Kelly Mills, MD, MHS
Movement Disorders Neurology
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Kelly Mills
Professional Titles
- Director, Movement Disorders Division
- Director, Neuromodulation and Advanced Therapies Clinic
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Neurology
Background
As the director of the Johns Hopkins Movement Disorders Division, Dr. Kelly Mills cares for patients who have movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonism, dystonia, ataxia, tremor and Huntington’s disease. He also evaluates and manages patients needing deep brain stimulation to manage their movement symptoms and provides botulinum toxin treatment for various disorders.
In his research, Dr. Mills explores the cognitive dysfunction that can occur in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. He is particularly interested in describing the role of the basal ganglia in cognition, especially in the context of various diseases that can affect this structure.
His work focuses on clarifying how certain treatments might impact cognitive and psychiatric problems. For instance, Dr. Mills studies how deep brain stimulation, when used to treat movement symptoms, can impact cognitive function such as attention, memory or impulsivity.
Dr. Mills is a Maryland native and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he developed an interest in neurology and movement disorders.
He trained at the University of California, San Francisco, where he completed his neurology residency as well as a clinical and research fellowship in movement disorders, with a particular emphasis on deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, tremor and dystonia.
Centers and Institutes
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
How Brain Surgery Stops Parkinson's Disease Tremors Healthline (3/14/2018)
How tiny electrodes in the brain could treat Parkinson's, OCD, and even depression, Vox (02/09/2015)
Research Interests
In his research, Dr. Mills explores the cognitive dysfunction that can occur in movement disorders such as Parkinsons disease. He is particularly interested in describing the role of the basal ganglia in cognition, especially in the context of various diseases that can affect this structure.
Lab Website
Neuromodulation and Advanced Therapies Center
- We investigate the brain networks and neurotransmitters involved in symptoms of movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and the mechanisms by which modulating these networks through electrical stimulation affects these symptoms. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms through which neuromodulation therapies like deep brain stimulation affect non-motor brain functions, such as cognitive function and mood. We use imaging of specific neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine, to understand the changes in brain chemistry associated with the clinical effects of deep brain stimulation and to predict which patients are likely to have changes in non-motor symptoms following DBS. Through collaborations with our neurosurgery colleagues, we explore brain function by making recordings during DBS surgery during motor and non-motor tasks. Dr. Mills collaborates with researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery, the Division of Geriatric and Neuropsychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and in the Division of Nuclear Medicine within the Department of Radiology to translate neuroimaging and neurophysiology findings into clinical applications.
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 5, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-9441
- fax: 410-955-6402
- Johns Hopkins Community Physicians - Downtown Bethesda
- 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814
- phone: 240-235-9120
- fax: 410-367-2796
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Graduate School, MHS, 2017University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
Fellowship, Movement Disorders, 2014University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
Residency, Neurology, 2012University of Maryland School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 2008Board Certifications
Neurology
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2012Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
131 ratings, 50 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2025
Kelly Mills is super knowledgeable and takes extra efforts to explain things and is very caring about his patients as well is very sympathetic toward his caregiver. Also super helpful in obtaining medications for his patients and assisting with prior authorizations and completing paperwork for foundation assistance. Can't say enough good things about this provider. Very happy and appreciative that we found him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/24/2025
Dr Mills has always used his expertise to treat my condition. I trust him completely.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/24/2025
Dr. Mills is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2025
Dr. Mills is very thorough and took the time to discuss treatment options with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2025
Dr Mills explained about me meds that I'm to take
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/10/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/27/2024
Dr. Mills is caring and super competent In everything he does. Informative and for someone who hates getting the shots I must get; I always look forward to seeing him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/13/2024
Personable, thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/27/2024
Professional, knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, empathetic but firm when necessary.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/27/2024
Dr. Mills is the reason we have moved most of our medical care to Johns Hopkins.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2024
He is simply the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2024
Dr.Mills is outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/15/2024
Excellent doctor; good listener; very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/15/2024
The best professional I had in my entire life
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/15/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Dr Mills is thorough and thoughtful and I feel confident with his expertise related to Parkinson's disease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Good concerned about my well-being
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2024
Dr Mills expertise in Cervical Dystonia has changed my everyday life exponentially! As my condition requires modification, he knows exactly how to treat so that I'm able to live as normally as possible. He listens intently and asks questions prior to treatment. I've never had a Dr who understands my condition as a whole till I was so fortunate to be accepted into the Movement Disorder clinic of Neurology @ John's Hopkins.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2024
Dr. Mills is always focused and trying to make things better to treat my dystonia. I hope he is able to be my doctor for as long as possible.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2024
Very knowledgeable, thorough, and patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2024
Very pleased how I was listened to and answers provided
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/18/2024
Dr Mills had just had surgery two days prior. We were amazed that he was able to meet with us. He is so incredibly thorough, thoughtful, informative and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/27/2024
Dr Mills has been my doctor for a few years and he is just the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2024
Love Dr. Mills , there is no one like him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2024
Excellent specialist. Sincerely tries to get 2 the source of patients medical ailment!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/20/2024
Dr. Mills is very caring, compassionate, knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/10/2024
Dr Mills is excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/10/2024
I felt that I was in excellent hands, and that my issues were heard and understood and there were plans put in place that made sense.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/3/2024
Dr. Mills is simply amazing. He fit me in and went out of his way to listen, help, and do everything in his power to provide me with the best care possible.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2024
Dr.Mills is outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2024
Showed high level of expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2024
Gave me more helpful information about my Parkinson's, described a plan of care that is gradual, progressive and provides various routes of treatment depending on my responses.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2024
I have Parkinson's Disease and Dr. Kelly Mills has greatly improved my quality of life. I am very thankful for his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2024
Personable, concerned willing to listen and explain when asked questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/26/2024
I have utmost respect and faith ifor Dr. Mills.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/9/2024
Dr. Mills and his fellow were amazing. I truly appreciate the time they spent with me and the genuine concern they had for my medical issues. Perhaps not as severe as others that they see, they still made my visit very important to them.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/28/2024
Dr Mills is an exceptional specialist. He takes his time yet uses it efficiently because of his knowledge, skill and experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2024
He is great doctor all the way around. Listens to me and make sure I am satisfied with the plan.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2024
Dr. Mills is kind, smart, concerned, informed, and thorough. I'm lucky to have him as my neurologist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/21/2024
Dr Mills is very thorough. It is almost impossible to get an with him at the Bethesda location!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2024
Excellent doctor; creative and focused on my issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/24/2024
Dr. Mills is an excellent doctor. He always treats me with kindness and respect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2024
Dr.Mills is the most caring, professional, and knowledgeable doctor I have ever had. It is his professionalism and expertise that provides me with the best quality of life and care I can expect as I continue to address my Parkinson's symptoms.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
Dr.Mills and Dr. [ ] are outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2024
Top notch professionals
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2024
Very attentive ,professional and thorough Great experience!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Dr. Kelly Mills is an outstanding care giver. He is thoughtful and professional. I highly recommend him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2024
Excellent experience