Simon R. Best, MD

Gender Affirming Care

Laryngology

Otolaryngology

Accepting New Patients

Online Booking

4.9 of 5 stars307 ratings, 130 reviews

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

Languages

English

14 Insurances Accepted

View all

Gender

Male

About Simon R. Best

Professional Titles

Director, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Background

Simon Best, M.D., is a fellowship-trained laryngeal surgeon whose clinical interests are focused on voice and airway disorders, including the comprehensive care of professional voice users and performers. Disorders he treats include recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal cancer, precancerous vocal cord dysplasia, benign laryngeal lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules), and laryngeal and tracheal stenosis. He has expertise in the operative management of vocal cord disorders, including laser surgery (KTP laser) and office-based management of vocal cord papilloma, dysplasia, and vocal cord paralysis.

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Program
Dr. Best has a particular clinical and research interest in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, and sees patients from across the county for specialized care for this disorder.

Clinical Care
The clinical program directed by Dr. Best includes operative and office-based laser for papilloma, utilizing the KTP (Potassium Titanyl Phosphate) laser. This laser allows for very precise excision of papilloma while preserving underlying vocal function. Adjuvant therapy with bevacizumb (Avastin) is also available for aggressive cases of papilloma, and can help delay disease recurrence. The goal for almost all adult patients with RRP is to transition to office-based laser for papilloma, and Dr. Best has many papilloma patients who have been able to completely transition to office-based surgery, thus avoiding general anesthesia.

Research Program
In addition to treatment, the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Program includes the Best Laboratory which is a recipient of an NIH-funded grant. Current research includes immunobiology of RRP and the development of novel immunotherapies to target the underlying viral infection. This research is conducted in collaboration with the Head and Neck Cancer and Cervical Cancer research groups at Johns Hopkins who also study HPV-related diseases.

Centers and Institutes

Videos

Meet our Experts - Dr. Simon Best

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) | FAQ's

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

Woman With Raspy Voice Has Had More Than 300 Surgeries to Treat Rare Vocal Chord Disease, Inside Edition (4/11/2019)

A Toddler's Dwindling Voice Was Chalked Up to Acid Reflux. Her Problem Was Far More Serious Washington Post (3/23/2019)

Laser Surgery Brings Back Patient’s Voice

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

Supracricoid Laryngectomy

Additional Academic Titles

Assistant Professor of Oncology

Research Interests

Development of novel therapeutic treatments for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP), Immunobiology of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP), Voice and swallowing outcomes following skull base surgery

Lab Website

Best Laboratory

The Best Laboratory focus on therapeutic vaccine development for HPV-related diseases by developing a murine model of papilloma analogous to Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) for testing of DNA vaccine technology. We also work to understand the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that facilitates RRP development, and translate this work into novel therapies and clinical practice.

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Rhj8AukAAAAJ&hl=en

Selected Publications

Best SR, Fakhry C. The prevalence, diagnosis, and management of voice disorders in a National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) cohort. Laryngoscope. 2011 Jan;121(1):150-7.
Best SR, Friedman AD, Landau-Zemer T, Barbu AM, Burns JA, Freeman MW, Halvorsen YD, Hillman RE, Zeitels SM. The safety of bevacizumab (Avastin) for the treatment of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis. In press.
Best SR, Ha PK, Blanco RG, Saunders JR Jr, Zinreich ES, Levine MA, Pai SI, Walker M, Trachta J, Ulmer K, Murakami P, Thompson R, Califano JA, Messing BP. Factors associated with pharyngoesophageal stricture in patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck. 2011 Dec;33(12):1727-34.
Best SR, Peng S, Juang CM, Hung CF, Hannaman D, Saunders JR, Wu TC, Pai SI. Administration of HPV DNA vaccine via electroporation elicits the strongest CD8+ T cell immune responses compared to intramuscular injection and intradermal gene gun delivery. Vaccine 2009 Sep 4;27(40):5450-9.
Best SR, Starmer HM, Agrawal Y, Chien WW, Hillel AT, Francis HW, Tamargo RJ, Akst LM. Risk factors for vagal palsy following cerebellopontine angle surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar 23.
Peng S, Best SR, Hung CF, Loyo M, Lyford-Pike S, Flint PW, Tunkel DE, Saunders JR, Wu TC, Pai SI. Characterization of human papillomavirus type 11-specific immune responses in a preclinical model. Laryngoscope. 2010 Mar;120(3):504-10.
Starmer HM, Best SR, Agrawal Y, Chien WW, Hillel AT, Francis HW, Tamargo RJ, Akst LM. Prevalence, characteristics, and management of swallowing disorders following cerebellopontine angle surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Nov 18.

