Pioneering embryology & advanced IVF laboratory direction.
With over 30 years of clinical embryology leadership, Dr. Chad A. Johnson directs VCRM's IVF laboratory with uncompromising standards of scientific precision and care.
Laboratory Excellence
Directing embryology, andrology, blastocyst culture, and cryopreservation protocols at VCRM.
Schedule Visit (703) 437-7722
Chad A. Johnson, PhD, HCLD
Dr. Johnson is the IVF Laboratory Director for VCRM. He has been involved in clinical IVF for over 30 years, directing advanced embryology laboratories across the United States and contributing to landmark reproductive biology breakthroughs.
Three Decades of IVF Laboratory Leadership
Dr. Johnson serves as the IVF Laboratory Director for the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM). With a career spanning over three decades at the forefront of assisted reproductive technology, he directs clinical embryology, andrology, and cryopreservation operations with rigorous quality management and scientific precision.
Prior to his leadership at VCRM, Dr. Johnson served as Director of Laboratories for ACRM (later CCRM Atlanta) for 19 years, where he established state-of-the-art embryology protocols that supported thousands of successful treatment cycles. He has helped build and direct multiple premier IVF laboratories throughout the country and served as off-site director for ECU Women's Physicians for over 20 years.
Education and Scientific Foundation
Dr. Johnson completed his doctoral work at Clemson University following extensive graduate research in reproductive physiology. Under the mentorship of the pioneering reproductive physiologist Dr. Robert A. Godke, he earned his Master of Science degree in Reproductive Physiology, focusing on gamete biology, micro-manipulation, and embryo culture systems.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Delaware, establishing the rigorous biological and physiological grounding that has shaped his clinical laboratory career.
Landmark Milestones in Assisted Reproduction
Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has contributed to landmark achievements in reproductive biology and endangered species preservation:
In scientific collaboration with the Cincinnati Zoo, Dr. Johnson assisted in the birth of the first domestic kittens achieved using both Subzonal Insemination (SUZI) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Dr. Johnson served on the elite team of scientists at the Cincinnati Zoo responsible for the historic birth of the world's first gorilla baby conceived through in vitro fertilization.
Professional Committees & Faculty Appointments
Dr. Johnson is actively involved in national professional organizations dedicated to reproductive medicine and tissue banking:
- Reproductive Biology Professional Group (RBPIG): Served on the nominating committee for three years, serving his third year as Chair; also served on the RBPIG Program Committee.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Served as esteemed faculty on multiple ASRM Postgraduate educational courses, training generations of embryologists.
- American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB): Served on the Planning Committee and as a member of the Bylaws Committee.
Outside the laboratory, Dr. Johnson is married with four children. He is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys spending time with his family exploring the mountains and coastal beaches.
Curriculum Vitae
Chad A. Johnson, PhD, HCLD — Curriculum Vitae
Review Dr. Johnson's complete academic appointments, scientific publications, laboratory directorship credentials, and professional society contributions.
Chad A. Johnson, PhD, HCLD CV