John Downs, MD, MPH, FACP, FACOEM

Biography

Bringing military medicine experience to Central Virginia’s front line

Virginians statewide who may be dealing with an emergency medical crisis or a potential poisoning can greatly benefit from an accomplished physician leader with a military background and experience across multiple medical disciplines, including internal medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, and medical toxicology.

Dr. John W. Downs joined the Virginia Commonwealth University-backed Poison Center as its director in September 2024. There, he brings to bear a 24-year history of service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2024 at the rank of colonel.

He joins VCU Health as a civilian after serving as an attending physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., as well as a teaching role as associate professor and associate program director for the occupational and environmental medicine residency at the affiliated Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He attended medical school there after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute and serving two years as an Army infantry officer.

Downs completed his residency training in internal medicine at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, followed by a residency in occupational and environmental medicine at the National Capital Consortium at Walter Reed. He also completed a fellowship in medical toxicology at VCU Health, where today he has an appointment as an associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

His military medical experience includes tours as senior medical officer to special operations and light infantry units, including deployments to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has served as staff physician in various capacities, including flight medicine, occupational medicine, and internal medicine at military hospitals in Japan, Kentucky, and Maryland. His public health experience includes serving as chief of Occupational Medicine Service at Walter Reed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Downs has been honored with multiple military commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal for his performance supporting a special operations joint task force in Afghanistan. For his efforts during the pandemic, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Beyond his clinical roles, Downs has made a commitment to education and research. He has served as adjunct faculty and clinical preceptor across numerous academic medical institutions. He has authored or co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications and made presentations at international meetings in the fields of occupational health and toxicology. He has served on several advisory and residency committees.

Downs is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medical Toxicology. He is also a certified public health professional (CPH), and a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT). Downs is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.