Locations

Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 443-997-6467
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920, Bethesda, MD 20817
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 301-530-2650
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2500, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2297
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 01 (G), Clinic 2, Baltimore, MD 21224
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2463

Expertise

Education

Massachusetts General Hospital

Fellowship, Otolaryngology, 2012

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Residency, Otolaryngology, 2011

Yale University School of Medicine

Medical Education, MD, 2006

Board Certifications

Otolaryngology

American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2012

Insurance

Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.

Search plans

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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

307 ratings, 130 reviews

The 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.

Overall Rating by Patient

Provider Listened Carefully

Provider Explained Things Clearly

Provider Knew Medical History

Provider Showed Respect

Provider Spent Enough Time

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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/20/2025
He is The Best!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/19/2025
Dr Best is a wonderful Dr.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/18/2025
Dr. Best is amazing and so thankful he is my doctor. I have my voice & swallow back because of his treatment plan.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/18/2025
My provider was very professional, he showed me he was concerned with the issue and he explained exactly what I had and made recommendations that would improve the problem I was having.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/17/2025
Professional
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/17/2025
Excellent doctor and very helpful
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/13/2025
Everything very organized and professional
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/13/2025
Dr. Best is an excellent physician. Courteous, respectful and knowledgeable.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/11/2025
Dr Best was very professional and his Fellow that performed the tests was too and explained everything before starting he procedure
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/11/2025
Best was great but [staff] was the greatest
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/10/2025
Everything went good
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/4/2025
Dr. Best saw my mother right away and addressed the issue and my concerns. She's on a stretcher and vent dependent and Dr. Best didn't waste anytime. Dr. Best and the assisting were very responsive, respectful, nice and knowledgeable.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 2/3/2025
Dr. Simon Best very professional thank you
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/30/2025
Dr. Best always provides the best service attentively and addresses any concerns or issues that may arise.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/30/2025
Good
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/28/2025
He is the best, most knowledgeable, caring provider I have ever had for my condition
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/28/2025
Very easy to talk to, very gentle , seemed to care a lot about my condition
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/27/2025
Dr. Best was thorough, patient and personable. He explained his findings in a patient accessible way and took time to make me feel respected and valued. The speech pathologist [staff] who did my intake and performed my laryngoscopy was very considerate of all my concerns, gentle performing the procedure, and asked for feedback throughout the exam. She listened to my concerns and addressed them. Both providers are at the top of their game and I feel lucky to be in their care.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/23/2025
Very professional very knowledgeable very friendly and respectful thoughtful and understanding
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/16/2025
Dr Best is always very warm and welcoming & gives thorough information and exam regarding my trach.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/16/2025
Dr. Best was excellent.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/15/2025
Absolutely the best
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/14/2025
Always appreciate Dr.Best expertise in helping me with my issue.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/14/2025
I had my throat scanned by doctors before Dr Best came to read and find the problem.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/13/2025
Dr Best has excellent bed side manner
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/13/2025
Excellent communication and expertise
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/13/2025
This is my first visit with this specialty doctor. He was great.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 1/7/2025
He is a very great doctor
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12/19/2024
Absolutely would recommend this provider. I was so relieved he could perform the procedure I needed really quickly. He went out of his way to make sure my problem was taken care of as soon as possible.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12/19/2024
Dr. Best listens to concerns and thoroughly explains procedures.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12/19/2024
Dr. Best is thorough, congenial, and has been willing to pursue/investigate a medical issue, the causes of which are not readily apparent.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12/17/2024
I love Dr. best he's literally the best. So very sweet, kind caring, smiled and helped me understand what was going on.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12/10/2024
Dr. Best provided the best care for my condition.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 12/9/2024
Dr Best is simply amazing!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 11/25/2024
Dr. Best spent time explaining in detail the results of the exam and provided recommendations and follow up. He was extremely knowledgeable and very easy to speak to regarding medical issues.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 11/25/2024
