Tom W. Donner, MD
Endocrinology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Tom W. Donner
Professional Titles
- Director, Johns Hopkins Diabetes Center
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Medicine
Background
Dr. Donner's clinical and research interests have focused on the prevention of complications in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. For 6 years, he was the Associate Medical Director of the Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate at the University of Maryland, and then Medical Director from 2004 - 2010. After joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins University in 2010, his clinical and research interests became fully dedicated to diabetes. He became the Director of The Johns Hopkins Diabetes Center in 2011. He has been a clinical investigator in a number of NIH- and industry-funded diabetes research trials. Dr. Donner was a co-PI in the NIH-funded Veterans Affairs Implantable Insulin Pump Study, a Co-PI on the NIDDK-funded Diabetes Control and Complications Trial / Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications (DCCT / EDIC) Study for 16 years, and Co-PI for the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) for 7 years. Recently, he has served as PI for the Durable-response therapy Evaluation For Early or New-onset type 1 Diabetes (DEFEND-1). Dr. Donner is currently collaborating with Dr. Abdel Hamad in Immunology on preventing B-regulatory cell apoptosis using a novel monoclonal antibody targeting the presumptive apoptotic factor. This antibody prevents the development of type 1 diabetes in non obese diabetic mice. Dr. Donner is the PI for Johns Hopkins for TrialNet, a multicenter, international consortium of investigators studying ways to prevent Type 1 diabetes and preserve insulin secretion in individuals with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes. He is also a PI for a study investigating FIAsp, a faster-acting insulin aspart in subjects with type 1 diabetes, and is working with investigators at the Johns Hopkins School of Engineering on an implantable insulin pump which delivers insulin intravenously.
Clinical Trial Keywords
Type 1 diabetes, immunotherapy, stem cell therapy
Clinical Trials Summary
1. VA Cooperative Study #334A (Hamilton PI) 3/92 - 10/94
The Veterans Affairs Implantable Insulin Pump Study
Role: Co-Investigator, 5% effort
2. N01-DK-6-2203 (Counts PI) 3/95 – 7/10
The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications
Role: Co- Investigator
3. 5U01H1061744 7/1/01 – 6/1/09
Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D)
Role: Co- Investigator
4. 1R01AI099027-01 NIH/NIAID Hamad (PI) 03/01/13 - 03/31/18 03/31/18
Mechanisms of Fas Ligand control of insulitis initiation in autoimmune diabetes
Role: Co-investigator
5. NIDDK Donner (PI) 05/13 – present
The Natural History Study of the Development of Type 1 Diabetes
6. Viacyte, Inc. Donner PI 2/18-12/21
An Open-Label, First-In-Human, Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of VC-02™ Combination Product in Subjects with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia Unawareness
7. Diamyd Medical Donner PI 3/24 - present
A Phase III, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Diamyd® to Preserve Endogenous Beta Cell Function in Adolescents and Adults with Recently Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes, Carrying the Genetic HLA DR3-DQ2 Haplotype
Contact for Research Inquiries
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: (410) 614-0905
apage20@jhmi.edu
Research Interests
Immunotherapy, Insulin Therapy, Type 1 Diabetes
Lab Website
Thomas W. Donner Lab
- The Thomas W. Donner Lab focuses on type 1 diabetes, with an emphasis on ways to improve the management of diabetes, and ways to prevent, slow beta cell loss and cure type 1 diabetes. We're currently collaborating with Dr. Abdel Hamad to investigate the immune "X" cell discovered in his lab that appears to play a critical role in the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to the development of type 1 diabetes. An antibody from that cell call the X monoclonal antibody has been shown to reverse diabetes in the NOD mouse. We also participate in Trial Net, a multi-center, international consortium of researchers studying ways to prevent type 1 diabetes and preserve insulin secretion in people who have been recently diagnosed with the chronic condition.
Research Summary
Dr. Donner's clinical and research interests include aggressive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, preserving beta cell function in patients with new onset type 1 diabetes, and the prevention of diabetes complications.
