C. Conrad Johnston, Jr., MD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 94.
After earning his medical degree from Duke University in 1955, Dr. Johnston completed an internship at Duke Hospital, his residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, and a research fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine. Remaining at IU as a faculty member, in 1969 he was promoted to professor of medicine. At the same time, he also became chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, a position he held until 1994.
In 1993, Dr. Johnston received the Sandoz Prize for Gerontological Research. Three years later, he earned the Frederic C. Bartter Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research for outstanding clinical investigation in disorders of bone and mineral metabolism. In 1998, Dr. Johnston received the Yank D. Coble, Jr., MD, Distinguished Service Award of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. He also served as president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), chair of the NOF Scientific Advisory Board, and associate editor of the journal Bone.
During his career, Dr. Johnston served on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Aging Review Committee, the NIH Nursing Science Review Committee, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Geriatrics Review Committee and the National Advisory Council on Aging of the NIA. Locally, Dr. Johnston served as chair of one of IUPUI’s committees for the protection of human subjects. He also was vice chair and chair of the Health and Hospital Corporation Board of Trustees.
Dr. Johnston published more than 180 papers and 20 book chapters on metabolic bone diseases, primarily osteoporosis. He started the Bone Studies laboratory at what is now Indiana University Health University Hospital. His studies are critical to researchers' understanding of the changes in bone mass with age and the inheritance of bone mass.
Dr. Johnston was named a Distinguished Professor in 1997 and in 2020, he received the Bicentennial Medal for his distinguished service to Indiana University.
Services and a calling for Dr. Johnston will be held on Friday, February 16, at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Read the obituary.
