Loading Complete
Alan Baer

Alan Baer, MD

Rheumatology

Accepting New Patients

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Alan Baer

Professional Titles

  • Director, Jerome Greene Sjogren's Syndrome Clinic
  • Associate Investigator, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Medicine

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Dr. Alan Baer graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1978 and completed his post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at the Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt University Hospitals. He was a faculty member at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, from 1986 to 2007, and served there as Chief of the Section of Rheumatology and Fellowship Program Director. 

He joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins in 2007 and is currently Professor of Medicine and Director of the Jerome L. Greene Sjogren's Syndrome Center. Since 2015, he has been an Investigator in the Sjogren's Syndrome Clinic at the National Institutes of Health. He was Chief of Rheumatology and Clinical Director of the Johns Hopkins University Rheumatology Practice at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland from 2007 to 2014. 

Dr. Baer is currently engaged in a number of research studies in the area of Sjogren's syndrome, both at Johns Hopkins and in the NIH Sjogren's Syndrome Clinic. He was the principal investigator of the NIH subcontract to Johns Hopkins to conduct the Sjogren's International Registry (SICCA) and enrolled 300 patients into the registry. The SICCA registry has been a rich source of clinical data and biospecimens for research that Dr. Baer is conducting with colleagues at both Hopkins and the University of California-San Francisco. He is conducting a longitudinal observational study of patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

Contact for Research Inquiries

5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle
JHAAC, Room 1B.7
Baltimore, MD 21224

Research Interests

Sjogren's Syndrome

Lab Website

Alan Baer Lab - Lab Website

  • Research in the Alan Baer Lab focuses on Sjogren's syndrome. Previously, we conducted the Sjogren's International Registry (SICCA), enrolling 300 patients and creating a valuable source of clinical data and biospecimens for research we're conducting with colleagues at Johns Hopkins and the University of California-San Francisco. Currently, we're conducting a longitudinal observational study of patients with Sjogren's syndrome. We're also collaborating with Dr. Ben Larman in the Department of Pathology, using phage immuno-precipation sequencing to work on a characterization of the complete autoantibody repertoire in Sjogren's syndrome patients.

Research Summary

Dr. Baer has been the Director of the Jerome L. Greene Sjögren’s Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins since its inception in July 2009. This multidisciplinary center brings together the expertise of rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, an otolaryngologist, neurologists, and gynecologists in the evaluation and management of patients with suspected or established Sjögren’s syndrome.  Dr. Baer was the PI of the NIH subcontract to Johns Hopkins to serve as a site for the Sjögren’s International Registry (SICCA). Since 2015, he has also been serving as an Associate Investigator in the Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic at NIH/NIDCR. In 2018, he co-hosted the 14th International Sjögren's Symposium in Washington, DC and secured NIH grant support for this conference. He is currently Chair of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board to the Sjögren's Foundation. His research has involved cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the Hopkins, SICCA, and NIH Sjögren's cohorts, conduct of clinical trials, and collaborating with basic research groups on novel biomarker development.

Honors

  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Alpha Omega Alpha
  • Omicron Delta Kappa
  • Henry Strong Denison Research Award, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), 1/1/84
  • Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, 1/1/81
  • Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners, 1/1/79

Memberships

  • American College of Physicians, Fellow
  • American College of Rheumatology,

    Master

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Floor 1, Baltimore, MD 21224
    • Get Directions
  2. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 01 (G), Clinic 5, Baltimore, MD 21224
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Rheumatology, 1983
  • Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Internal Medicine, 1981
  • Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 1978

Board Certifications

  • Rheumatology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1984
  • Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1981

Insurance

Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

5 out of 5

109 ratings, 46 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.

Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/19/2026

    Dr. Baer Is one of the best doctors I have ever had since I became a lupus patient

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/5/2026

    Dr Baer is very compassionate and knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/24/2026

    Nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/10/2026

    Dr. Baer is always a pleasure to see. He is nice doctor he listen to me and then always provide me with the best suggests.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Dr Baer is an excellent doctor. He has taken care of me for any years. He is always available for my concerns

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/29/2026

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/22/2026

    Listen to me what I need

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/22/2026

    Always professional, listens well, answers my questions, explains issues about my condition health wise, thorough examination, easy to talk to & discuss concerns with. I feel confident In his knowledge and his recommendations.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/15/2026

    Very caring, experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Diagnostic skills are excellent as I always have the best outcomes. I was in bad shape with my RA developing since my last visit and Dr Baer injected my finger with cortisone as it was like a claw, gave me a shot of Prednisone to get the high level of inflammation in my body under control and we started a new medication. I have been a patient of Dr Baer's for 17 years, don't know what I would do without him. Very empathetic, reactive problem solver and kind man.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/13/2026

    Very grateful to gain insight from the expertise of Dr. Baer regarding my condition

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/8/2026

    Dr. Baer was so thorough and helped me understand my condition. Answered all of my questions. Great doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    Dr. Baer is just the best provider I have seen. Though it was a simple follow up for a controlled condition, he is very thorough. He gives me the most complete physical exam and is just a very caring, decent person.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/9/2025

    Dr listened to me and was very thoughtful. It took a long time to get an appointment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/9/2025

    Dr Baer is the best doctor I have ever met.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/2/2025

    Fantastic physician.made-me feel heard

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/13/2025

    Dr Baer is extremely courteous, caring, empathetic, and kind. He takes the time to listen and ask how I'm doing. He also explains things thoroughly, and uses other doctors as collaborators to find answers for my diagnosis. He even emails and calls late at night and early in am to address my treatment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/13/2025

    Great in every respect

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/30/2025

    He's the best!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/16/2025

    He is the best. I have reccommended him to others,

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/7/2025

    I love Dr. Baer.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/2/2025

    Excellent doctor, truly an expert, kind, engaged, easy to speak with.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/2/2025

    Dr. Baer promptly responds to any query I make on my chart. I am extremely grateful that he respects all questions and follows through with solutions. My chart has proven to be an excellent mode of communication for me with him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/25/2025

    Dr.Baer is the best doctor I have ever deslt with. He has always been attentive to my condition and worked with me to resolve issues..

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/25/2025

    Dr Baer is a very good listener, patient, understanding, answers my questions & explains my health issues so I can understand them. I always feel good when I leave my appointment & feel I understand my health issues better after talking with Dr Baer.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/16/2025

    I always feel I'm dealing with the best. His examination gives you a lot of confidence. He really cares about his patience and doesn't rush you. That's why I travel from New York to see Dr Baer . I always look for the best and he is the VERY BEST.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/16/2025

    Knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Awesome doctor, always tries with knowledge and empathy to help. Great review of meds, tests and chronic symptoms.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/4/2025

    Dr Baer is an excellent doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/25/2025

    My provider is very tentative to my medical needs, very respectful and very supportive.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    I've had this problem since birth never found a Foctor to Help me Make since of My Health problem until 5 years now God Sent I love the Way he Practices..

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/5/2025

    It was a good visit. My questions were answer and information was given

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/31/2025

    Dr Baer is an exceptional doctor. He has taken care of me for many years

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Dr Baer is the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Very thorough history and physical exam. Spent time explaining reason for testing and possible plans which will be dependent on test results.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/15/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/8/2025

    I drive from western PA, north of Pittsburgh, to see Dr. Baer each year. That's how much I value his input for the care I receive with a chronic disease. His knowledge and wisdom, his patience and understanding, and his ability to calm my anxieties about the health issues I deal with is unlike any other doctor I have in the team of doctors who are involved with my care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/8/2025

    Very attentive, took notes, went through my history. These were to ensure he understands my concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/24/2025

    Dr Baer spent a lot of time with me, listening intently and asking thorough, thoughtful questions. I am confident he is taking my case seriously and will seek the best outcomes.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/17/2025

    Dr. Baer is a national treasure! His auto-immune research has been lifesaving for me, and his ability to clearly communicate good (and not so good) information has enabled me to fully understand and manage my health issues.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/10/2025

    Dr Baer is the most professional and shows genuine concern for my wellbeing. I am so blessed he's my doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/5/2025

    Dr Baer is an excellent doctor. Very knowledgeable and compassionate.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/3/2025

    Excellent, caring, compassionate.Life saver.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/3/2025

    Gave me the information I needed to follow up to even better understand my conditions

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    Best provider , excellent service

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    Dr Baer is an excellent doctor, easy to talk with and concerned about my health.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/13/2025

    Shows concern for my condition.