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Cali E. Johnson
( out of 60 reviews )

Cali E. Johnson, MD, EdD

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

Primary Location

Cardiovascular Center

Cardiovascular Center
50 N Medical Dr
Salt Lake City , UT 84132

Cali E. Johnson, MD, EdD, FACS

Vascular Surgeon | Complex Aortic Endovascular Surgery, Superficial Venous Disease, and Health Services Researcher

Cali E. Johnson, MD, EdD, FACS, is an accomplished vascular surgeon and Assistant Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She is board-certified in vascular surgery and specializes in the comprehensive management of vascular disease with a focus on complex aortic endovascular surgery, chronic venous insufficiency, and patient-centered surgical care. Dr. Johnson also pursues advanced academic work in research and program management, bridging clinical excellence with systemic enhancements in surgical care and patient outcomes.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Johnson provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a broad spectrum of vascular conditions, emphasizing minimally invasive and advanced endovascular approaches. Her clinical areas include:

  • Complex aortic aneurysm and dissection management
  • Superficial venous disease and venous leg ulcers (VLU)
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and limb salvage
  • Carotid artery disease and cerebrovascular risk reduction
  • Multidisciplinary care coordination for high-risk patients

She is known for her compassionate patient communication, evidence-based surgical planning, and individualized care strategies that support long-term vascular health and recovery.

Education and Training

Dr. Johnson earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). During her residency, she was selected for a Surgical Education Research Fellowship through the Association for Surgical Education, simultaneously completing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from the University of Southern California. She went on to complete her Vascular Surgery Fellowship through the Early Specialization Program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Professional Experience

Dr. Johnson joined the University of Utah Health faculty as an Assistant Professor, where she practices at the Cardiovascular Center in Salt Lake City and serves on the clinical faculty of the School of Medicine’s Division of Vascular Surgery. In her clinical role, she provides surgical care across adult patient populations while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including cardiac surgeons, anesthesia, wound care, and rehabilitation specialists.

Research and Academic Interests

An active contributor to surgical literature, Dr. Johnson’s research portfolio includes work on vascular education, endovascular techniques, frailty and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL). Her publications reflect a commitment to advancing both technical vascular skills and the way we delivery and measure surgical care. Her research spans vascular surgery outcomes, predictors of poor postoperative function, and measuring what matters most to older patients.

Dr. Johnson is funded by the NIH and societal grants focusing on HRQOL, cognition, and incorporating geriatric principles into vascular surgery care.

Grants and Research Funding

Dr. Johnson serves as Principal Investigator and collaborator on multiple externally funded research initiatives focused on patient-centered outcomes, aging, and vascular surgical care.

She is the recipient of the Second-Century Early Faculty Independence Award (10/1/2024–9/30/2027), supporting her project “Patient-Centered Outcomes in Carotid Artery Stenosis.” This award, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) through the University of Utah, provides $300,000 to advance research on improving outcomes and decision-making for patients with carotid artery disease.

Dr. Johnson also serves as Principal Investigator on an NIH-funded award through the National Institute on Aging (NIA), “Patient-Centered Outcomes in Carotid Artery Stenosis” (1R03AG088969-01; 9/1/2024–8/31/2026), totaling $308,000. This project supports early-career medical and surgical specialists transitioning into aging research and focuses on optimizing care for older adults with vascular disease.

In addition, she received a Center on Aging Pilot Award (10/1/2024–4/30/2026) for her project “Incorporating Patient Outcomes using the 4M Geriatric Framework for Vascular Surgical Care,” funded through the University of Utah Center on Aging ($25,000). This work integrates the 4Ms framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) into vascular surgical care models for older adults.

Dr. Johnson is also a Multiple Principal Investigator on the Family Well-Being Research Network project, “Family-Relevant Factors of Patients and Caregivers for Family Wellbeing and Shared Decision-Making in Vascular Surgery”(U24HD107562-03; 6/1/2023–4/30/2025), funded by NCCIH/NICHD/Office of the Director through the University of Michigan. This award ($25,000; no-cost extension) supports research examining family well-being and shared decision-making across the lifespan in the context of vascular surgical care.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Johnson’s approach to care is grounded in:

  • Empathetic, clear communication that empowers patients and caregivers
  • Precision in surgical planning and risk mitigation
  • Focus on cognitive and functional outcomes, as well as long-term vascular health
  • A collaborative partnership with patients and other providers to make informed decisions

She strives to ensure that every patient feels understood, respected, and confident in their treatment journey

Patient Rating

5.0 /5
( out of 60 reviews )

The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers. The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.


