At Success Blueprints, we celebrate individuals who redefine leadership, challenge norms, and inspire progress. When I first sat down to learn about Dr. Jay Johannigman, I expected to hear about trauma care and military accolades. What I didn’t expect was a profound lesson on leadership rooted in inclusion, trust, and listening.
Dr. Johannigman isn’t just a decorated trauma surgeon or a military hero—he’s someone who understands that success, whether on the battlefield or in the operating room, depends on people. His story isn’t one of privilege or shortcuts. It’s about hard-earned wisdom, a commitment to service, and a relentless push for progress.
For those of us striving to lead, build, and make an impact, his journey offers a blueprint worth following. So, here’s a look into the mind of a leader who combines expertise with empathy and drives change not just through skill, but through people-centered leadership.
How Did You Get Started in the Industry?
Dr. Johannigman’s journey began with two passions: saving lives and serving others. “I always wanted to help,” he says, recalling his early days as a volunteer firefighter in the Ohio Valley. That experience fueled his commitment to trauma care. He realized quickly that emergencies are not just about medicine—they’re about people.
“I saw firsthand that in any crisis, you need more than technical skill. You need teamwork, trust, and diverse perspectives to solve problems quickly.”
From firefighting to military service, his journey shaped him. Combat hospitals showed him the power of inclusion. “In the military, you work with people from everywhere—different backgrounds, races, genders. You learn that talent comes in many forms. That diversity makes you stronger.”
His unique perspective carried over to civilian trauma care. At St. Anthony’s and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, he applied the same philosophy: good leaders build inclusive, high-performing teams.
What Advice Can You Give Future Leaders in Your Industry?
“Lead with intention, not ego,” Jay says simply. “People can see through arrogance. True leadership means empowering others.”
He believes the most impactful leaders are those who build strong teams. In trauma care, seconds matter. No single person saves a life alone. “You need nurses, surgeons, EMTs, and administrators working together seamlessly. That doesn’t happen without trust.”
Jay’s advice extends beyond healthcare. Whether you’re leading in medicine, law, or business, leadership starts with listening. “You don’t have all the answers. You never will. But the people around you? They’re full of ideas. Respect those voices.”
He also advocates for diversity and inclusion as essential ingredients for growth. “Diversity isn’t a buzzword. It’s a necessity,” Jay emphasizes. “If everyone at the table thinks like you, you’re missing opportunities. Inclusion brings perspectives that drive better solutions.”
What Do You Want to Focus On Over the Next 10 Years?
Dr. Johannigman plans to advance trauma care and champion workplace inclusion. He’s passionate about bringing military-grade innovations into civilian hospitals, particularly in aeromedical technology. “Combat zones taught us to adapt and deliver care under pressure. If we can move patients faster, we save more lives.”
Equally important to him is mentoring the next generation. He wants to open doors for young leaders, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. “Don’t wait for permission to lead. Speak up, learn constantly, and push for inclusion.” For Dr. Johannigman, the future of medicine must reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
Overcoming Challenges
Dr. Johannigman’s career wasn’t without challenges. As a young surgeon, he often felt pressure to conform. “Medicine can be hierarchical. Speaking up as a junior doctor isn’t always encouraged.”
But combat medicine pushed him to challenge norms. “When you’re in a warzone, you don’t have the luxury of following tradition. You innovate, you adapt, and you fight for your patients.”
His advice to others facing obstacles? Push back. “If you see a problem, fix it. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Leadership means being the first to act, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
Key Takeaways
Dr. Jay Johannigman’s impact goes beyond trauma care. He’s redefining leadership by advocating for diversity and inclusion.
- Start With Inclusion: Build teams that reflect different perspectives and backgrounds. Diverse teams are stronger, faster, and more innovative.
- Listen First, Lead Second: Leaders who listen build trust and create solutions. Inclusion starts with hearing every voice.
- Push for Change: Whether in trauma care or leadership, challenge the status quo. Progress requires action.
