BIOGRAPHIES
Vance Johnson
Vance Z. Johnson, MD, a highly-experienced Interventional Spine Specialist and local doctor, directs the University Spine Institute. Dr. Johnson graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1995. He did residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Loma Linda University Medical Center and later established the first Spine focused Interventional Fellowship training program in the Inland Empire. More than 65,000 people have come in to consult with Dr. Johnson for help with their spine pain. He is double board certified and is Southern California's leading sub-specialist in advanced fluoroscopic laminotomy operations. He participates in national research trials and has taught hundreds of physician specialists the most advanced techniques available to today's patients. Patients trust Dr. Johnson to treat them with compassion.
Dr. Johnson opened the University Spine Institute on March 1, 2011. He says,
"About six years ago, seventy-seven of the best doctors in this area got together to build a medical center of excellence in Murrieta. We all knew patients who drove an hour to get even basic medical care. So we began the project and the good people at the City of Murrieta were delighted with our idea."
The following year, the doctors partnered with Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) to build a top notch medical facility, right here in Murrieta. People don't have to drive an hour to get quality treatment anymore. The best care is now in town. Dr. Johnson is proud The University Spine Institute is on the new 50 acre, LLUMC-Murrieta campus. He says,
"We've put together a great team of specialists. We use the newest technology here. Our staff is helpful and friendly. It's wonderful to be able to offer patients all this in our home town."
Dr. Johnson is an avocado farmer married to his high school sweetheart who gave him six kids. He likes doing triathlons, tennis, and listening to audiobooks at high speed.
Ben Thomas
Ben Thomas, D.O. served as Battalion Surgeon for the Marines at Camp Pendleton and overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then went to UCLA where he completed residency training in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. His expertise is in Musculoskeletal Medicine and Neurodiagnostics (EMG testing). He has lived in Fallbrook since 2004 and is married with one daughter. He stays lean and fit on Mediterranean food and tennis. Dr. Thomas is a good listener and goes the extra mile for his patients.
Kathy Campbell
Kathy Campbell is Office Manager of the University Spine Institute, the Temecula Valley’s leading Spine Care Center. Kathy joined USI in November 2003 and was the first employee hired by Dr. Vance Johnson. Since then, Kathy’s leadership and professionalism have become hallmarks of her time with the Institute. Kathy graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and Accounting. While in college, Kathy was a dance and skydive instructor. After college, she worked for Coopers & Lybrand as an accountant. Since then, she has had 30 years of experience in financial management of healthcare organizations, including clinical laboratories such as Lab Corp and PML, a radiology group (SDDR in San Diego), and for the past 8 years with Dr. Vance Johnson at the University Spine Institute. Her responsibilities at the University Spine Institute include payroll, cash management, credentialing, contracting and preparing budgets and monthly financial reports.
In her spare time Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two dogs in Oceanside.
Amy Pickard
Amy Pickard is the Operations manager of the University Spine Institute. Amy has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, joining Dr. Johnson in September 2004. With over 20 years of experience in medical offices, Amy is more than ready for the challenges of managing the clinic. Those 20 years include a lot of different roles to give her the background to manage, including reception, medical assisting, billing and transcription. Amy grew up and attended college in San Diego, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, they now have two kids. In her spare time she enjoys reading, half marathons, soccer, and camping.