
Douglas W. Ball, MD
Endocrinology
Diagnostic Radiology
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Douglas W. Ball
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Medicine
Background
Dr. Douglas Ball is an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He holds a joint appointment in oncology. His areas of clinical expertise include diagnostic radiology, endocrine oncology, thyroid cancer and thyroid diseases.
Dr. Ball earned his M.D. from the George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh-Presbyterian University Hospital and performed a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at Johns Hopkins.
His research interests include medullary thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Centers and Institutes
Additional Academic Titles
Associate Professor of Oncology
Research Interests
anaplastic thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer
Lab Website
Douglas Ball Lab
- The Douglas Ball Lab conducts clinical trials and pre-clinical laboratory studies of thyroid cancer. Our clinical trials, performed in collaboration with research staff in the upper aero-digestive group in the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, have included protocols for advanced radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. Our pre-clinical research, conducted with Dr. Nelkin, Dr. Agrawal and other Kimmel Cancer Center researchers, includes pathogenesis and mechanisms of treatment resistance in medullary thyroid cancer, and pathogenesis and immune-directed therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Research Summary
Dr. Ball is an endocrinologist who is involved in clinical trials and pre-clinical laboratory studies in thyroid cancer. His clinical trials have included protocols for advanced radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. These studies are performed in collaboration with research staff in the upper aero-digestive group in the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. Ball is associate protocol chair and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Thyroid Oncology Group (ITOG). He's developed national trials through this cooperative group. A focus of these clinical trials is the role of multikinase inhibitors, and inhibitors of the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K pathways.
In pre-clinical research, Dr. Ball collaborates with Dr. Nelkin, Dr. Agrawal and others in the cancer biology division of the Kimmel Cancer Center. The principal areas of this research include pathogenesis and mechanisms of treatment resistance in medullary thyroid cancer, and pathogenesis and immune-directed therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Recent studies have also focused on targeting the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K pathways in differentiated thyroid cancer. This work is supported by the NIH and American Cancer Society.
Selected Publications
Agrawal N, Jiao Y, Sausen M, Leary R, Bettegowda C, Roberts N, Bhan S, Ho AS, Khan Z, Bishop J, Westra WH, Wood LD, Hruban RH, Tufano RP, Robinson B, Dralle H, Toledo SPA, Toledo RA, Morris LGT, Ghossein R, Fagin JA, Chan TA, Velculescu VA, Vogelstein B, Kinzler KW, PapadopoulosN, Nelkin BD, and Ball DW. Exomic sequencing of medullary thyroid cancer reveals dominant and mutually exclusive oncogenic mutations in RET and RAS. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 98:E364-9, 2013.
Elisei R, Schlumberger M, Mueller S, Schoffski P, Brose M, Shah M, Licitra L, Jarzab B, Medvedev V, Kreissl M, Niederle B, Cohen E, Wirth L, Ali H, Hessel C, Yaron Y, Ball D Nelkin B, Sherman S. Cabozantinib in Progressive Medullary Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Oncol, 31:3639-46, 2013.
Jin N, Jiang T, Rosen DN, Nelkin BD, Ball DW . Synergistic action of a RAF inhibitor and dual PI-3 Kinase / mTOR inhibitor in thyroid cancer. Clin Can Res 17:6482-9, 2011.
Wilky BA, Rudek MA, Ahmed S, Laheru DA, Cosgrove D, Donehower RC, Nelkin B, Ball DW, Doyle LA, Chen H, Ye X, Azad N. A Phase I trial of vertical inhibition of IGF signaling using cixutumumab, an anti-IGF1-R antibody, and selumetinib, a MEK 1/2 inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors, British Journal of Cancer, 2014, in press.
