Centennial, CO (April 22, 2026) – CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region is pleased to announce the official appointment of Christopher Johnston, MD, FACEP, as its new Chief Medical Officer, effective May 10, 2026. Dr. Johnston has served in an interim capacity since January and will now permanently lead the region's initiatives in advancing clinical excellence, ensuring adherence to clinical standards, and maintaining regulatory readiness.
In his new role, Dr. Johnston will collaborate closely with local and national leaders to drive quality and safety initiatives with a strong emphasis on high-quality, evidence-based care across the Mountain Region.
Dr. Johnston brings a wealth of experience in emergency medicine and physician executive leadership. Most recently, he served as the Greater Denver Market Chief Medical Officer and as Chief Medical Officer at CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster. Throughout his career, he has successfully navigated diverse challenges, including leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing significant growth and expansion of clinical programming, and facilitating the transition of Kaiser partners into CommonSpirit Health.
Dr. Johnston earned his Doctor of Medicine from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, and completed his emergency medicine training at Denver Health, where he served as chief resident. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Biology with a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
A proud longtime Colorado resident, Dr. Johnston grew up in Parker and is deeply passionate about the state. He resides in Colorado with his wife, their two children, and their bernedoodle. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Johnston enjoys fly fishing and backpacking with his family in the summer, and skiing or snowboarding in the winter.
Please join CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region in extending congratulations to Dr. Johnston on his permanent appointment. His leadership will be instrumental in continuing to deliver exceptional healthcare services to the communities we serve.
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
