HAROLD MELVIN JOHNSON

Dr. Harold M. Johnson was born on May 12, 1906 in Tacoma, Washington. He was the son of Melvin and Ida Johnson. He attended high school in Tacoma and spent his summers at a resort on Mt. Rainier, where he worked as a bellhop by day and played a violin in a dance band at night.

He earned a degree in pharmacy from Oregon State and came to Hawaii in 1930 on the ship "Mahalo", arriving with $3.54 in his pockets. Harold worked at Benson-Smith Drugs as a pharmacist. He decided to pursue a medical career and went to Baylor University, Texas, where he graduated in 1937. He returned to the islands to intern at The Queen's Hospital. He then returned to the mainland for residency at the University of Pennsylvania from 1938-40. After residency, he came back to Hawaii and opened a practice as one of the pioneer dermatologists. He was an instructor of public health nurses at the University of Hawaii, lecturing on venereal disease. He often accepted fish, mangoes and lichees from patients as payment. He visited Hansen's Disease patients at the settlement on Molokai, making the long journey to that isolated community on mule back. In 1955 he was the first physician in Hawaii to introduce the surgical technique of planing (dermabrasion) to remove scars, warts, etc. Dr. Johnson used volunteers from Oahu Prison, resulting in benefit to both doctor and prisoner.

Dr. Johnson was the founder of the Hawaii Dermatological Society in 1950. He attended numerous meetings and presented papers for the organization as well as the American Academy of Dermatology on the mainland and in London. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and was elected vice-president of the American Dermatological Association in 1976. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the Hawaii Medical Association and the Honolulu County Medical Society. Dr. Johnson was also a member of the Oahu Country Club and served as president in 1977; he enjoyed playing golf and cribbage.

Dr. Johnson married Mary Williams of Dallas, Texas in 1937. The couple had three children: Lawrence M., Nancy and Barbara (Bosworth). Dr. Johnson was active in many community affairs and led a busy social life. He retired from practice in 1977. He is remembered by his colleagues as a brilliant dermatologist, an excellent teacher and as a real gentleman who was beloved by his patients and friends.

Dr. Harold Johnson died on May 14, 1986.

Medicine in Hawaii: Oral History Series

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