S. Claiborne “Clay” Johnston is an American neurologist, epidemiologist, and academic administrator. He served as the inaugural dean of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin and held the Frank and Charmaine Denius Distinguished Dean’s Chair. In July 2021, Johnston announced his intention to step down, and he officially left the dean’s office on 31 August 2021.
Early life and education
Johnston earned a Bachelor of Science in physics from Amherst College. He subsequently pursued medical training at Harvard Medical School, receiving an M.D. He later completed a Ph.D. in epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Academic and professional career
Before joining the University of Texas, Johnston was vice chancellor of research at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). In January 2014, he was appointed dean of the newly created Dell Medical School, which opened in 2016. As dean, he oversaw the school’s development, curriculum design, and the establishment of a model aimed at improving health care delivery and community health outcomes. After stepping down as dean, he continued to be associated with the university as the Frank and Charmaine Denius Distinguished Dean’s Chair.
Johnston practices as a neurologist, with a focus on stroke care and prevention, and has contributed to research in epidemiology and public health.
Honors and recognition
In 2019, Johnston was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, recognizing his contributions to medicine and health policy.
Selected affiliations
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (former dean)
- University of California, San Francisco (former vice chancellor of research)
- American Academy of Neurology (member)
- National Academy of Medicine (member)
References
- University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School faculty profile
- Press release, University of Texas, “Inaugural Dean Named at UT Austin’s Dell Medical School,” January 21 2014
- The Daily Texan, “Dean of Dell Medical School elected to National Academy of Medicine,” October 31 2019.