Michael M. Johns, MD

Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Director of Medical Student Education

Division Director of Laryngology

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Overview

My goal as the director of the USC Voice Center is to improve the quality of life for individuals with voice, swallowing and airway disorders. I strive to achieve this through a true interdisciplinary approach to promoting health, preventing and curing disease, advancing biomedical research and educating those around me.

I received my undergraduate degree in economics at the University of Virginia, but my passion is for medicine. I graduated medical school from the Johns Hopkins University and then pursued training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan. While there, I did an NIH funded research year and became interested in voice, swallowing and airway disorders. This led me to pursue specialty fellowship training at the Vanderbilt Voice Center. I then founded the Emory Voice Center with Speech Pathologist Dr. Edie Hapner, PhD in Atlanta Georgia, which was amongst the first interdisciplinary voice centers in United States. 12 years later, I was recruited to the University of Southern California to form the USC Voice Center and bring our interdisciplinary model of care to Southern California.

I embrace a caring, patient-centered approach with my patients. At the USC Voice Center, my patients can count on a coordinated, cohesive and unique experience backed by a team of voice and swallowing experts to optimize outcomes and satisfaction.

#Courses

OHNS 507, Voice and Resonance Disorders (Y1, Spring Semester)

Awards

  • LA Magazine: Top Doctor – Dr. Michael Johns, 2019
     – 2019
  • Pasadena Magazine: Top Doctor – Dr. Michael Johns, 2017
     – 2018

Research Funding

  • CONSTRUCTION OF NEUROSCIENCE FACILITY
    NIH · C06RR017379 · May 1, 2002 – Apr 30, 2004 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
    NIH · C06RR015461 · Sep 30, 2000 – Sep 29, 2003 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • LABORATORY AT YERKES REGIONAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER
    NIH · C06RR012465 · Sep 30, 1997 – Sep 29, 1999 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • Support of Yerkes National Primate Research Center
    NIH · P51OD011132 · May 1, 1997 – Apr 30, 2021 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
    NIH · C06RR011208 · May 15, 1996 – Nov 14, 1999 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • SMALL INSTRUMENTATION GRANT
    NIH · S15HL047724 · Sep 1, 1991 – Aug 31, 1992 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • Research Training in Otolaryngology
    NIH · T32DC000027 · Jul 10, 1989 – Jun 30, 2025 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • General Clinical Research Center
    NIH · M01RR002719 · Dec 1, 1985 – Nov 30, 2007 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SUPPORT
    NIH · S07RR005378 · Apr 1, 1979 – Sep 29, 1994 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • GENERAL CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER
    NIH · M01RR000722 · Dec 1, 1977 – Nov 30, 1997 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • Support of Yerkes National Primate Research Center
    NIH · P51RR000165 · Jun 1, 1976 – Apr 30, 2016 · Role: Principal Investigator
  • General Clinical Research Center
    NIH · M01RR000052 · Oct 1, 1974 – Nov 30, 2009 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • GENERAL CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER
    NIH · M01RR000035 · Oct 1, 1974 – Nov 30, 1998 · Role: Co-Principal Investigator

Publications

  • Utility of Telemedicine for Diagnosis and Management of Laryngology-Related Complaints during COVID-19. Laryngoscope. 2022 04; 132(4):831-837.. View in PubMed
  • Perceptions of Vocal Performance Impairment in Singers with and without Hearing Loss. J Voice. 2023 Nov; 37(6):972.e1-972.e8.. View in PubMed
  • A Comparison of an Artificial Intelligence Tool to Fundamental Frequency as an Outcome Measure in People Seeking a More Feminine Voice. Laryngoscope. 2021 11; 131(11):2567-2571.. View in PubMed
  • Targeted Wellness Initiatives Are Most Effective for Reducing Otolaryngology Resident Burnout. Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Apr 13; 1455613211009139.. View in PubMed
  • Flexible Versus Rigid Laryngoscopy: A Prospective, Blinded Comparison of Image Quality. J Voice. 2023 May; 37(3):440-443.. View in PubMed
  • Association of Social Determinants of Health with Time to Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Oct; 130(10):1116-1124.. View in PubMed
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma for Vocal Fold Scar: A Preliminary Report of Concept. J Voice. 2023 Mar; 37(2):302.e17-302.e20.. View in PubMed
  • Factors Associated With Tolerance for In-Office Laryngeal Laser Procedures. Laryngoscope. 2021 07; 131(7):E2292-E2297.. View in PubMed
  • Effect of Vitamin B12 Injection on the Vocal Performance of Professional Singers: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 01 01; 147(1):9-15.. View in PubMed
  • Deep Learning for Voice Gender Identification: Proof-of-concept for Gender-Affirming Voice Care. Laryngoscope. 2021 05; 131(5):E1611-E1615.. View in PubMed