Dr. Best is amazing. He presents as a true professional in his appearance, his manner toward me, his professionalism, ability and willingness to relate to and explain things in layman's terms I can understand and his friendly demeanor and sense of humor. I wish he could be my primary care physician but his skills go far beyond that as evidenced by the care he provides to me for a condition that frightens me more than I can explain. He is simply an amazing doc!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 11/25/2024
Very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 11/21/2024
Very respectful, cheerful and knowledgeable
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 11/18/2024
Answered my questions and took time to explain procedure
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 11/5/2024
Always a great experience with Best, [staff] and residents/nurses
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/31/2024
Dr. Best is the best doctor always pleasant and concerned about my health.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/31/2024
Professional. Personable, informative, and conscientious.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/30/2024
Dr Best, truly lives up to his name.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/29/2024
Dr. Best is excellent. He is professional as well as understanding.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/28/2024
Very knowledgeable, courteous and focused.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/24/2024
Dr. Best is the best dr I know
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/24/2024
Great
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/24/2024
Dr. Best. Is the Best
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/21/2024
First time I met them. Very Friendly.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/17/2024
Good Service
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/17/2024
Dr. Best was very professional, listened, and provided detailed information I needed before my surgery.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/16/2024
Excellent doctor, the best.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/16/2024
Dr. Best is the most knowledgeable doctor I have seen for my condition. He cares about my concerns and is always eager to listen. I would not see anyone else but him for this trachea disease that I have.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/15/2024
Best provider that I never have before
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/8/2024
Very knowledgeable, very personable
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/8/2024
Very professional but not alarming when describing my issues. I felt much more at ease after my appt and appreciated hus very quick reply to a question I asked on mychart following my appointment.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/3/2024
Dr. Best is amazing.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/3/2024
Excellent doctor
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10/2/2024
Dr Best is fantastic
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/26/2024
Knowledgable In his field, courteous in his demeanor and clear in his explanations.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/26/2024
The speech technician was very helpful. She took great notes when I explained my situation. The procedure was stressful, and I got an upset stomach when learning of the diagnosis. Dr. Best was very sympathetic, but the situation with the upset stomach could have been handled differently and possibly avoided if the diagnosis was delivered in a different way.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/26/2024
Excellent, knowledgeable, gave me all the info I wanted, listened to my concerns and dealt with everything. I felt very positive and confident about his expertise and care
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/24/2024
Treated me fairly and explained the problem with the confusion over my appointment.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/23/2024
Dr. Best explains complicated things very thoroughly without a bit of condescension. He's friendly and kind.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/19/2024
Dr. Best listened and explained well, and he took my concerns seriously. I appreciated that he met me where I am and did not talk down to me or dismiss my experiences.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/19/2024
Dr Best was the "Best".
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/19/2024
He has provided a plan of action to deal with my health issue.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/17/2024
Dr Best is an OUTSTANDING doctor. Due to his care and concern I am able to manage my medical condition with a clear understanding.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/17/2024
He's good surgeon. Makes me feel safe
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/17/2024
This is the best provider that I've ever heard. He's always smiling and pleasant and explains things slowly in a way that is very easy to understand and looks you right in the eye.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 9/17/2024
Very professional and pleasant.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr. Simon Best is an excellent surgeon! Great bedside manner, I was impressed!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Best was extremely proficient in identifying exactly the cause of my visit
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/27/2024
Dr. Simon Best & Team truly cared about my success from the surgery, he is very empathetic of my situation and has gone above and beyond in trying to help me.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/27/2024
Terrific
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/26/2024
Dr Best is amazing. He is so compassionate and skilled. And SLP [ ] was equally wonderful. They make a dynamic duo.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/20/2024
Dr. Best did an excellent job at taking care of me. Would defy recommend him.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/20/2024
Very satisfied.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/19/2024
Everyone was wonderful. Very knowledgeable about my situation. Very caring, very reassuring about my possible treatment.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/15/2024