Mar 22, 2026
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Very good explaining condition and options.

Dec 22, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

I would recommend her to everyone.

Dec 20, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Incredible physician. Very skilled and very compassionate.

Dec 13, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

She is very pleasant, responds to questions and concerns with patience a respect. Offers thorough explanation of condition, treatment and expected outcome.

Dec 10, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr Johnson makes it very apparent that she is invested in my care, and treats me as an individual, not just another patient. She listens to my concerns and is not afraid to show the human side of medicine, through empathy and compassion.

Sep 05, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr Cali Johnson is a very good surgeon and really cares about her patients. I really appreciate her. I Highly recommend her as a surgeon! She explains things very clearly and tells you what she is going to do.

Sep 02, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr. Cali Johnson is an extremely competent, efficient, compassionate surgeon. She is blessed with golden hands, powerful brain snd a fantastic ability to calm surgical anxiety! The U is so lucky to have her caliber of surgical expertise!

Aug 30, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

She seems to be very thorough . We came away satified.

Jul 08, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

A real human being!

Jul 05, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Cali Johnson made an ever last impact with me, as my Doctor I couldn't have been in better hand and Dr Cali Johnson is truly and amazing person, god put her in my life when I needed the very best .

Jun 01, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

She is amazing my cardiologist in Yuma wanted to put a stint she said to walk it worked she and her staff are very gracious would highly recommend thank you dr Johnson

May 31, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Very professional yet warm empathetic and excellent bedside manner

Mar 21, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

I really appreciated the time Dr. Johnson took with me in explaining things clearly.

Mar 15, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

This was my first visit to Dr. C Johnson. I found her to be very knowledgeable and caring. She listened carefully to my concerns and questions. I was very pleased with the appointment.

Mar 09, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Knowledgeable, caring and profesional

Feb 14, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

A phenomenal surgeon. Saved my life twice!! None better on planet Earth!!

Feb 13, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

I would recommend her to any friend or family member

Jan 06, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Among the top 5% of MD I have seen at the UofU hospital.

Jan 06, 2025
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

She explained everything clearly and thoroughly'

Dec 23, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Personable, professional and always takes the time to explain things thoroughly Plus I like her

Dec 15, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Very good Dr. easy to talk to!

Oct 18, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Cali was a good medical professional who ask appropriate and beneficial questions regarding my health care

Sep 09, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr. Johnson is very professional and helpful and caring I would always recommend her.

Sep 02, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr. Cali Johnson is a very qualified cardiovascular surgeon. She has saved my life on three occasions! She is very easy to communicate with, she has a very kind and caring personal touch, and she listens. She is a most outstanding cardiovascular surgeon. I know of no other equal to her and the mountain west. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has cardiovascular needs, especially with the abdominal aorta.

Sep 01, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Cali is the best doctor I've ever had, she takes the time even though she was behind, she cares. I've had some pretty bad stuff happen from other doctor's I have seen... Dr Johnson saved me... love her!

May 31, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr. Johnson is amazing!!! Very good bedside manner. She is a important part of my health care.

May 09, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Calib was very professional And very Careful how she explained my mother's health issues

Apr 14, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

She is the best physician I have ever had.

Apr 06, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Tis world needs more great surgeons and people like Cali Johnson! They do not come any better! She is extremely qualified as a cardiovascular surgeon and very personable and professional in her patient care! SHE CARES!!

Mar 31, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Thank you for listening. You are a wonderful Dr and person I trust. See you in a few months

Mar 31, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Felt very comfortable and informed

Mar 18, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr. Johnson is very professional and kind. She makes us feel comfortable and addresses any concerns we have

Mar 17, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Excellent care

Mar 09, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Had a great experience and was treated very well by her and her staff!

Jan 21, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

She explained everything very well.

