Shreveport, La. – Dr. Lester W. Johnson has been named Senior Vice Chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport after serving as the Interim Chancellor, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Interim Dean of the LSUHS School of Medicine for the past eleven months.
“During his service as an interim leader, Dr. Johnson has provided steady leadership during a period of transition while continuing to advance LSU Health Shreveport’s mission of education, research and patient care. His deep knowledge of the institution, long-standing relationships across the campus, health system and state combined with his commitment to the people and communities of north Louisiana position him well to lead LSU Health Shreveport into its next chapter,” shared Jim Dalton, PhD, Chancellor, and Executive Vice President of LSU.
Dr. Johnson was named as the interim leader of LSU Health Shreveport in May of 2025 after serving in Monroe for the past thirty years as Professor and Chief of Surgery. His leadership roles increased through the years serving as the Assistant Dean for Rural Health Initiatives, and Vice Chancellor for Clinical and Academic Affairs. Dr. Johnson has served on the Board of Directors for the Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana since its inception in 2018 and is currently Chairman of the Board. He is a recipient of the Life Award for Charity Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center and was named Alumnus of the Year by LSU Health New Orleans in 2013.
He is the past president of the Surgical Association of Louisiana, the Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. He is the past and founding Chairman of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) and has served on the State of Louisiana Trauma Taskforce. Dr. Johnson has published more than 90 scientific articles, delivered more than 100 presentations throughout his career and has served as Associate Editor of The Journal of Louisiana State Medical Society since 2002.
Dr. Johnson is a strong advocate for the realignment of LSU, paving the way for it to become a Top 50 research university. He is a proud undergraduate (LSU) and medical school graduate (LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine) achieving Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Dr. Johnson pursued his surgical residency at then Charity Hospital in New Orleans serving as Chief Resident at Earl K Long Hospital in Baton Rouge.
“As we continue to build a more connected and collaborative LSU enterprise, Dr. Johnson’s leadership will be essential in ensuring LSU Health Shreveport remains a strong and forward-looking partner in our shared mission,” stated Jim Dalton.
“I am honored to serve LSU, our students, residents, faculty and staff as we strive to improve the health outcomes, economy and medical education in our great state of Louisiana. I am extremely optimistic about the future of LSU Health Shreveport and LSU as a system and pledge my all to making a positive difference,” said Lester W. Johnson, MD.