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Dana Johnson, MD, PhD

Professor of Pediatrics, Divisions of Neonatology and Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota

Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Pediatrics and member of the Division of Neonatology at the University of Minnesota where Dr. Johnson co-founded the International Adoption Program in 1986.

His research interests include the effects of early institutionalization on growth and development and the outcomes of children who experience early adversity. He has authored numerous scholarly works including co-editing Adoption Medicine published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

He is the recipient of the Thomas F. Tonniges MD, FAAP Lifetime Achievement Award for Advocacy on Behalf of Vulnerable Children presented by the American Academy of Pediatrics. the Distinguished Service Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Joint Council for International Children’s Services, the Friend of Children Award from the North American Council on Adoptable Children the Harry Holt Award from Holt International and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rudd Adoption Research Program.

In addition to NCFA, he serves on the Board of Directors of OneSky, SPOON and Both Ends Believing. Dr. Johnson has an adopted son from India, two birth daughters, three stepdaughters and nine grandchildren.