Jan 13, 2024
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr Johnson is professional and compassionate as well as an extremely skilled vascular surgeon . She and her team gave us hope and solutions that were unexpected and appreciated.

Dec 21, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

I feel that trusting a surgeon with a 6 hour surgery is important and I trust Cali Johnson completely.

Dec 17, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

I made a big error and was late for my appointments. Dr Johnson made sure everything was taken care of

Dec 02, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

We respect her opinion and have confidence in her ability and integrity

Nov 19, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Cali Johnson stepped in for her colleague who for unknown reasons did not provide follow up care after my surgery. Dr. Johnson is to be commended for the time and care she provided.

Oct 02, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr. johnson and her entire staff were great!! There was not one thing they could have done differently to make my experience better! They were professional, compassionate, and empathetic. they worked tirelessly, It was amazing how many hours they worked to make sure everything was good. There are not words in the english language to accurately describe how grateful i am to Dr. Johnson and her entire staff!!

Aug 23, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr Johnson was very polite, respectful, kind and professional

Jul 17, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

I have none

Jul 16, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr Johnson was very knowledgeable and professional

Jul 09, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

She is wonderful. The care I have received has been top notch. She is great to work with!

May 19, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

She is very professional

Apr 14, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Cali is very skilled and cares about her patients. We are so thankful to have found her. She spends time with us and answers all of our questions.

Mar 16, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr. Johnson is personable and thorough. She took the time to review test results visually. She also took the time to search for and provide a relevant medical article regarding a medical condition.

Mar 16, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Cali was careful to explain in detail what diagnostics was saying and what my options were to treat the problem. I trust the opinion and knowledge and I await the surgical skill to be demonstrated.

Feb 24, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

i didnt talk to cali johnson she was not available.next time i will ask for a different DR

Feb 16, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

All questions and concerns were immediately addressed in a positive and helpful manner. Always professional but also personal in her satisfaction with outcomes, open and caring as well as in charge. I have been dealing with vascular issues for several years and feel grateful to have ended up in Dr Johnsons care.

Feb 05, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

We have been very impressed with Dr. Johnson in all aspects.

Jan 25, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

She was excellent. Explained clearly. Also was an excellent surgeon.

Jan 19, 2023
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Dr Johnson was very positive and reassuring about a long term condition, answered any questions we had and put together a care plan and surgical procedure that improved my husbands health and condition. Her whole team has been easy to contact and responsive to our needs. We are so relieved to be in her care.

Dec 11, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

Excellent


Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Cali E. Johnson, MD, EdD, FACS

Vascular Surgeon | Complex Aortic Endovascular Surgery, Superficial Venous Disease, and Health Services Researcher

Cali E. Johnson, MD, EdD, FACS, is an accomplished vascular surgeon and Assistant Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She is board-certified in vascular surgery and specializes in the comprehensive management of vascular disease with a focus on complex aortic endovascular surgery, chronic venous insufficiency, and patient-centered surgical care. Dr. Johnson also pursues advanced academic work in research and program management, bridging clinical excellence with systemic enhancements in surgical care and patient outcomes.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Johnson provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a broad spectrum of vascular conditions, emphasizing minimally invasive and advanced endovascular approaches. Her clinical areas include:

  • Complex aortic aneurysm and dissection management
  • Superficial venous disease and venous leg ulcers (VLU)
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and limb salvage
  • Carotid artery disease and cerebrovascular risk reduction
  • Multidisciplinary care coordination for high-risk patients

She is known for her compassionate patient communication, evidence-based surgical planning, and individualized care strategies that support long-term vascular health and recovery.

Education and Training

Dr. Johnson earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). During her residency, she was selected for a Surgical Education Research Fellowship through the Association for Surgical Education, simultaneously completing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from the University of Southern California. She went on to complete her Vascular Surgery Fellowship through the Early Specialization Program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Professional Experience

Dr. Johnson joined the University of Utah Health faculty as an Assistant Professor, where she practices at the Cardiovascular Center in Salt Lake City and serves on the clinical faculty of the School of Medicine’s Division of Vascular Surgery. In her clinical role, she provides surgical care across adult patient populations while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including cardiac surgeons, anesthesia, wound care, and rehabilitation specialists.

