UM Alumnus Pursues Passion for Research

As a high school student in Kalispell, CJ Johnson wasn’t sure what he wanted to study in college, let alone the career he wanted to pursue. But his path recently led him to an elite medical research fellowship. 

This is how it happened: The University of Montana alumnus, who just wrapped up his second year of medical school, never really planned to be a doctor. He did know that he was interested in science, and that seemed like a good place to start. So, when Johnson toured UM, he knew he had found the perfect fit.

“I was impressed by the different disciplines of science at UM,” Johnson said. “It gave me all of the options to figure out what I wanted to do.” 

He eventually settled on health and human performance as a major, something that enabled him to study anatomy, physiology, nutrition and disease prevention. He also participated in research as an undergraduate. 

Johnson developed an interest in physical therapy and began to shadow physical therapists in a clinical setting. 

“I liked the patient care aspect a lot,” he said. 

Based on Johnson’s questions and interests, some of the physical therapy staff suggested he investigate earning broader experience in health care. After making rounds with physicians and nurse practitioners, he set his sights on medical school, though he knew it wouldn’t be an easy feat. He was already in his senior year at UM. 

“I was a little bit behind in terms of working up an application,” he said. 

Johnson dove into the challenge headfirst, taking post-baccalaureate classes to study molecular biology and genetics, working as a phlebotomist and participating in research work at UM’s Center for Translational Medicine. 

“That’s when I really discovered that I liked research,” he said. “I enjoyed trying to do something on a small scale in a lab that can have such a broad impact.” 

Johnson’s hard work paid off, and he was accepted to the University of Washington School of Medicine through the WWAMI program.  

After a summer internship in a research lab, Johnson felt he had a lot of unfinished work that could be completed with more time and opportunity. He began looking for a grant that would allow him to delve deeper into research as a medical student. That’s how he found the Physician-Scientist Support Foundation (PSSF) Medical Scholars Research Fellowship. 

“I read through it and was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is exactly what I want,’” he said.

Johnson applied for the inaugural fellowship and was one of only five students selected nationwide.  Starting this summer, Johnson will take a year off from medical school to focus solely on lab research. The fellowship also allows him to learn from other physician-scientists through mentorship. 

His research work is in the field of dermatology, something Johnson enjoys. He is open to pursuing other specialties as his career unfolds and is looking forward to the next year. 

“We’ll see where it takes me,” he said. “Having patient care and research be a part of my career is important.” 

There’s no doubt his career is already leading him to some remarkable opportunities, but Johnson is still grateful for where it all started.

“Every time I go back to Missoula there is a lot of nostalgia,” he said. “Walking past the chemistry department and thinking about all the friends I made through labs. It makes me so thankful that that’s the university I chose because I think it was pivotal to where I am now.”