Urologist James Johannes, MD, Built LVHN Success on a Solid Jefferson Foundation

James Johannes, MD, attended medical school at Thomas Jefferson University. He’s spent his career since then at a busy urology practice at LVPG Urology–1250 Cedar Crest providing compassionate and comprehensive urologic care. From someone who is intimately familiar with both organizations, he says he’s excited and hopeful for the opportunities of them coming together.

“There’s an increasing demand that we’ll need to meet for high-quality care in the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)-Jefferson merger provides an opportunity to help us grow and nurture the next generation of clinicians,” Dr. Johannes says. “For me, I’m also looking forward to more academic collaboration.”

Dr. Johannes received a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University before attending medical school at Jefferson Medical College. He went on to complete six years of residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Two of those years he worked in general surgery and the rest were in his chosen specialty of urology.

“I had a great experience in medical school,” Dr. Johannes says. “I found fantastic mentors in the urology department and made lifelong friends. I loved my time in Philly so much I stayed for another six years of residency.” 

Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Johannes moved to Philadelphia when he was in high school. His interests ranged from science to math and he was contemplating working in either medicine or finance. A summer job working in a hospital in Germany helped to make up his mind. That, and his interest in molecular biology.

“The Human Genome Project was happening around that time, and the investigation of the molecular and genetic basis of disease was just starting to translate into therapies,” he says. “I found this incredibly exciting, so my future was sealed.”

Reflecting on his time in medical school and during his residency, Dr. Johannes says he’s grateful for the education he received at Jefferson that allowed him to become a successful urologist.

“Medical school at Jefferson and my residency prepared me well for my career,” he says. “The rigor and intensity of the training program set me up to meet the challenges of a career in the real world. Because of this experience, I was able to handle whatever difficult clinical situation was thrown at me.”

After his residency when he was looking for a place to begin his career, Dr. Johannes was drawn to LVPG Urology, which at the time was a brand new, leading-edge practice. His wife took her dream job as a chef in New York City. Geographically, LVHN also allowed him to practice outside of the city, but still close enough that his wife could commute into the city a few days a week.

“I was excited to find the opportunity to join LVPG Urology, which offered innovative and forward-looking comprehensive urologic care,” he says. “For me, it turned out to be a great fit.”

Board-certified by the American Board of Urology/Pediatric Urology, Dr. Johannes has practiced with LVPG Urology for the past 14 years. He continues to enjoy the ever-evolving field of urology and the ways the technology continues to progress to improve diagnosis and treatment options for the people he treats.

“My interest in urologic surgery also stems from the broad application of state-of-the-art technology. Whether it is robotic surgery, minimally invasive endourologic treatment of stones and tumors, or the latest treatment techniques for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP),” he says, “I’m proud to be part of a health system that continually offers the latest technology and techniques.”

In his free time, Dr. Johannes enjoys the outdoors, especially fishing. He likes to spend time with his wife and shares their common love of food and cooking. He was the first person in his family to pursue a career in medicine.

“I believe in a team approach when caring for people that includes clinicians from multiple specialties along with physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists and others to provide the expertise and attention everyone deserves,” he says. “The LVHN-Jefferson merger increases access and capacity closer to where people live. For this and many other reasons, it’s a real benefit for our communities.”