Research and Academic Interests

An active contributor to surgical literature, Dr. Johnson’s research portfolio includes work on vascular education, endovascular techniques, frailty and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL). Her publications reflect a commitment to advancing both technical vascular skills and the way we delivery and measure surgical care. Her research spans vascular surgery outcomes, predictors of poor postoperative function, and measuring what matters most to older patients.

Dr. Johnson is funded by the NIH and societal grants focusing on HRQOL, cognition, and incorporating geriatric principles into vascular surgery care.

Grants and Research Funding

Dr. Johnson serves as Principal Investigator and collaborator on multiple externally funded research initiatives focused on patient-centered outcomes, aging, and vascular surgical care.

She is the recipient of the Second-Century Early Faculty Independence Award (10/1/2024–9/30/2027), supporting her project “Patient-Centered Outcomes in Carotid Artery Stenosis.” This award, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) through the University of Utah, provides $300,000 to advance research on improving outcomes and decision-making for patients with carotid artery disease.

Dr. Johnson also serves as Principal Investigator on an NIH-funded award through the National Institute on Aging (NIA), “Patient-Centered Outcomes in Carotid Artery Stenosis” (1R03AG088969-01; 9/1/2024–8/31/2026), totaling $308,000. This project supports early-career medical and surgical specialists transitioning into aging research and focuses on optimizing care for older adults with vascular disease.

In addition, she received a Center on Aging Pilot Award (10/1/2024–4/30/2026) for her project “Incorporating Patient Outcomes using the 4M Geriatric Framework for Vascular Surgical Care,” funded through the University of Utah Center on Aging ($25,000). This work integrates the 4Ms framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) into vascular surgical care models for older adults.

Dr. Johnson is also a Multiple Principal Investigator on the Family Well-Being Research Network project, “Family-Relevant Factors of Patients and Caregivers for Family Wellbeing and Shared Decision-Making in Vascular Surgery”(U24HD107562-03; 6/1/2023–4/30/2025), funded by NCCIH/NICHD/Office of the Director through the University of Michigan. This award ($25,000; no-cost extension) supports research examining family well-being and shared decision-making across the lifespan in the context of vascular surgical care.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Johnson’s approach to care is grounded in:

  • Empathetic, clear communication that empowers patients and caregivers
  • Precision in surgical planning and risk mitigation
  • Focus on cognitive and functional outcomes, as well as long-term vascular health
  • A collaborative partnership with patients and other providers to make informed decisions

She strives to ensure that every patient feels understood, respected, and confident in their treatment journey

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Surgery -Assistant Professor (Clinical)
Academic Divisions Vascular Surgery

Education history

Undergraduate Pharmacology, Biopsychology - University of California, Santa Barbara B.S.
Professional Medical Medicine - University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine M.D. with Distinction
Certification Biomedical Research - University of California, San Francisco Certificate
Residency General Surgery - Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California Resident
Doctoral Training Organizational Change - University of Southern California Rossier School of Education EDD
Fellowship Vascular Surgery, Early Specialization Program - Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California Fellow