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 7, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-9270
- fax: 410-367-2042
- Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center
- 201 North Broadway Street, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-8964
- fax: 410-367-2194
- 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
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Endocrinology, 1991University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency, Internal Medicine, 1987The George Washington University School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 1984Board Certifications
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, 1987Insurance
- 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
244 ratings, 93 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 3/17/2025
Thanks
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/21/2025
Dr. Ball is the best Endocrine in the world with professional and kindness.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2025
Excellent care,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2025
Dr Ball is great. I wouldn't be driving up from Virginia to see him if he wasnt.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/7/2025
Excellent doctor, listens to my concerns, explains things in a way I can understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2025
Takes his time to cover everything.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2025
He explains and shows the changes in my thyroid. It has doubled in size, the nodule under the clavicle which is difficult to see.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/31/2025
Dr. Ball is a wonderful physician. He is an expert in his field. He listens and provides compassionate care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2025
Very nice. Explained everything to me. Took his time and listened.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2025
Dr Ball s very capable, very caring and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2025
I was comfortable with his questions,responses, and answers. I felt he was thorough and confident
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Dr. Ball is the best. He is attentive, concerned and is completely familiar with my history. He is an expert who is renowned in his field. It is so comforting to have him as my doctor and receive the best possible care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2025
Dr. Ball is a friendly professional. He's strives to assure the patient receives best quality care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
Dr. Ball provided a comprehensive check-up and was assisted by [staff]. Their level of care was excellent and they completed a thorough evaluation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2025
Dr. Ball is a wonderful doctor and shows he really cares about his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Dr. Ball is wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/26/2024
Doctor Ball is patient and very thorough in his care for me as a patient. My case is difficult for my care team so I appreciate his honesty and the delivery of information.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Dr Ball is an exceptional clinician and person.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2024
Very thorough and kind..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2024
Dr. Ball is an exceptional provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Attentive to my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
Very pleased with my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2024
Vert familiar with my situation and always ready to make suggestions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2024
Very thorough, knowledgeable and takes time to listen and explain patients concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2024
A great doctor and assistants.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2024
Dr Ball is truly a blessing to me!!! I am SO grateful that I have him for my Endocrinologist!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2024
Dr. Ball had followed me and my condition for several years. He was and still is one of the finest doctors who follow my situation. His recall of the many years of interface is amazing. His warmth and concern for my situation is beyond just as a patient, and truly cares for my continuing health and progress.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2024
Professional and very friendly always
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2024
Dr Ball is an exceptional medical doctor. He is professional, friendly and a good listener. He did not hurry through the appointment. He answered my questions and explained my condition and possible treatment. He made me feel comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Dr. Ball is very knowledgeable in the area of Medullary thyroid cancer. He is very thorough and does not rush you during appointments. During my visit, he stayed past the time the office closed to address any questions and concerns we had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Dr. Ball is amazing. Knowledgeable and personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2024
Dr. Ball is great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2024
Dr. Ball is great! He is very knowledgeable and takes plenty of time to ensure you understand your diagnosis, health issues, etc.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2024
Dr. Ball is so attentive and always takes time to answer my many questions. Never seems to be in a hurry to rush me out the door. AMAZING!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2024
Wonderful provider!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2024
Dr Douglas Ball is truly attentive , intelligent , and caring Dr . He listens and never feel he is rushing through your case.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/8/2024
As always, Dr. Ball was wonderful. He is very knowledgeable and takes good care of his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/8/2024
Very concerned and does everything to treat my condition while maintaining an acceptable quality of life for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
Great Doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
Dr Ball is awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2024
He, was very patient, caring and knowledgeable about my illness and moving forward.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
He' great,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Very knowledgeable and listened to you
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Dr. Ball is wonderful. Kind, compassionate, knows my history and illness thoroughly. Answers all my questions. Very knowledgeable about thyroid cancers
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2024
He is always professional and knows MTC!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
