
Alexander Tell Hillel, MD
Laryngology
Otolaryngology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Alexander Tell Hillel
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Background
Alexander Hillel received his M.D. from the Tulane University School of Medicine, completed his residency at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a fellowship in Laryngology at the Emory Voice Center. Dr. Hillel specializes in the medical and surgical management of patients who have scar tissue blocking their larynx and/or trachea, a condition called laryngotrachealstenosis. This condition occurs in patients who have had prolonged intubation, autoimmune disease, and a rare disease called idiopathic subglottic stenosis. He also treats patients with voice and throat problems, including spasmodic dysphonia, and swallowing difficulty.
Dr. Hillel’s research seeks to better understand why scar forms in the larynx and trachea. He and his team investigate the relationship among the immune system, bacteria, and scar formation in the airway in an effort to improve treatment. They are also testing drugs that may halt the progression of, or reverse, scar formation and engineered a drug-eluting stent which is being tested to translate to patients with laryngotrachealstenosis. Dr. Hillel holds sponsored grants from the National Institute of Health, surgical foundations, and the medical device industry to conduct his research.
In addition to clinical and research work, Dr. Hillel holds a leadership role within the Department, serving as the Residency Program Director and Vice Director of Education. He leads 25 resident physicians and serves as the critical communication node between faculty and residents.
This provider is registered with the Florida Department of Health to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida.
Centers and Institutes
X (Twitter)
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Comprehensive Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis, HeadWay (Winter 2017)
The Johns Hopkins Voice Center: Speaking Up, Johns Hopkins Bayview News (Fall 2013)
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
Research Interests
Development of biomaterial therapeutics for subglottic stenosis, Laryngeal and soft tissue fillers, Laryngeal tissue engineering, Tracheal transplantation
Lab Website
Hillel Laboratory - Lab Website
Dr. Alexander Hillel's clinical practice and research focuses centers on risk factors for, the prevention of, and treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) and other diseases of the trachea and larynx. His laboratory developed robust in vitro and in vivo model systems to study immunologic and metabolic mechanisms promoting laryngotracheal inflammation, airway wall remodeling, and fibrosis to develop new therapies targeting airway disease. Ongoing efforts include applying a novel drug-eluting stent to influence to treat laryngotracheal stenosis. He serves on the leadership team of the North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC) which is an international organization dedicated to improving our understanding of adult airway disease and developing effective, cost-conscious treatments.
Selected Publications
Hillel AT, Gelbard A. Unleashing rapamycin on fibrosis. Oncotarget. 2015;6:15722-3. PMID: 26158293. PMC: 4599220.
Gadkaree S, Pandian V, Best SA, Motz K, Allen C, Kim Y, Akst LM, Hillel AT. Laryngotracheal stenosis: Risk factors for tracheostomy dependence and dilation interval. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156:321-8. PMID: 28112014. PMC5348246.
Ma G, Samad I, Ding D, Namba DR, Elisseeff JH, Horton MR, Hillel AT. Metabolic variations in normal and fibrotic human laryngotracheal derived fibroblasts in vitro. Laryngoscope. 2017;127:E107-13. PMID: 27585358. PMC5321789.
Motz K, Yin LX, Samad I, Ding D, Murphy MK, Duvvuri MV, Hillel AT. Quantification of inflammatory markers in laryngotracheal stenosis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156:321-8. PMID: 28485188. PMC5593763.
Murphy MK, Motz K, Ding D, Yin LX, Duvvuri MV, Feeley M, Hillel AT. Targeting metabolic abnormalities to reverse fibrosis in iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis. Laryngoscope. 2018;128:E59-67. PMID: 28940431. PMC5771827.
