About Dr. Douglas Johnston,
Heart Valve Surgeon

"Dr. Johnston performed the minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with great skill and compassion and the results were amazing. I was ready to leave the ICU after 24 hours and discharged from the hospital after only 3 nights.

Dr. Johnston was incredibly efficient (only 40 minutes "cross clamped"), and I had no confusion or cognitive fuzziness in recovery. I was off of narcotic pain relievers when I left the hospital and I was taking long outdoor walks after a week. By my two week check-in, I described myself as feeling "shockingly good."

In addition to the great skill and results, Dr. Johnston is a thoughtful, caring, and calming clinician. He took all the time necessary to explain to me the procedure and the path forward."

-- Dave Rosenbloom, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 09/19/2023

"Dr. Johnston and the team at Northwestern were absolutely amazing, professional and caring! Thank you to Northwestern for such phenomenal care."

-- Maria Ianiro, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/06/2023

"All I can say about Dr. Johnston is that he is heaven sent. My care was handled with compassion, confidence, care and respect. He was confident and reassuring during my consultation with him. He answered all my questions and took some unscheduled time to meet with me since I was only there for a 1 day consultation from California. "

-- Kim Clemens, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 03/31/2022

"Easily understood and to the point. Commando procedure with aortic and mitral valve replacement with tissue valves. Pacemaker required after procedure. Radiation heart disease from cancer treatment 40 years earlier. Looking forward to playing with my 6 month old grandson and taking him fishing someday!"

-- James Wright, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/15/2021

"Outstanding pre-op, actual surgery, and quick recovery... 3 day discharge."

-- Scott Buckiewicz, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 04/01/2021

"Fantastic in every way! Was playing golf in seven weeks, feeling better than ever in eight weeks."

-- Tim Howald, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 11/13/2018

"All around phenomenal experience with Dr. Johnson who had me flying back to Cape Coral in only 5 days, after a previously failed surgery to fix these problems. "

-- Rex Anderson, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 08/10/2018

"Dr. Johnston took on my case when I didn’t know what to do. He was very considerate of my family during my initial visit and throughout. I am very lucky to have had this amazing surgeon. He is very knowledgable thorough in his care. I feel he saved my life when everything seemed grim. I thank him for my life. "

-- Cindy Bowersock, Aortic Valve, Transcatheter, 07/02/2018

"Excellent answering my questions and concerns. Surgical results with a minimally invasive procedure excellent. "

-- Nancy Ann Wise, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/26/2018

"Douglas Johnston, MD, was both professional and kind. He took into consideration age, lifestyle and patients concerns when making a plan. My husband and I were both impressed. I would highly recommend Dr. Johnston. "

-- Vickie Posey, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 03/24/2017

"Dr. Johnston is a rock star. I had a little "bump in the road" prior to surgery and Dr. Johnston handled this issue with the utmost professionalism. He was so confident about my surgery, I had no choice but to feel the same! I had a mini-thoracotomy which I am very pleased with so far. Dr. Johnston answered any and all questions not only that I had, but also questions from my husband and family. I believe he would have taken as much time as we needed, I felt so cared for and he heard me. I just cannot put into words the feelings I have for Dr. Johnston! Thank you! "

-- Jan Persico, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 02/13/2017

"Mini thoracotomy procedure with On-X valve. Back to work in two weeks with only a 2-1/2 inch scar. Amazing procedure and care. "

-- Rich Craig, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/16/2017

"I found out I had to get a heart valve replacement in the spring of 2016 at 71 years of age. Needless to say, I was terrified. Dr. Doug Johnston was recommended to do the surgery. Dr. Johnston did my surgery on June 16, 2016. I am so happy that I am still alive to comment. I can not say enough about this fantastic professional surgeon. I am so thankful that he had the skills to complete this surgery and allow me to return to my life. The surgery he performed was minimally invasive and my words can not do justice to the incredible skills he possesses."

-- Bela Laslo, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 06/16/2016

"Dr. Johnston was outstanding. Top notch in every facet of the process. I drove 7 hours with my wife and three young kids when I had two good heart centers back at home simply because Dr. Douglas Johnston specifically are some of the best in the world.

I was not particularly high risk and would have been fine as a 45 year old at a center back in Washington, DC but felt better going to Dr. Johnston. I would strongly suggest if you can to go to Dr. Johnston."

-- Sonny Abbasi, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Mini Sternotomy, 07/17/2015

"I spent 28 years as a hospital nurse. Mostly in the intensive care unit and operating room. I did my research. I was not getting good care at home hospital. I was seeing my numbers going down. I watched my mom die of congestive heart failure. I wanted my life back.

Dr. Johnston saved my life. And, Adam gave me the plan and courage to make it happen. God Bless. Do not be afraid of a second opinion. It may very well be the opinion that will save your life!

Volume and numbers do matter. A year ago I couldn't push a vacuum. Today, I am on a trampoline with my 5 year-old grandson."

-- Eloise Coppler, Aortic Valve, Mini Sternotomy, 12/04/2013

"I had a triple bypass and Dr. Johnston was my surgeon. Dr. Johnston explained the procedure to me and he was very professional and listened to my concerns and my worries. Dr. Johnston was very compassionate. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Johnston as a surgeon. if you are fortunate enough to get him as your surgeon, you will receive the very best care and he is an excellent surgeon."

-- Ron Kansa, Aortic Valve, 11/23/2013

"Dr. Douglas Johnston was patient and kind. He spent a great deal of time with us. The result was great!"

-- Richard Owens, Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Valve Repair, Valve Replacement, 10/26/2010

"I found Dr. Douglas Johnston to be extremely concerned, personable, professional and warm. Hi is an expert and very concerned about the family and loved ones of the patient."

-- Sandra Shaw, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 10/06/2010

"Very impressive! My surgery was for a bicuspid aortic valve with ascending aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm was replaced with a bovine patch and the aortic valve was repaired with just a couple stitches. Thank you, Dr Douglas Johnston!"

-- Donna Keziah, Aortic Valve, Valve Repair, Root Replacement, 03/25/2010

"Dr. Douglas Johnston only spoke with us once before the surgery and once immediately after, but he was friendly and helpful at those times. He also handled the valve replacement and bypass with expertise, especially given that Doctor Johnston unexpectedly needed to enlarge my mother's valve opening at the time of the surgery."

-- Jeffrey Thorn, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 01/07/2009

"Dr. Douglas Johnston is a personable, professional surgeon who takes the time to thoroughly explain the situation and operative process. In addition to being an outstanding surgeon, he remains concerned and involved in your care in the years that follow. He has my highest recommendation."

-- Richard Rawlins, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, Root Replacement, Maze Procedure, 08/28/2008