Meet Noah Wills-Johnston

First-year medical student combines childhood curiosity with mission to inspire future generations

Over the next four years, we will follow members of the inaugural class of The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. These students, each with their unique backgrounds, aspirations and perspectives, are not just pursuing their dreams of becoming physicians — they're helping to shape the future of medical education at Belmont University.  

From their first days of classes to their experiences in clinical rotations, we'll follow their triumphs, challenges and growth as they blaze the trail for future generations of Belmont-educated doctors. Their stories offer a window into the exciting world of medical education and the innovative approach of Belmont's newest college. 

Growing up in Queens, New York, Noah Wills-Johnston was surrounded by health care professionals who showed him firsthand the impact of medical care. Now, as a member of the inaugural class at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, he's poised to make his mark on the medical field while setting the stage for future generations. 

A Foundation Built on Family and Science 

From an early age, Wills-Johnston's passion for science was evident. While other children asked for toys and video games, he eagerly anticipated receiving science kits for Christmas.  

"I was always doing little baking soda volcanoes and keeping worms in jars," he shared. “This career path felt obvious to me.”  

But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that his calling to medicine fully solidified. While working as a medical scribe, Wills-Johnston was also caring for his grandfather during his final months.  

"Every little thing I did for him, even something as simple as bringing him to the dialysis center, really made him happy," he shared. "Those few moments of being with him through all that showed me — this is something I want to do. I want to help people get better, make their lives better in any way I can." 

Choosing to Make History 

When selecting a medical school, Wills-Johnston was drawn to Belmont's fresh approach to medical education.  

"As a new medical school, I felt I could establish myself more easily than at other institutions," he explained. "I could really be a part of the school's culture and help shape it for future classes." 

What particularly resonated with him was the school's emphasis on developing well-rounded physicians.  

"They're focused on training human beings, not just doctors," he noted.  

Carrying Forward a Legacy 

As he pursues his medical education, Wills-Johnston draws inspiration from unexpected sources, including lessons learned in his grandfather's garage. As a skilled mechanic, his grandfather taught him to understand complex systems by working on cars together, a perspective that now influences how Wills-Johnson approaches medicine.  

"When something would go wrong with a light in his car, it almost always stemmed from something else," he explained, drawing parallels to human anatomy. "I use those analogies with the human body now — if you get a signal that something is wrong, there’s a good chance it’s connected to another issue." 

These early lessons in interconnected systems, combined with the experience of caring for his grandfather in his final months, helped shape Wills-Johnson's approach to medicine. "Just the thought of becoming a doctor and knowing that he's proud of me keeps me going every day," he shared. 

While he's keeping his options open, Wills-Johnston has a particular interest in surgery, drawn to the intricacies of the human body. He takes pride in his future role as the first African American male to graduate from the college, seeing it as an opportunity to inspire others. 

Beyond the Classroom 

Despite the rigorous demands of medical school, Wills-Johnston maintains balance through athletics, continuing his varsity sports background by playing basketball at the rec center. He's also a proud dog parent to a six-month-old rat terrier puppy. 

Looking ahead, Wills-Johnston's goals extend beyond personal achievement.  

"I want to become a trailblazer for those who look like me," he stated. "I want to serve communities that probably don't see many African American doctors and show the youth that it's possible, that they can do it too." 

His vision includes making medicine more accessible through education and emphasizing preventative care. "It's about resources, environment, access and influences," he reflected. "I want to inspire the next generation to pursue medicine more." 

At Belmont, Wills-Johnston has already found his place within a supportive community.  

"I don't feel like a statistic or just a medical student here," he shared. "I feel like an integral part of a family."