Romaine F. Johnson

Romaine F. Johnson is the Beth and Marvin "Cob" Culbertson Professor in Pediatric Otolaryngology and Director of Quality and Safety at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology and maintains active clinical and research leadership in pediatric airway disorders.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
• Medical Degree from Drexel University School of Medicine (formerly MCP Hahnemann)
• Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Otolaryngology Residency at Baylor College of Medicine
• Pediatric Fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Dr. Johnson's research focuses on pediatric airway reconstruction, tracheostomy outcomes, and obstructive sleep apnea, with particular emphasis on health disparities and quality improvement. His work integrates clinical innovation with public health perspectives, leveraging his MPH training to address systemic factors in pediatric otolaryngology care. Recent publications demonstrate evolving focus toward social determinants of health, economic analyses, and multidisciplinary team approaches to complex airway management.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Triological Society
• Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Lifetime membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

As Director of Quality and Safety, he leads initiatives including the Multidisciplinary Airway Team that improved tracheostomy outcomes. His editorial role at Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology shapes scholarly discourse in the field. Professional affiliations span the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, American Broncho-Esophagological Association, and Society of Black Academic Surgeons, reflecting his commitment to both clinical excellence and diversity in academic medicine.

His laboratory and clinical team focus on airway simulation, quality metrics development, and health services research for tracheostomy-dependent children, with ongoing projects examining socioeconomic determinants of care outcomes.