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Johnson CE, Beidler PG, Zheng X, Kraiss LW, Brooke B (2025). Long-term survival among older adults with frailty undergoing elective vascular surgery procedures. Journal of vascular surgery,
  2. Brooke BS, Rosenfeld E, Horns JJ, Sarfati MR, Kraiss LW, Griffin CL, Das R, Longwolf KJ, Johnson C (2024). Increased Risk of Acute Aortic Events following COVID-19 and Influenza Respiratory Viral Infections. Annals of vascular surgery, 109, 225-231.
  3. Holeman TA, Chester C, Hales JB, Zhang Y, Johnson CE, Brooke B (2024). Long-term patient-reported outcomes among patients undergoing revascularization vs medical therapy for intermittent claudication. Journal of vascular surgery, 80(2), 466-477.e4.
  4. Weaver ML, Sun T, Shickel B, Cox ML, Carter TM, Steinl GK, Johnson CE, Amankwah KS, Cardella JA, Loftus TJ, Smith B (2024). Gender differences in autonomy and performance assessments in a national cohort of vascular surgery trainees. Journal of vascular surgery, 80(1), 260-267.e2.
  5. Fereydooni A, Johnson CE, Brooke BS, Arya (2024). Decision making in the frail vascular surgery patient: A scoping review. Seminars in vascular surgery, 37(2), 224-239.
  6. Longwolf KJ, Johnson CE, Horns JJ, Hotaling JM, Brooke B (2023). Exogenous Testosterone Replacement Therapy Is Associated with Increased Risk for Vascular Graft Infections Among Hypogonadal Men. Annals of vascular surgery, 97, 113-120.
  7. Johnson CE, Brooke B (2023). Preoperative functional performance is the best predictor for loss of independence after major surgery among older adults. Evidence-based nursing,
  8. Malhotra NR, Smith JD, Jacobs AC, Johnson CE, Khan US, Ellison HB, Brintz BJ, Millar MM, Cloud WG, Nahmias J, Hendershot KM, Smith BK (2021). High value care education in general surgery residency programs: A multi-institutional needs assessment. Am J Surg, 221(2), 291-297.
  9. Johnson CE, Zhang L, Magee GA, Ham SW, Ziegler KR, Weaver FA, Fleischman F, Han SM (2021). Periscope sandwich stenting as an alternative to open cervical revascularization of left subclavian artery during zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair. J Vasc Surg, 73(2), 466-475.e3.
  10. Johnson CE, Ham SW, Ziegler KR, Magee GA, Weaver FA, Fleischman F, Han SM (2019). Lift Sandwich Grafting Enables Transfemoral Abdominal Aortic Branch Incorporation during Endovascular Aortic Repair for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection. Ann Vasc Surg, 57, 50.e1-50.e8.
  11. Kuo EC, Veranyan N, Johnson CE, Weaver FA, Ham SW, Rowe VL, Fleischman F, Bowdish M, Han SM (2019). Impact of proximal seal zone length and intramural hematoma on clinical outcomes and aortic remodeling after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for aortic dissections. J Vasc Surg, 69(4), 987-995.
  12. Johnson CE, Manzur MF, Wilson TA, Brown Wadé N, Weaver FA (2019). The financial value of vascular surgeons as operative consultants to other surgical specialties. J Vasc Surg, 69(4), 1314-1321.
  13. Johnson CE, Yates K, Sullivan M (2019). Building a Framework for Self-Regulated Learning in Surgical Education: A Delphi Consensus Among Experts in Surgical Education. Journal of surgical education, 76(6), e56-e65.
  14. Johnson CE, Peralta J, Lawrence L, Issai A, Weaver FA, Ham S (2019). Focused Resident Education and Engagement in Quality Improvement Enhances Documentation, Shortens Hospital Length of Stay, and Creates a Culture of Continuous Improvement. Journal of surgical education, 76(3), 771-778.
  15. Donoho DA, Johnson CE, Hur KT, Buchanan IA, Fredrickson VL, Minneti M, Zada G, Wrobel B (2019). Costs and training results of an objectively validated cadaveric perfusion-based internal carotid artery injury simulation during endoscopic skull base surgery. International forum of allergy & rhinology, 9(7), 787-794.
  16. Johnson CE, Ham SW, Ziegler KR, Weaver FA, Rowe VL, Han SM (2018). Use of Double-Barrel Gore Excluder Bifurcated Endografts for Renal Artery Incorporation in an Urgent Endovascular Repair of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Ann Vasc Surg, 49, 309.e1-309.e6.
  17. Cattaruzza F, Johnson C, Leggit A, Grady E, Schenk AK, Cevikbas F, Cedron W, Bondada S, Kirkwood R, Malone B, Steinhoff M, Bunnett N, Kirkwood K (2013). Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 mediates chronic pancreatitis pain in mice. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology, 304(11), G1002-12.
  18. Faustino JV, Wang X, Johnson CE, Klibanov A, Derugin N, Wendland MF, Vexler ZS (2011). Microglial cells contribute to endogenous brain defenses after acute neonatal focal stroke. J Neurosci, 31(36), 12992-3001.

Editorial

  1. Johnson CE, Smith B (2022). My Brother's/Sister's Keeper: Collective responsibility for the professional identity of surgeons. American journal of surgery, 224(1 Pt B), 282-283.