Jill Johnsen, M.D.

Dr. Johnsen is a physician scientist with expertise in classical (benign) hematology.  Her research laboratory is located in the Bloodworks Research Institute, and she sees patients at the Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders (WACBD) at the Washington Institute for Coagulation (WIC).

Dr. Johnsen studies the genetics and biology of variation in clotting factors and blood groups (blood types), with emphasis on coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), factor IX (FIX), and von Willebrand factor (VWF), and clinically relevant blood group genes, particularly the ABO and Rh systems. Dr. Johnsen is particularly interested to leverage these research efforts towards better understanding how bleeding uniquely impacts females.

Dr. Johnsen’s research program is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and care of patients with blood disorders through advancement of our basic understanding of the underlying biology and through the translation of new knowledge and laboratory innovations to improve clinical testing.  Her research leverages new technologies, including targeted and whole genome next generation DNA sequencing, multi-omics, long-read sequencing, and new and novel molecular methods. In vitro functional studies, including large scale deep mutational scanning of genes of interest in mammalian cell display systems, will inform and improve interpretation of the functional significance of DNA variants discovered in hemophilia.