Going the distance: HumaneVMA scholarship represents milestone on Johnson’s professional journey
By Troy Johnson
There can be no doubt that Jamie Johnson will go the extra mile – or 26.2, to be precise – if it means healing or saving an animal.
In each of the last two years, Johnson, a veterinary assistant in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s shelter medicine program, laced up her running shoes to help raise money for Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty animal shelter. She tackled the Chicago Half Marathon in 2024 (her first 13.1-mile race) and chased it with her first 26.2-mile test of endurance at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Risking blisters over the course of those cumulative 39.3 miles was well worth it as she raised $2,700 for the shelter.
“I had a ton of fun and was able to bring awareness to what the shelter does as well as help fund some of it,” Johnson said. “The most memorable [moment] was getting to pass by the Anti-Cruelty shelter and see people who work there cheering me on.”
Johnson is proving she can go the distance when it comes to professional development as well, having recently earned one of two $5,000 2025 Compassionate Care Scholarships presented by Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance (HumaneVMA) to veterinary technician students. The scholarships honor students who exhibit a deep commitment to animal welfare and the expansion of equitable access within veterinary medicine.
Earning a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) credential represents the next checkpoint in Johnson’s professional race. For Johnson, who joined the college in January 2021 as a “floater” before permanently joining the shelter medicine team in November 2022, earning Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation in shelter medicine represents the tape of the finish line.
“Earning this scholarship means a lot to me because I do not participate in all of the extracurriculars that I do for recognition,” she said, “but it does feel like an honor that someone else has recognized it. Earning my LVT and eventually my VTS in shelter medicine will help me do more for pets and their people.”
By “extracurriculars,” Johnson means a record of volunteerism locally and nationally that nearly matches the length of her running routes. As an ASPCA national responder and member of its Government Relations Veterinary Engagement Team, Johnson has responded to animal cruelty cases, provided medical care to animals rescued from crisis situations and advocated for policy initiatives to advance animal welfare legislation.
In a profession in which compassion is every bit as important as clinical skill, Johnson’s willingness to help animals knows few limits. In the past year, she has served as a foster through CARE Humane Society in Auburn and as a veterinary assistant for the People & Pets Project, which provides low-cost spay/neuter service and vaccines.
“I have always had a passion for animals,” Johnson said. “When I worked at a general practice in high school, it felt like where I belonged and the clinic encouraged me to stay in the field.”
Her passion and purpose have found another ideal outlet in Auburn’s shelter medicine program, where she helps senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program students learn the ins and outs of anesthesia, surgery prep and recovery, animal handling, and patient body language as part of their training. In supporting Johnson’s candidacy for the HumaneVMA scholarship, Dr. Brendan Bergquist, assistant clinical professor of shelter medicine said, “Not only does Jamie strive to provide the best care for animals coming through our program, but she is also deeply involved in the training of fourth-year veterinary students, which at times can be a significant undertaking.”
While Johnson isn’t sure if she will run another marathon anytime soon as part of her volunteerism, she enjoys helping Auburn’s DVM students build out their skillsets as they near the finish line. Johnson works closely with them as they perform private practice-style spays and neuters on dogs and cats through the shelter medicine program.
“I enjoy getting to watch their excitement and confidence grow,” Johnson said. “Shelter medicine is a service where they get to take their knowledge and apply it, so it is fun getting to see them feel more comfortable with what they are doing.”