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Albert Jonathan Aboulafia

Albert Jonathan Aboulafia, MD, MBA

4.8204 ratings, 75 reviews

Orthopedic SurgeryOrthopedic Oncology

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

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

Languages

  • Spanish
  • Hebrew
  • English

In-Network Plans

View All Accepted Plans (12)

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Albert Jonathan Aboulafia

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Albert Aboulafia, M.D., F.A. C.S., M.B.A., is a nationally and internationally recognized leader as a clinician, researcher and educator in orthopaedic oncology. Dr. Aboulafia specializes in treating adults and children who have benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. He is active on editorial boards and in academics, research, teaching, and national and international speaking engagements. 

Dr. Aboulafia attended the University of Michigan Medical School, and he performed a general surgery internship and subsequent residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the Los Angeles County, University of Southern California Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in orthopaedic oncology through a combined program at the Washington Hospital Center, the Children’s National Hospital and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Dr. Aboulafia served as an attending staff physician at the Washington Hospital Center and the Children’s National Hospital Center and consulted for the surgery branch at the NIH as an associate professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. He then joined the faculty at the Emory University School of Medicine before moving to Baltimore, where he worked at Sinai Hospital and became a clinical professor of orthopaedics at the University of Maryland. There, he worked with residents from several orthopaedic programs and with students.  

Dr. Aboulafia received a master’s degree in business administration from the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School in 2006. He then became the medical director of the Baltimore region’s cancer program and the chief of orthopaedic oncology at MedStar Health, where he also served as acting chief of surgery. Dr. Aboulafia joined the orthopaedic surgery department at Johns Hopkins Medicine in November 2022.  

As an academic physician, Dr. Aboulafia has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and served as course director and/or faculty member for over 60 courses. He has also been an invited speaker for more than 150 local, national and international presentations, and he serves on the editorial board or as a reviewer for over a dozen journals including the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Orthopaedics, the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Cancer and the Annals of Oncology.  

Dr. Aboulafia participates in local, national and international clinical trials as an investigator or local principal investigator. He also trains residents from several orthopaedic programs including those at MedStar, the University of Maryland, Sinai Hospital and the York residency program. 

Dr. Aboulafia has served as a member or chair of various national, international and local committees and organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American-European Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and the Maryland Orthopedic Association, and he is a past president of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and the Baltimore City Medical Society. 

The numerous prestigious accolades that Dr. Aboulafia has received throughout his career include recognition by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek and TIME for his contribution to cancer care, and in Baltimore magazine’s Top Doctors issue every year since 2014. He has also been recognized for his commitment to volunteer work, and he received a certificate of appreciation and medal from the Maryland Board of Physicians, the governor of Maryland and the secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for his work in New Orleans’ Jefferson Parish after Hurricane Katrina. The Institute for Global Health and Development applauded Dr. Aboulafia’s leadership role in Haiti with Project Medishare following the 2010 earthquake there. He also received distinguished service recognition for his work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  

Dr. Aboulafia was the inaugural recipient of the AAOS Achievement Award, and he was a fellow and mentor for the AAOS Leadership Fellows Program. The Boy Scouts of America’s Baltimore Area Council honored him with a Health Care Leadership Award in 2022.

Videos

Research Interests

Treating adults and children who have benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors

Selected Publications

  • Aradhya N, Aminpour N, Desale S, Villano A, Unger K, Al-Rafaie W. National Evaluation of Patterns and Predictors of Under-use of Multimodal Therapy for High-Risk Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Surgery.?2022 May;171(5):1348-1357.?doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.10.034.?Epub 2022 Feb 2.

  • Krumme J, MacConnell A. Wallace M, Aboulafia A, Jelinek J, Adams B, Henshaw R. Early Failures Using the Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System in Pathologic and Impending Fractures. Orthopedics. 2021;44(3):154–159.  https://doi.org/10.3928/01477447-20210416-06. 

  • Mayassi HA, Zeitlinger LN, Aboulafia AJ, Wallace MT. Reconstruction of Metastatic Bone Loss of the Proximal Femur and Acetabulum. Current Orthopaedic Practice. July/August 2020, 31(4):336-342. 

  • Sax,Oc. Mohamed NS, Pervaiz SS, Douglas SJ, Aboulafia AJ, Delenois RE. The Effect of Modern Antiretroviral Therapy on Complication Rates After Total Hip Arthroplasty. JBJS Open Access. 2021 May 4;6(2):e20.00175. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.20.00175. eCollection 2021 Apr-Jun.PMID:?34056505? 

  • Schneider P, Heels-Ansdell D, Thabane L, Ghert M on behalf of the PARITY Investigators. Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens In Tumor Surgery (PARITY): a multi-center randomized controlled study comparing alternative antibiotic regimens in patients undergoing tumor resections with endoprosthetic replacements – a statistical analysis plan. Trials 2021; 22:223.