Dr. Best is one of the most empathetic, caring, and supportive physicians I have ever seen.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/15/2024
Dr Best explained everything orally and visualy,felt at ease when I had left
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/15/2024
Thorough, informed, solution oriented
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/13/2024
Excellent care and concern from everyone
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/13/2024
Dr, Best and his team are well versed in their specialty and show excellent concern to me as their patient.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/12/2024
I've been down a long road with this condition and being misdiagnosed. Dr Best immediately diagnosed me properly and got my treatments started. He gave me my life back! He has been the best physician, in every way. He listens, plans, discusses and lays everything out for me in a way I can understand. I am so appreciative of him and his team and their excellence in what they do. THANK YOU!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/12/2024
Covered everything I needed for my check up. Everyone seemed informed of my medical history.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/8/2024
Excellent. He provided a clear explanation of my issue and informed me of available solutions.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/8/2024
Knowledgeable
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/8/2024
Dr. Best is a highly skilled, concerned and caring physician - great with patients and a significant level of expertise. I highly recommend him.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/7/2024
Dr Best is the best!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/6/2024
Takes his time evaluating my condition and i am grateful to have him as my doctor.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 8/1/2024
Good
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 7/22/2024
Dr. Best is always on time and very efficient
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 7/8/2024
Dr. Best is absolutely the best! Such a nice, personable personality, it makes it easy to open up about my health issues.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 7/8/2024
Specialist and highest degree of compassion!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 7/2/2024
Not fair to ask about test results be given later, doctor provided results while I was there
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 7/2/2024
Dr. Best did a great job
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 7/1/2024
Excellent doctor
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/25/2024
Was really happy with you office
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/24/2024
Everything was great.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/24/2024
Takes the time to explain everything and ensure my understanding and knowledge of the process.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/11/2024
Dr. Best is an amazing doctor I would not have a voice or swallow without his help.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/10/2024
He is the very Best!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/5/2024
Dr. Best is always kind and considerate of your time. He allows you all the time you need to ask questions and make sure you understand your condition. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else with the condition I have. I trust Dr. Best with my life.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/5/2024
The best
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 6/3/2024
Dr. Best was thoughtful and knowledgeable.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/21/2024
I am good with the result the doctor provided.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/16/2024
Dr. Best was the best an assistant was the best also
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/16/2024
Good
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/16/2024
The best
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/15/2024
Dr. Best is sth absolute best!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/14/2024
Treated my complaint with knowledge
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/14/2024
Best physician experience I've had for my condition
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/13/2024
Warm, friendly, listened explained. Super pleased
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/13/2024
Very knowledgeable provider who is clearly extremely passionate about his field. Always a pleasure to work with a specialist who is excited to teach you the intricacies of the situation and provide you with a list of possible solutions.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/9/2024
Dr Best did a great job of explaining everything to me!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/7/2024
Dr. Best always asks the success of my previous Botox shot, listens to my voice and determines the best dosage for my shot.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/7/2024
That very good doctor I will not change him for nothing
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/6/2024
Amazing team who truly cared and listened. They gave the answers that we were missing from other providers that was needed to move his treatment in a towards direction. Thank you!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/2/2024
Words that come to mind caring, empathetic, thorough and very good listener
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 5/1/2024
Finest doc in the world
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/23/2024
Dr Best is the best
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/11/2024
He's the best!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/11/2024
I love this doctor very nice and explain everything to do on my sickness.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/9/2024
Dr. Best is an excellent ENT and very knowledgeable, highly recommended!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/4/2024
Very professional
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/2/2024
Dr. Best was exceptional!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/2/2024
Dr. Best is the Best!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 4/1/2024
Dr Best was very thorough and we hope he is on the right track with his recent treatment.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 3/25/2024
Listened to my concerns and suggestion