Dontal Johnson, M.D. ’14, is a dedicated pediatrician, educator, and military officer committed to advancing the well-being of children and medical students alike.
A proud graduate of Meharry Medical College class of 2014, he now serves as a faculty member at his alma mater, while also practicing at Nashville General Hospital in the Newborn Nursery and Level 2 NICU. After graduating from Meharry, he went on to complete his residency at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
His expertise extends beyond patient care—he is a leader in student health and wellness, striving to create innovative programs that support the next generation of diverse medical professionals.
As a Major in the Tennessee Army National Guard serving his country for almost a decade, Dr. J (as his patients call him) brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to his work, blending military precision with compassionate, patient-centered care.
On his first tour overseas, he learned how important it is to live every day to the fullest. His passion for mentorship and education is evident in his role as an assistant professor at Meharry, where he not only teaches but also inspires future physicians to embrace holistic wellness, resilience, and lifelong learning. He is the director of three courses that help students overcome test taking issues related to boards in medical school. He believes every medical student can accomplish their dreams when given the right support and structure and love.
Through data-driven interventions, strategic partnerships, and grant-funded programs, he envisions a healthier, more prepared cohort of future physicians, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Beyond medicine, he is a fitness enthusiast, a devoted family man, a children’s bible schoolteacher, and an advocate for the children of middle Tennessee. He and his wife Erica (married for going on 14 excellent years) are the proud parents of four amazingly beautiful, talented, and wonderful girls.
Weather leading bootcamp classes at Meharry or his local YMCA, training for the Army Combat Fitness Test, or encouraging his patients and their family members to stay active, he embodies the principles of discipline, health, and perseverance in all aspects of his life. He and his wife also enjoy teaching Sunday school at their amazing church Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Dr. Johnson also serves as a proud board member of the Cumberland Pediatric Foundation, a group helping better the lives of children all over middle Tennessee.
Statement of Motivation
Dr. Johnson is driven by a deep sense of purpose tied to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – an unwavering commitment to service, mentorship, and health equity. His journey has been shaped by a belief that when we take care of those who care for others, we change the future of healthcare itself.
I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, including my family, my Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers, my Meharry professors, and my military comrades, who have all instilled in me the values of discipline, integrity, and community. I am motivated by the students I teach, the children I care for, and the vision of a healthier, more resilient generation of physicians.
As a pediatrician, I advocate for the smallest among us. As an educator, I invest in those who will carry the torch forward. And as a soldier, I uphold the duty to serve—not just my country, but the future of medicine.
For me, every patient, every student, and every challenge is an opportunity to lead with purpose. To whom much is given, much is required—and I am here to answer that call