Dr. Jake Johnson, A19, V24 Presents Research and Wins Award at ACVR Scientific Conference
When Dr. Jake Johnson, A19, V24 (he/him) developed an interest in cardiology as a student at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, his professors took note and presented him with specialized research opportunities—one that landed him at the 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) Scientific Conference, where he received the award for Best CT/MRI Oral Presentation.
Johnson became the lead author of a research project among Cummings School faculty, residents, and students titled "Non-ECG gated computed tomographic left atrium-to-aortic diameter ratio is not a sensitive discriminator for detecting left atrial enlargement in dogs." He submitted the abstract to the ACVR and was selected to present at the conference recently in Norfolk, Virginia. Johnson is currently doing a small animal rotating internship at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
"It was an honor for me," says Johnson. "It is the event for people in diagnostic imaging. Joining them in that was really special. I felt very lucky to be there, especially as an intern."
Johnson's faculty advisor and co-author on the study is Dr. Agustina Anson (she/her), assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Cummings School, on the Diagnostic Imaging Team at Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA). She comments on Johnson's work, "Jake demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication, leading the project to successful completion—a remarkable achievement for a fourth-year D.V.M. student. His ability to take on such a significant role at this stage of his career is truly impressive. Dr. Johnson has a bright future ahead, and I have no doubt he will excel as a cardiologist."
The research examined the ability of non-ECG gated CT to evaluate the size of the left atrium, which is an important prognostic indicator for degenerative mitral valve disease, a common heart condition in dogs. While an echocardiogram (ECG) is the diagnostic standard to determine if the atrium is enlarged, the Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging Teams wanted to find out if non-ECG gated CT would be as accurate, which would make it a useful screening tool for dogs receiving a CT for non-cardiac reasons. To make that assessment, the researchers created a method to measure the left atrial size of 123 dogs on CT while using ECG as the gold standard. Their measurement was considered not sensitive enough to detect left atrial enlargement in the dogs.
"The goal was to see if a similar measurement on CT is as diagnostically sensitive and accurate. We found that it did not line up with the echocardiogram measurement," explains Johnson. "It's important to publish and describe methods and clinical practices that work, as well as understand those that may not have clinical utility. It identifies areas for further research and helps in daily practice. Being accepted for presentation at ACVR and receiving the award is proof of that idea."
A graduate of both Tufts University and Cummings School, Johnson's first venture into the field was in a pre-veterinary summer program at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. "It was my introduction to veterinary medicine, and it blew my mind; it was amazing."
During his sophomore year at Tufts, Johnson was accepted to Cummings School through the Tufts Early Assurance Program. He continued to volunteer as an assistant medical technician at AMC over the next several years when he went home to Manhattan. Back on campus, he gained exposure to research at the Kaplan Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, helping evaluate how antibiotics could be added to silk to create degradable orthopedic devices.
"As an undergrad, research is intimidating, being surrounded by so many brilliant minds," recalls Johnson. "I had a mentor who was unbelievably helpful, kind, and considerate. David Kaplan has a million and one things to do at all times, but he took the time with me to talk about research and my part in it."
After graduating from Tufts with a bachelor of science degree in biology, Johnson took a gap year, loading up on a spectrum of veterinary internships and volunteer work around the world. Starting in New York, he interned at the Wild Bird Fund, New York Aquarium, and Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group. His next stop was Hawaii, where he worked as a surgical assistant at VCA Family and Oahu Veterinary Specialty Center and interned with One Ocean Diving Research, an organization that studies sharks. Traveling to the other side of the world, he volunteered at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa and at the Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute on a project involving sea turtles and lemurs.
Johnson began his D.V.M. at Cummings School in 2020, when opportunities to interact with clients and animals were limited due to the pandemic. He volunteered for the Tufts Pet Loss Support Helpline, speaking with owners who had lost pets or were considering euthanasia. "Talking to pet owners gives you a much better understanding of the human aspect of veterinary medicine," he says.
As restrictions eased up, Johnson connected with his professors as a liaison between students and faculty on the Veterinary Education Review Committee and on his clinical rotations.
"If you ever needed something, the professors were always there," says Johnson. "They always asked you what you were interested in."
Dr. Emily McCobb, who ran the Pet Loss Support Hotline, learned of Johnson's interest in research, so encouraged him to apply (and wrote a letter of recommendation) for an externship as a research assistant at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), where he worked in the forensics department on an animal cruelty case report. When Dr. Cornelia Peterson, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology at Cummings School, found out he planned to specialize in cardiology, she suggested he write up a case report involving a cat with cardiac lymphoma. Johnson became the lead author of the paper, published this past September in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (see story here).
Similarly, while he was on clinical rotation at FHSA, Anson asked Johnson if he'd like to join a research project liaising between the Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging Teams. He jumped on the opportunity and again became the lead author on the paper.
"The professors at Tufts have been such great mentors to me. They helped me get to the point where I am now. I'm excited and passionate about continuing to do research," says Johnson.
The professors also recognized his talent. Johnson received a number of awards at Cummings School, including the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Certificate of Clinical Excellence in Cardiology, American College of Veterinary Surgery Foundation Student Surgery Proficiency Award (small animal), and Excellence in Communication Award. He was also a member of the Phi Zeta Honors Society.
Johnson submitted the research abstract to the ACVR Conference for presentation last spring and began his internship at NC State over the summer. Anson and Dr. Keaton Cortez, a co-author on the paper and a diagnostic imaging resident in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Cummings School, communicated regularly with Johnson to help him prepare.
"Working with Jake on the research and ACVR presentation was an absolute pleasure," says Anson. "He showed incredible enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a strong ability to synthesize complex information. Jake took initiative at every stage, from data analysis to preparing the presentation, demonstrating a level of professionalism and dedication well beyond his years."
Johnson appreciated the support. "I was worried that I was going to drift away from the Tufts community when I came to NC State. Dr. Peterson, Dr. Anson, and Dr. Cortez proved I don't need to worry about that."
While nervous for his first conference presentation, Anson and Cortez prepped him well, and the familiar faces of Cummings School classmates and NC State colleagues helped put him at ease and walk away with the award for Best CT/MRI Oral Presentation.
"Seeing Jake receive the award was an incredibly proud moment," says Anson. "It was a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and talent. His achievement reflects not only his own dedication but also the strength of collaboration between the Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging Teams. I'm confident this is just the beginning of an outstanding career for Jake."
The research abstract will be published in an upcoming issue of Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound. After his internship, Johnson plans to pursue a residency in cardiology and continue in research.
"I left Cummings School prepared to enter any facet of veterinary medicine. Getting that foundation clinically and didactically in cardiovascular medicine, I felt ready to take on the next challenge," says Johnson. "In my internship, I continue to grow that knowledge base with the tools I gained from Tufts. Truly, I am such a big fan of Tufts. I had eight incredible years there."