Memberships
- American Diabetes Association
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 2, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-9270
- fax: 410-367-2042
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10751 Falls Road, Falls Concourse STE 412, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 410-955-9270
- fax: 410-367-2042
Expertise
Education
University of Maryland Medical Center
Residency, Internal Medicine, 1994University of Maryland Medical Center
Fellowship, Endocrinology, 1993University of Maryland Medical Center
Residency, Internal Medicine, 1989University of Virginia School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 1986Board Certifications
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, 1989Insurance
- 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
5 out of 5
107 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 3/4/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2025
Dr. Donner is an excellent physician and I am lucky to have him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2025
Tom Donner is a truly outstanding professional. He listens carefully, he cares, he is brilliant. The very best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2025
Very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2025
Thorough, thoughtful and concise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2025
Dr. Donner is absolutely the best of his profession
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Dr. Donner is patient, kind, conscientious - in addition to being an expert in his field. I trust him with my complete diabetes care and feel so fortunate to have him as my specialist. I do feel strongly that I will live a healthier, longer life because of his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Great office
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
Doctor Donner and [staff] have been the best providers for my diabetes. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for an endocrinologist. They stay up to date with best practice and best product for my Type I Diabetes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Dr Donner is an excellent provider of care, advice and information about my Type 1 diabetes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2024
Dr. Donner, is always for thorough and up-to-date on recommendations. He is great insight to the type one diabetes disease condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Dr. Donner and his care team are amazing! Thank-you!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Considerate, listens well, explains problem thoroughly Long time provider, 20+ years
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2024
Dr. Donner is very straightforward, caring, and genuine in providing care and assessing my current health state. I trust him and appreciate how he articulates the importance of following his suggestions and the potential outcome if choose not to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
He's terrific! I've been treated by him for 7 years because he is such a great endocrinologist!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2024
Excellent as always
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2024
Tom Donner is an exceptional Doctor and person. I have complete confidence in him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2024
Dr Donner took the time necessary to explain what goals he had for my diagnosis and what I should aim for. He added a couple of prescriptions, told me the reasons why, what they are intended to do and my follow up with the nurse practitioner after 3 months on these and the related labs I would need. He ordered them and did a physical exam. He used all of the data from my CGM and notes from home on apps related to diabetes. I felt prepared and felt it added to the completeness of my clinical visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
Dr Donner is the greatest! Knowledgeable, caring and explains things thoroughly. Couldn't possibly recommend him enough!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/3/2024
Very educated kind respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Donner is outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr. Donner is very patient, kind, respectful, takes his time to listen and answer all questions. He never makes me feel hurried.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2024
I travel from out of state to see Dr Donner because I appreciate his care and how he spends time talking to me about my health
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
Dr Donner and his nurse [ ] are SUPERIOR! They are like no other doctors or nurses we have ever encountered. We have such respect for this man and find him beyond belief! We are so grateful!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
#10
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2024
Dr. Donner took time to explain all health care aspects during my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/23/2024
Exceptionally good diabetes care. Literally the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/23/2024
Brilliant.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/23/2024
Dr. Donner is thorough, and above all, a skilled doctor. I feel he has been very important in my diabetes control and ability to live a normal life. I am very grateful for his support.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2024
Dr. Donner is an excellent doctor and I am pleased to be his patient. I trust him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2024
Dr. Donner is excellent. He is very busy. I am lucky to get an appointment with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/25/2024
Dr Donner has been my DOC FOR 25 years. His research for type 1 treatment is outstanding as he has referred me to another Dr. For my continuing care. I thanked him for the great care I have received..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2024
The best physician I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2024
Exceptional service and great quality of care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2024
Thomas Donner is the best Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2024
Dr.Donner is one of the best but making an appointment is hard to retrieve
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2024
Concerned and competent, exceptional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2024
Kind always shows caring with my needs calls or text when necessery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
Dr. Donner is Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
We are very grateful to have Dr. Donner as our doctor. He is prepared and professional, yet friendly. He always gives us a smile and a warm greeting, then gets to work and leaves us with good advice for managing [Patient]'s diabetes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2024
Dr Donner is an expert in dealing with my Type 1 diabetes and always provides me with valuable advice and information.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2024
Dr Donner is an amazing Endocrinologist whom I appreciate being able to see to help me manage my diabetes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2024
Dr Donner is an excellent doctor, human being, I am his patient since 1993
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2024
Dr Donner's Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
Everyone was polite and very professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/9/2024
Dr. Donner always shows compassion and understanding for my health scare with cancer.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/2/2024
Thank you Dr. Donner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/2/2024
Dr. Donner is thorough and thoughtful. I have diabetes and he decided to change my meds, but made kit clear he wanted me to check in, so he could refine treatment if necessary.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/26/2024
Dr. Donner is extremely knowledgeable, professional and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/26/2024
Very good and detail oriented.