The Legacy of Dr. J

Passionate. Dedicated. Selfless. These are just a few words to describe our late founding Medical Director, Dr. John G. Johnston, lovingly known as “Dr. J.” The light he brought to the practice and to those in his presence is one that many will never forget. During his life, he inspired teens, their parents, and medical students to be the best version of themselves.

After leaving Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, where he served the community for 18 years, Dr. J came to serve as Teen Health Connection’s first Medical Director in 1992.  While serving as the Medical Director, he always wanted to make sure each patient left feeling positive and that he would always be a listening ear. He was loved by all and would never shy away from spending as much time as needed with each patient. He loved to hear about their experiences and wanted them to know that Teen Health Connection would always be there.

Even after his retirement in 2005, his love and passion for Teen Health Connection continued and is still felt today.  To have this legacy of Dr. J felt by all and to invest in the future of teens, Teen Health Connection’s Board of Directors created the Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Scholarship.  The Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Award is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes a local high-school senior who, like Dr. Johnston and Barbara Ziegler, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, or service for adolescents. The selected youth will receive a $2,500 educational scholarship to the college or university of his or her choice.

Though Dr. J may no longer be with us, his vision, passion, and dedication live on with each of us here at Teen Health Connection and within those who knew Dr. J. As we mourn his loss, let us remember the smiles he brought to everyone when he entered a room and the passion he brought to helping the Charlotte community.