Dr. Kurtis Johnson joins Methodist's radiation oncology team

Kurtis Johnson, MD, grew up with a deeply personal connection to medicine. His grandmother’s multiple cancer diagnoses – and the resilience she showed through each one – sparked his interest in caring for others. 

“Her tenacity and drive to keep living well inspired me to go into medicine,” Dr. Johnson said.

That experience also introduced him to radiation oncology, as his grandmother received radiation treatments decades apart. Witnessing how the field evolved over the years left a lasting impression on him.

Now a radiation oncologist at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, Dr. Johnson has a particular interest in head and neck cancers, where precision and patient support are essential. 

“It involves fine anatomy and requires very complex treatment planning,” he said. “Every millimeter matters. And knowing that every moment of planning can drastically improve outcomes is what drives me.”

He was drawn to Methodist for its patient‑first culture and nationally recognized oncology care. 

“Everyone here is focused on providing the best standard of care – that’s the goal,” he said. “And being able to keep patients close to home, without sending them across the country for the same level of expertise – that’s a difference-maker.” 

Dr. Johnson, an Omaha native and Millard South High School graduate, is a husband, dad and avid cyclist who trains for RAGBRAI with his family. He also enjoys tackling home projects, honing his handyman skills and keeping his lawn “as green as possible.”