Dr Ruth Johnston was born in Ireland and moved to Qld as a child. After many years of backpacking, she returned to QLD and completed her medical degree at the University of Queensland in 2004. After many years working in rural Queensland and completing her GP specialist training, Dr Ruth has been working locally since 2017, primarily in skin cancer detection and treatment. She has done extensive advanced training in skin cancer surgery.

When not working in Tewantin, Dr Ruth spends her time enjoying the good life in the hinterland with her partner, dog and chickens, and removing lantana.