Dr. Johannigman’s leadership philosophy is both contrarian and refreshing. He believes technical expertise is meaningless without teamwork and trust. For future leaders, his message is clear: “Leadership is not about power. It’s about empowering others.”
A Blueprint for Future Leaders
At Success Blueprints, we’ve interviewed countless leaders across industries. What sets Dr. Jay Johannigman apart is his clarity of purpose: serve others, build inclusive teams, and challenge the status quo. His words hit home because they aren’t just ideas—they’re actions he’s lived out in some of the toughest environments imaginable.
As I reflected on his journey, I realized something personal. Leadership, at its core, isn’t about commanding authority—it’s about showing up for others when it matters most. Dr. Johannigman’s story reminds us that inclusion and innovation aren’t separate goals. Together, they create progress.
For those of us still defining our own success blueprints, his advice is gold. Listen. Trust. Include. And always push for something better. Because, as he’s proven, the greatest impact starts with empowering those around you.
About Jay Johannigman
Dr. Johannigman, currently the Executive Director of Trauma Services at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver, CO has lived in Denver since November of 2022. Prior to moving to Denver, Dr. Johannigman worked for 4 years at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. Before working at Brooke Army Medical Center, Dr. Johannigman was the Director of the Institute of Military Medicine at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Johannigman was also the Director of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care & Acute Care Surgery at University Hospital in Cincinnati, OH from 2001-2017. As Division Director, the number of surgeons in the division expanded from four to a multidisciplinary team of more than 40 providers who work across two ACS-verified trauma centers. These two hospitals provide trauma, acute and elective general surgery, as well as surgical critical care services.
Dr. Johannigman is a native Cincinnatian and a graduate of St. Xavier High School. Dr. Johannigman attended undergraduate school at Kenyon College and graduated medical school from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Johannigman then went on to complete a General Surgery residency at University Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Johannigman next completed a Surgical Critical Care and Trauma fellowship at University Hospital from 1988 to 1990.
Dr. Johannigman enlisted in the US Air Force in 1990 and began his career as a surgeon at Wilford Hall Medical Center. While at Wilford Hall, Dr. Johannigman served as both the Director of the Surgical Critical Care Service and the Associate Director of the hospital’s Trauma Service. In 1994, Dr. Johannigman returned to Cincinnati, OH, where he has been a part of the Division of Trauma and Critical Care since. Most recently in Cincinnati, Dr. Johannigman led the efforts to develop and receive ACS Verification for West Chester Hospital to become a Level III trauma center. This added a Level III trauma center to the already existing Level I trauma center in the Cincinnati Tristate area.
Dr. Johannigman is a member of many professional organizations, including being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, a member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and a member of the Western Trauma Society. Dr. Johannigman previously served as the Chief of Region 5 Committee on Trauma for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and currently serves as the liaison to the ACS for the TCCC (The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care). Dr. Johannigman is one of the founding members of the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care and continues to participate in the Committees on EnRoute Care and Surgical Combat Casualty Care.
Dr. Johannigman is a Colonel in the Medical Corps of the United States Army Reserves. His last deployment was as Senior Medical Advisor to the Commander of Operation Resolute Support and as the DCCS at Craig Joint Theater Hospital (October 2020 to June 2021). Dr. Johannigman has completed seven previous deployments to Southern Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Johannigman has received multiple awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. While in the Air Force, Dr. Johannigman served as a Flight Surgeon. Currently, Dr. Johannigman is serving in an advisory role to the Uniformed Services Health Sciences University in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Johannigman has an active clinical practice across the surgical disciplines of trauma, surgical critical care, emergency general surgery and an elective general surgery practice. Dr. Johannigman has active research interests in pulmonary failure, critical care monitoring and controlled loop ventilation. Dr. Johannigman is the Principal Investigator on several active grant-funded research projects and leads a large research program. Dr. Johannigman has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, 18 book chapters and more than 100 abstracts.
Dr. Johannigman lives in Golden, CO and is a proud father of two young adults, Taylor and Evan.
Do you want to see more of Jay? Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and visit his website!
