I enjoy a broad Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, & Throat) practice including facial trauma and reconstruction, facial plastics, hearing and voice restoration, nasal and sinus surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and general pediatric ENT surgery. My subspecialty and research interests focus on complex facial trauma repair and medical device development. Most importantly, I strive to connect personally with patients so that they feel supported, understood, and empowered in their care.
Expertise
Beyond Otolaryngology I am certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with focused experience in facial trauma care, Mohs surgery reconstruction, and functional rhinoplasty.
Education
Undergrad: Northwestern University (Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering)
Med School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Graduate School: University of Minnesota Department of Otolarynology - Head & Neck Surgery (Masters of Science)
Residency: University of Minnesota Medical School - Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Board Certifications
- American Board of Otolarynology - Head and Neck Surgery
- American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Awards and Recognitions
- Lead inventor of Minne Ties (Dental Occlusion Ties), an FDA cleared technology for jaw fractures and associated surgeries
- Senior Innovation Fellowship - Earl Bakken Medical Device Center - University of Minnesota
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Fellow
- AO CMF North America - Member
- Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngology
- University of Minnesota’s Institute for Engineering in Medicine
Publications
Johnson AW, Akkina SR, Bevans SE. Maxillomandibular Fixation: Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Contemporary Techniques in Adults. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2025 Jan-Feb;27(1):98-105
Johnson AW. Dental occlusion ties: A rapid, safe, and non-invasive maxillo-mandibular fixation technology. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2017 Apr 12;2(4):178-183.
Wu FM, Gorelik D, Brenner MJ, Takashima M, Goyal A, Kita AE, Rose AS, Hong RS, Abuzeid WM, Maria PS, Al-Sayed AA, Dunham ME, Kadkade P, Schaffer SR, Johnson AW, Eshraghi AA, Samargandy S, Morrison RJ, Weissbrod PA, Mitchell MB, Rabbani CC, Futran N, Ahmed OG. New Medical Device and Therapeutic Approvals in Otolaryngology: State of the Art Review of 2022. OTO Open. 2024 Jan 22;8(1):e105.
Johnson AW. (2024). Mandibular Fractures. In Yan Lee & Ira Papel (ed), Essential Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Volume 1: General Principles, Reconstruction of Defects, Congenital Anomalies, Trauma, and Facial Nerve Rehabilitation. Nova.
