Meet Jaz-Munn Johnson, resident physician and 2017 VCU Black History in the Making award recipient. Jaz-Munn found community and connection on campus, two important tenets that he plans to take with him into the field of urban health. Learn more below.
What was your career/life journey after graduating from VCU?
I took two gap years before starting medical school at VCU in 2019. The first year was filled with MCAT studying while working as a medical scribe. Year two I had a few different jobs, but took time to work on myself and got really involved with my local church – The Life Church RVA.
What are you up to now?
I graduated medical school in 2023 and started my pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins. I’m currently a 2nd year resident and a part of the health equity track, which is housed in the urban health program here at John Hopkins Hospital. After finishing residency, I plan to complete a fellowship in adolescent medicine and ultimately work as a physician in juvenile detention centers, while also working to improve the health/wellbeing of justice-involved youth through research, advocacy and public policy reform.
What is your favorite memory from your time at VCU?
Honestly, I’d probably say leaving class on a Friday, heading home to drop off my computer and textbooks then hitting Cary St. Gym to hoop with my friends. Freshman and sophomore year was the peak because after we’d hit IHOP when they still had the cheeseburgers. Extra ketchup and hot sauce please!
What was the impact of winning the Black History in the Making award?
It meant a great deal to me. It was really nice to be honored by the institution. I’m hoping to live up to its name and meaning/mission of the award. I also felt like it was a product of all my mentors and how much they poured into me, so it was a great feeling to make them all proud as well.
What is one piece of advice you have for current students?
Be patient. Use your time in college to make memories with your friends and discover who you are. Our society — along with social media — put a lot of stock into awards, accolades, titles and recognition. But life is about doing what you’re passionate about and you can’t figure that out, until you take time to realize and discover who you are.
"After finishing residency, I plan to complete a fellowship in adolescent medicine and ultimately work as a physician in juvenile detention centers."
- Jaz-Munn Johnson