Dr Tajze Johnson Podcast Interview

Dr. Tajze Johnson, OTD, MHA, COTA/L

Dr. Tajze Johnson's life embodies the words of Langston Hughes: "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." His journey, shaped by adversity and marked by unwavering resilience, reflects a deep commitment to service, perseverance, and community uplift.
Born with a kidney disease, Dr. Johnson faced kidney failure before turning 30. For nearly four years, he endured nightly peritoneal dialysis treatments before receiving a life-changing transplant. As a young athlete who excelled in sports and fitness, he initially concealed his illness to project an image of strength. Through his struggles, he discovered that true strength is not measured by physical prowess but by character, mindset, service to family and community, and continuous personal growth.

Dr. Johnson's scholarly achievements are impressive. He earned his Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Methodist University in 2024, after obtaining his Occupational Therapy Assistant credentials from Eastern Virginia Career College, a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in business management and concentration in entrepreneurship from Belmont Abbey College, and a master's in healthcare administration from Purdue University. When his kidneys failed during graduate school, many advised him to pause his studies. Instead, he persevered, graduating on time while working part-time to support himself and cover tuition. Today, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at Central Piedmont Community College, where he mentors the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners.
Dr. Johnson's leadership extends across local, state, and national platforms. He currently serves as an AOTA RISE Pathways Program Scholar, furthering his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession. He has represented students in the American Occupational Therapy Association Assembly of Student Delegates as an Advocacy Representative. 

Recognizing the need to organize and support Black graduate students, he helped found and served as the inaugural President of the Black Student Union Graduate Chapter at Methodist University. At the state level, he has contributed to the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association DEI Committee, served as a Student Board Member, and currently holds the position of Secretary for the North Carolina Black Occupational Therapy Caucus. He is also developing the Pathways to Promise Project (P³), a pilot initiative designed to introduce students from Title I schools to careers in occupational therapy, expanding access and representation in the field.

 

Beyond formal leadership, Dr. Johnson is passionate about mentorship and advocacy. His experience as a residential counselor working with at-risk youth reinforced his belief in the transformative power of positive role models. He advocates for equity in organ transplantation, particularly for underserved communities, and champions the role of occupational therapy in improving transplant outcomes. As a proud member of North Carolina Transplant Athletes, he works to raise awareness about organ donation, build community among transplant recipients, and reduce stigma. Dr. Johnson's health challenges have taught him that life is precious and finite. He strives not only to leave the world better than he found it but also to live fully. He cherishes time with his
family, wife, and friends.

His lived experiences as a transplant recipient, educator, mentor, leader, and advocate have uniquely positioned him to contribute meaningfully to initiatives focused on health equity, mentorship, and social action. Though his path has been far from smooth, Dr. Tajze Johnson has never turned back or sat down. He continues climbing, inspiring others to do the same.

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