Doctor D.B. Was amazing. He presented him self as a real professional in all the senses of the word. He is an expert in his matter and much more. He took his time to answer to my questions with a certain precision. Beside, he being on of the best and he should be one of the leading professional in his field.About Doctor D. B. Myself and my daughter, we were impressed with him as an excellent professional. He has Beautiful and outstanding personality that anybody would like him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2024
Seems like a very nice Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/6/2024
Dr Ball is professional and caring. He addressed all my questions and concerns. I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2024
We have been seeing Dr Ball for 16 years and he has been a real blessing to us in guiding us in proper medication and caring about my health issues , very pleased with his knowledge and care for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2024
They went over my information carefully and asked me lots of questions to understand my case.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Ball is walking me through cancer checks & balances
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Beyond excellent -- knowledgeable, thoughtful, empathetic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2024
A nice man and excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
Dr. Ball is my Endocrinologist, but I consider him my go to doctor for everything, because it all connects and he knows who to refer me to when needed. I have the utmost respect and confidence in Dr. Ball. I would feel lost without him actually.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
Very good Dr
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
Great physician - takes time to answer questions and empathetic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2024
I am very blessed to have Dr. Douglas Ball taking care of me.He is the reason Iam still alive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2024
Dr. Ball is thorough and informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/30/2024
Patient, understanding, informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2024
JH is always very organized, and the scheduled appointments are always right on time or early.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Very knowledgeable and caring willing to listen to and trust patient's input
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
He is very insightful. He clarified and added to my knowledge, and that was the best I could expect to hear. He made recommendations and explained in detail reasoning for each one.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Dr Ball is the single best doctor I have ever had. He is truly extraordinary in how he combines his wealth of knowledge and experience with an ability to communicate effectively, and a lovely bedside manner. Really fantastic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2024
Dr. Ball is very knowledgeable. He is very thorough and cares.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
He is very caring. Dr. Ball took care to listen carefully and to analyze my daughter's health carefully.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2024
Great visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/5/2024
Kind, knowledgeable, patient and seems to be very through
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2024
My Provider always make.sure we understand everything that we talks about.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/28/2024
Exceptional and excellent.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/25/2024
Dr Ball is exceptional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2024
Dr. Ball is an excellent provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2024
Dr. Ball is awesome. I arrived early due my appointment and was walking out of the building 11 minutes after my scheduled time
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/12/2024
Dr. Ball was very patient, kind and took the time to explain my condition in detail. He listened to what I had to say and answered my questions and concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2024
Excellent dr for many years.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Very pleasant, detailed and informative
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2024
I am just now getting to know him. He is well-versed in the tests and treatment options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2024
Dr. Ball was very thorough and spent plenty of time explaining things in a way I was able to understand. He welcomed my many questions and I never felt rushed or hurried.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2024
Always great medical visits. Doctor always late starting our appointments.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2024
Dr. Ball is an exceptional physician, is patient, and answered all my questions and ones I was thinking about and did not even ask.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2024
Dr. Ball explained everything to me. He took the time to make sure I understood and never did he rush me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2024
Dr. Ball is respectful, helpful, professional, knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2024
Great provider!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Dr Ball is very helpful in us understand our questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2024
Dr Ball is a very professional and very knowledgelable about my cancerD
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2024
Dr. Ball is a careful, respectful listener.He is completely transparent and explains things very well, showing me his computer screen with my records, and making helpful analogies to explain the disease process. He is also sensitive to my peripheral concerns as well as my direct disease process needs. He is the kind of person that helps Johns Hopkins earn its excellent world class reputation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
He is a good man and seems to care about you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Dr. Ball's excellent medical care is only equaled by his lovely bedside manner. He is so wise and so kind, he is my favorite physician of all time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/4/2024
Excellent visit! Dr. Ball took ample time to talk with me on my first appointment with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/4/2024
I have been with this provider for many, many years and I appreciate his expertise and care for my condition that he provides.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2024
Dr Ball is excellent. He takes his time and explains things well. He answers any questions that you may have.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/1/2024
I am so grateful to have Dr Ball as my doctor. My family has a long-standing relationship with him and he continues to provide the highest level of care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/29/2024
Dr. Ball with the endocrinology department is top notch. He is a terrific listener and he anticipates questions about my care and answers my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/28/2024
Dr. Ball has been my endocrinologist since fall of 2000. I have referred quite a few people to him over the years, and they have been very appreciative of his help as well