dr. Johnson was also a Past President of Essex County Medical Society and Life Member of Ontario Medical Association, serving and chairing on several committees throughout his storied career.
“Over the years we have met patients and their families. They communicate how they remember my father as a compassionate, dedicated professional whose innovative work revolutionized renal care, forever improving their quality of life. His legacy lives on in their grateful hearts,” adds Johnson.
Outside of caring for his patients, Dr. Johnson was an avid boater owning a number of boats — two of which he named ‘Camelot’ paying tribute to his love of both the play and the theatre. Dr. Johnson and his wife June were original members of the Stratford Festival spending countless nights at the theatre.
Earlier this month, on March 14th, WRH recognized World Kidney Day with this year’s message being “Kidney Health for All - Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.” This year’s theme puts a spotlight on the thousands of hours and millions of dollars being spent on basic and clinical medical research. It’s this research that explores all avenues of a patient’s wellbeing from the function of the kidney to which factors delay the progression of kidney disease, what influences the longevity of a transplant and the impact of exercise and diet on kidney health.
