Amy Johnson

DVM, DACVIM (LAIM & Neurology)

In the highly specialized world of veterinary medicine, few names resonate with as much authority and innovation as Amy Johnson. A renowned expert in both Large Animal Internal Medicine and Veterinary Neurology, Johnson has forged a trailblazing path that places her among the most accomplished and respected professionals in the field today.

Academic Foundations and Clinical Beginnings

Johnson’s veterinary career began with distinction at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2003. Following graduation, she pursued an equine internship at B.W. Furlong and Associates in New Jersey, immersing herself in the fast-paced world of equine practice.

Her drive to specialize led her back to Cornell for a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine, culminating in board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in 2007.

That same year, she joined the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center as a lecturer in large animal medicine, an appointment that would mark the beginning of her long-standing association with one of the leading veterinary institutions in the world.

A Rare Dual Specialty

What truly sets Amy Johnson apart is her remarkable achievement in becoming one of only five veterinarians worldwide, and the first in the United States, to earn dual board certification in Large Animal Internal Medicine and Neurology. Her second residency, in neurology, was completed across both the large and small animal hospitals at the University of Pennsylvania, with board certification achieved in 2011.

This rare combination of credentials gives her an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and a uniquely comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating complex neurological diseases in horses and other large animals.

Leadership at PennVet’s New Bolton Center

Johnson currently serves as Associate Professor of Large Animal Medicine and Neurology in the Department of Clinical Studies at PennVet’s New Bolton Center. She also holds the title of Marilyn M. Simpson Professor of Equine Medicine (CE) and is the Section Chief of Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology, a testament to her leadership and impact within the institution.

Her clinical caseload is heavily focused on neurologic cases in horses, including spinal cord compression disorders, infectious neuropathies, and neurodegenerative syndromes. She is also a sought-after consultant for neurologic conditions in other farm animals.

Driving Research in Equine Neurologic Disease

A central focus of Johnson’s work is the advancement of diagnostic tools for neurologic diseases in horses, particularly in the realm of antemortem diagnosis, the ability to accurately identify diseases while the patient is still alive. Her research has delved into a wide array of conditions, including equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), Lyme neuroborreliosis, and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM).

Her work is not only academically rigorous but also has profound real-world implications, improving outcomes for both horses and the veterinary teams who care for them.

A Sought-After Speaker and Educator

Amy Johnson is a highly regarded speaker on the international veterinary circuit, known for her clear, insightful presentations and ability to bridge the gap between complex research and clinical application. She is a leading voice in large animal neurology and is frequently invited to share her knowledge at conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs around the world.

Whether she’s lecturing on the nuances of cervical vertebral malformations or discussing cutting-edge diagnostic advancements, Johnson brings unmatched depth and clarity to every engagement.

Why Amy Johnson Is a Standout Voice in Veterinary Medicine

In a profession where specialization often means narrowing one’s scope, Amy Johnson exemplifies the power of integration. Her dual expertise, combined with her academic leadership, clinical excellence, and research contributions, places her in a league of her own.

Through her work at PennVet, her groundbreaking research, and her dedication to teaching, Amy Johnson is not just advancing veterinary medicine, she is shaping its future.