David Charles Johnson – 50th Reunion Essay

David Charles Johnson

5301 Oakland Road

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

dcjohnson47@yahoo.com

301-922-3633

Spouse(s): Patricia Ann Depuy Johnson (1972)

Child(ren): Emily Warner Johnson Lambert (1980); Katherine Warner Johnson (1984)

Grandchild(ren): Sophie Warner Lambert (2016); Theodore David Lambert (2018)

Education: Yale University School of Medicine, M.D., 1973; Surgical Resident, George Washington University 1973-75; Orthopaedic Resident, George Washington University 1975-78

Career: Orthopaedic Surgeon, Private Practice, Washington, D.C, for 40 years; Asst. Clinical Professor Orthopaedic Surgery, George Washington University and Georgetown University, 40 years

Avocations: Sports Medicine: Ortho surgeon for all skating events, 1980 Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid (“Miracle on Ice”); team physician for US National Swimming Teams; Asst Team Physician Washington Nationals Baseball Club

College: Berkeley

My four years at Yale—as for most of us—was spent in preparation for the next step in life. As did some of our classmates, I went into medicine after graduation, which required another nine years of preparation, and a continuous lifetime thereafter of always, excuse the expression, sharpening skills and staying prepared. Treating the broken, the wounded and the lame as an orthopedic surgeon (no, this isn’t Lourdes!), and then helping the next generation of young surgeons hone their skills and prepare themselves likewise, proved to be a good fit for me. I found it to be the best way to spend a life, as it demanded every bit of creativity, courage, curiosity, and expertise I could bring to bear in the service of altruism. It was very challenging, never dull, but always fun. Soon, whenever my wife lets me retire, I’ll finally be able to get a full night’s sleep!

I have always looked forward, never back, but I now find myself on the far side of a 40-year career, and some reflection may be in order. I have not participated in many reunions in the past—only the 25th and 40th for our Class—but in one year I will have participated in three in succession: my 40th Yale med school reunion in June 2018, my 50th Olympic team reunion in October 2018, and now the important one, our 50th for the Yale Class of 1969! I haven’t thought about this before, but I sense I must now be “on the last lap”!

I think the most valuable and fulfilling success in my life is helping raise our two daughters, Emily and Katie. We passed on to them life lessons and values, fed their passions and wonder, and watched them develop into the magnificent forces of nature they both have become. For my wife and I, it was our very best work, and it demanded everything we had to give! We now have two grandchildren to spoil—Sophie and Theo! What unalloyed joy!

I can now say with authority that the keystone for a fulfilled, happy life is to have chosen the right spouse! Pat and I met at Yale in 1969 after graduation, and were married three years later after a focused pursuit on my part. Fifty years is a long time to have known anyone, but not nearly long enough for me. Besides being wise and loving (and a brilliant stock picker!), she is the most interesting, enjoyable, funny person I have ever met. She makes me laugh every day, and this has helped make every day of our lives together fresh and new.

Looking back, I can truthfully say that all my dreams have come true. Time to dream new ones! I am currently working on a book, Aging Athletically. I am looking forward to celebrating our 50th with my classmates!