We round out our Women’s History Month spotlight with our very own, Kim Johnson, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM.

Dr.Johnson joined SVP in March 2022 and is currently the Director of Clinical Oncology. In her role she supports veterinarians across the SVP footprint by assisting in continuity of service, allowing cases to remain in house, while delivering compassionate care.

In one or two sentences, what are your responsibilities in your role?

I support veterinarians across SVP to assist with the delivery of compassionate care which allows cases to remain in-house and receive continuity of care.
 

Provide a few short paragraphs of your career journey. How did you get to where you are now?

I have known that I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was in the 4th grade.  I originally thought I was going to be a large animal veterinarian and do pig rations and dairy farming.

I fell in love with Oncology during my junior year of vet school and completed numerous externships to pursue a residency in Oncology. 

I graduated veterinary school from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, completed an internship at the University of Tennessee followed by my residency at the University of Missouri. After the completion of my residency, I started the Oncology program at MSU CVM.  Following my stint there, I joined a corporate specialty group for 7 years.  I left there in 2017 to start my own business, PetCancerConsulting which includes telemedicine and a busy locum practice.  
 

How has SVP been instrumental to your development?

SVP has provided an avenue for me to treat oncology patients on a much larger scale – literally across the country. I still get to “teach” which is a major passion of mine.
 

As a woman leader in a predominantly male-led industry, what impact do you hope to leave?

Anything is possible with a little dedication and determination.

What are your tips for maintaining your health and well-being as a working professional?

As an oncologist, quality of life is important for my patients, but it is important for me too.  Laughter truly is the best medicine and I try to find joy in everything that I do.  I love to spend time with my family and friends.  I love to travel.  I love group fitness classes and I love SEC sports. 

What is your advice to other women looking to join the veterinary industry in a role similar to yours?

Interestingly, I had a lot of women mentors in oncology, but there are only two black female veterinary oncologists in the country – me being one of them. I want any woman hoping to join the oncology world to know that SHE CAN DO IT! 

Name a woman who has served as an inspiration in your life and why.

Hands down this is my mom!  She has served as THE GREATEST role model my entire life.  She has supported me and my pipe dreams every step of the way.  She is EXTRAORDINARY and exemplifies all things extraordinary – faith, love, determination, compassion, determination and strength.  If I can be 1/10th as awesome as her, I’ll consider it a life well lived.