Division of Solid Tumor Oncology

Jennifer M. Johnson, MD, PhD, FACP, is a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers. With appointments in both medical oncology and otolaryngology, Dr. Johnson specializes in cancers of the orbit, mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands, including laryngeal, a pioneer in precision medicine, Dr. Johnson co-directs an initiative focused on personalizing treatment plans based on each patient's unique genetic, molecular, and clinical characteristics. This approach optimizes treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects, allowing for the most effective and individualized care.

Dr. Johnson’s team includes experts such as Rita S. Axelrod, MD and Khvaramze Shaverdashvili , MD, PhD. who is are medical oncologist's with expertise in treating malignancies of the head, neck, lung and esophagus. Dr. Axelrod's research interests focus on improving the treatment and outcomes for patients with head, neck, lung and esophageal cancers, with a particular emphasis on precision medicine and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Shaversadvili has strong clinical interests which focus on the multidisciplinary management of thoracic malignancies and head and neck cancers, with particular emphasis on the integration of novel and emerging therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes for patients with both locally advanced and metastatic disease. She is deeply involved in the design and conduct of early-phase clinical trials, including first-in-human and investigator-initiated studies, aimed at evaluating innovative treatment approaches for patients with advanced and treatment-refractory cancers.

Her research program is centered on translational cancer immunotherapy, bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application to enhance the efficacy and precision of immunotherapeutic interventions. Key areas of investigation include biomarker discovery and validation to better predict treatment response and toxicity, optimization of combination therapies, and the development of personalized treatment strategies. In addition, her work incorporates principles of integrative oncology to support comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care. Through these efforts, Dr. Shaverdashvili aims to advance therapeutic innovation while improving both survival outcomes and quality of life for patients with cancer.

Together, they work alongside a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, and as a medical student, you will learn alongside these specialists from surgery, neurosurgery, Wills Eye Hospital, radiation oncology (with expertise in intensity-modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy), and supportive services such as social work, nutrition, speech language pathology, physical therapy, and nursing. This team collaborates seamlessly to ensure every aspect of a patient’s condition is expertly managed throughout their treatment journey.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Johnson and her team integrate the latest advancements in genomics, molecular diagnostics, liquid biopsy, and advanced imaging technologies through STEM research. The student will learn these innovations which help guide personalized treatment strategies, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, based on the tumor’s specific genetic markers and characteristics.

Committed to advancing the field of head and neck cancer treatment, Dr. Johnson leads research initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes. She is involved in a range of clinical trials, offering novel therapies through the Early Phase Drug Development program. Her work is at the forefront of discovering new treatment options, enhancing diagnostic methods, and improving survival rates for patients with head and neck cancers.

For medical students interested in oncology and multidisciplinary care, Dr. Johnson offers an exceptional opportunity to work with a team that combines cutting-edge research with patient-centered care. Under her mentorship, students can gain invaluable experience in precision medicine, clinical trials, and collaborative, comprehensive cancer care. Dr. Johnson’s dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing the science of head and neck cancer treatment makes her a leader in the field.