Robert Johnson

Dr. Robert Johnson, born July 12, 1928 in Tacoma, was a pioneer in sports medicine in the Northwest. Johnson began a medical family practice in Tacoma in 1957.

A Stadium High, University of Puget Sound and University of Washington Medical School graduate, Johnson served in the Public Health Service in Detroit and Cincinnati. When he started his practice in 1957, that same year Dr. Johnson founded the Student Health Services at UPS and became the school’s first team physician.

Dr. Johnson and Jim (Zeke) Schuldt developed and grew the sports medicine program at UPS through 1980, when Johnson, known as 'Doc J,' retired from UPS. Zeke continued that tradition of excellence until his recent retirement from UPS.

The changes the pair led in athlete care, rehabilitation and early diagnosis during the 1960s and 70s were dramatic, and the care available at UPS was unmatched even at much larger institutions.

Dr Johnson's family practice topped over 6,000 patients and included many of the areas athletes, coaches and officials. He was a founding member and director of Baseball Tacoma, Chief of Staff at Tacoma General Hospital, President of the Pierce County Medical Bureau, and served on countless boards and committees.

He was an active member of Fircrest Golf Club and coached youth sports for many years. He was a trustee of the University of Puget Sound and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. Dr. Johnson was inducted into the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 as a member of Baseball Tacoma.

He retired in 1993 and passed away in 2001. His wife Betty continues his sporting tradition today and is a resident of Tacoma.