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 443-997-6467
- 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 Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920, Bethesda, MD 20817
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 301-530-2650
Expertise
Education
Emory University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Otolaryngology, 2012Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2010Tulane University School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 2004Board Certifications
Otolaryngology
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2011Insurance
- 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
4.8 out of 5
215 ratings, 70 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 1/28/2025
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Gee, I thought I did! He was genuine, concerned and inquisitive about my progress of improved speech and lack of discomfort.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Always excellent service and provides necessary information
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Dr. Hillel is my lifeline In regard to my condition. He has always been kind, caring, supportive, and helpful. He has a wealth of knowledge And I count on him to keep me alive when I have to have this surgery. He makes sure that you know you are a person, not just a patient. I could go on for paragraphs about him as he truly has made a difference in my life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Very pleased as always
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2025
Dr Hillel and his assistant Bree Burke are the absolute best! They go beyond expectations
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Dr. Hillel was awesome. He was prompt, asked me questions,, friendly, explained the procedure and quick with giving.me the Botox.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Dr. Hillel took his time to explain my condition and go over my options, answering all of my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2024
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2024
Very knowledgeable professional polite excellent in his work
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/10/2024
Excellent service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2024
Dr Hillel knows what he's doing and is quite personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2024
Thorough Friendly Caring Competent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
Dr. Hillel was great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2024
Happy with the visit and consultation
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2024
This was my first visit with Dr. Hillel, He was very personable and very informative about what my options would be for my condition. He answered every question I had, which helped make my choice of options easier.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2024
Dr. Hillel is the most respectful, compassionate doctor that I see and I have alot of specialists that follow me. I have been seeing him since 2017. He came back from vacation when I ended up back in the hospital after my surgery. He is the best and I tell everyone after my visits. He is what I hope all doctors strive to be.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2024
Very professional & caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2024
He is always approachable and easy to talk to. A real professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2024
Very good explains so you can understand
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Dr Hillel is the best! He cares about you and is professional but personal. Very knowledgeable about my medical condition and explains and takes his time very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2024
EXCELLENT AND SEEMED VERY KNOWAGEABLE
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Superior provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Everyone I encountered with this visit was professional but friendly. One of the best doctor's appointments ever - despite having a camera put down my nose to my throat.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2024
He is a very caring and friendly professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2024
Respectful , well informed , he made me feel relax
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2024
Professional, friendly, prompt
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2024
Very friendly and makes you feel at ease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2024
Dr Alexander T. Hillel, was courteous and patience,with me. Answered all of my questions,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2024
He is very knowledgeable and spent to time to listen to all my and my wife's questions. I felt like he was thoroughly explaining everything.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Hillel is amazing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2024
Excellent forthright Highly recommend him and JHH
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2024
I always receive excellent care while visiting Dr. Hillel
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2024
Very professional & show concern for my health issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2024
Good visit.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
Explained my problem in detail as well as what should be done for treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
He is a great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2024
Dr Hillel is excellent at explaining the medical issues and the possible treatments.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2024
Love my visits with Dr Hillel he listens to what I have to say with very constructive comments about my voice etc:
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/9/2024
Very nice, professional. Showed me the problem on the screen
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2024
Very good with my provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2024
He is exceptional and fills me with confidence that coming to him was a perfect choice!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2024
Was very pleased with my visit. [ ] the therapist was wonderful and spent so much time with me. Dr was great too
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2024
Considering the problem (paralyzed vocal chord), I feel I am getting good care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Very efficient and personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Always professional and friendly. Makes the procedure go smoothly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Dr. Hillel is the best doctor. He listens to me, speaks to me so I understand and is so kind. He has helped me so much and I can't thank him enough!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2024
Dr. Hillel is the consummate professional and inspires confidence. I trust him 100% to provide the best..and most reasonable and apt care for my particular situation
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2024
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2024
One of the bestExpertEasy to understandVery knowledgeableFriendly, made us feel comfortable and easy to talk
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2024
Both Dr Hillel and speech therapist Rebecca Goldstein were excellent in their medical acumen, analysis of my condition, and compassion for my well-being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2024
He seems very kind and educated on my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
Good job
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
My provider was excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2024
Very accommodating and knowledgeable!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
Dr. was excellent, very understanding and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
Dr. Hillel is very knowledgeable, thorough, professional, friendly, and courteous.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
I am most appreciative of Dr. Hillel's kindness and compassion. He is very easy to talk to and always listens to my health concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
Tops in his field
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2024
The provider was nice during my visit. However, I could not get any treatment after the visit. My visit date was [Date] and all the appointments of speech therapy and injection will be in July, which are too late to take care of my voice problem. I am very disappointed about that.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/23/2024
Very professional & compassionate & show empathy
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2024
Dr. Hillel and the other Healthcare providers were excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2024
Just the best!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
They were both professional and effective; explained everything thing they were doing during the exam and their findings.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
An excellent doctor who cares about his patients
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/2/2024
Dr Hillel has a great ability to explain things clearly and his manner is excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2024
Professional and kind