Honors

  • Senior Achievement Award American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Health Care Leadership Award, The Boy Scouts of America Baltimore Area Council, 1/1/22
  • Inaugural Recipient Achievement Award, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 1/1/10
  • Recognition of Leadership for Relief Services in Haiti, Global Institute for Global Health and Development Project Medishare, 1/1/10
  • Certificate of Appreciation and Medal, The Maryland Board of Physicians, Governor and The Secretary of Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for Services in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, 1/1/05

Lectures & Presentations

  • Aboulafia, AJ, Zeitlinger L. "Tumors of the Upper Extremity"., Oral Presentation, Union Memorial Hand Fellows' Lecture, Baltimore, Maryland, 6/1/21
  • Benign and Malignant Primary Bone Tumors., Oral Presentation, AAOS Board Maintenance of Certification Preparation and Review, 7/1/20
  • Benign and Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors, Principles of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Metastatic Bone Tumors., Oral Presentation, AAOS Board Maintenance of Certification Preparation and Review. General Orthopaedics, Rosemont IL, 1/1/19
  • Everything or most of what you need to know about Primary and Malignant Tumors of Bone., Virtual Course, AAOS Board Maintenance of Certification, Preparation and Review., Virtual Course, 7/16/22
  • Soft Tissue Lumps and Bumps for the General Surgeon., Oral Presentation, Gastric and Soft Tissue Neoplasms 2019, Washington, D.C., 9/1/19

Memberships

  • Fellow American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Fellow American College of Surgeons
  • Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (Past President)
  • American Orthopaedic Association
  • American College of Surgeons Oncology Group
  • Baltimore City Medical Society (Past President)

Locations

  1. Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
    • 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 5009, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Get Directions
  2. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2100, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Graduate School: Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, MBA, 2006
  • Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Orthopedic Oncology, 1991
  • Residency: Keck School of Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1990
  • Medical Education: University of Michigan Medical School, MD, 1985

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1993

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
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

4.8 out of 5

204 ratings, 75 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
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    He answered my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    He also called with the results of the tests which was comforting

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    Very professional and trustworthy

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    I had to wait 70 minutes for a doctor to enter the exam room. No one came in to say he was running late.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    Provider was professional, pleasant, and knowledgeable. Nurse and PA or NP were very helpful and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/11/2026

    Professional, Experienced, Friendly, Caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/10/2026

    The experience could not have been better. There was no waiting at any time, and everyone that I dealt with was polite, courteous, and just a pleasure to be. The Dr was great.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/4/2026

    I've seen 3 other doctors that weren't able to do anything for me. This is the first one who has tried to help me

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/4/2026

    A wonderful compassionate and thoroughly informed physician. He is thoughtful, encouraging and someone a patient can really relate to.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/18/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    Excellent and caring provider.

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

    Dr. Aboulafia, is extremely easy and comfortable to talk, he communicates with straight forward user friendly easy to understand language (not educated medical terms).

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/4/2026

    He is knowledgeable and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/28/2026

    He was concise, clear about assessment of my condition, and very professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/21/2026

    Would highly recommend Dr. Aboulafia.

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

    Provider is amazing!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    My doctor is the most caring person I have ever dealt with I followed him to this facility I would recommend him to everyone He's a truly amazing human

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

    Exceptional doctor, grateful for his kind and compassionate care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/7/2026

    Dr Aboulafia is a world class surgeon who saved my leg and life with quick diagnosis followed by a very complicated, difficult surgery. I am forever grateful to Dr. Aboulafia.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/30/2025

    One of the best Dr. Visits I have had.. He certainly took time to speak to and listen to me. Very unusual for this day and age.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/30/2025

    I was impressed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    My provider was attentive. Informative and extremely helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    Well, as I arrived at the front desk, the attendant recognized that I had difficulty speaking because of my throat and took time to make conversation with me. I was comfortable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    The doctors were very professional and friendly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Very knowledgeable and helpful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/25/2025

    Great experience.

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

    I've been seeing Dr. Aboulafia since July 2022 and I've nothing but the best things to say about him, his skills as a surgeon and every other aspect of his care for me. I would recommend him to anyone who has a condition that I've had.

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

    Very knowledgeable and direct. Good communicator and checked to be certain that I understood his diagnosis and suggestions.

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

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/29/2025

    It was efficient, friendly, to the point. Overall, it was a very good experience.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/28/2025

    Dr. Aboulafia listened and was very professional. He explained the next steps.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/15/2025

    My doctor is an excellent clinician. His PA is very good also.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/8/2025

    He's the epitome of what a doctor should be

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/1/2025

    Dr. WAS VERY ATTENTIVE.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/30/2025

    He was exceptionally friendly and offered lots of entertainment during a time when it could be very uncomfortable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/24/2025

    Great physician and nurse

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/24/2025

    Friendly, knowledgeable and explained clearly

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/3/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    He is a kind gentle and competatant Doctor he saved my life

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/26/2025

    Always knowledgeable, pleasant, relaxed and thourough.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/26/2025

    The doctor was amazing with his expertise and advice.

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

    Knowledgeable, kind, approachable

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    He thoroughly explained what my results were and he eased my mind right away. Than he recommended further testing to complete his diagnosis.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    He explained everything extremely well and asked if I had any questions. He then answered all my questions completely. He was very respectful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/13/2025

    He is very personable, professional, and knowledgable. He definitely puts you at ease.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/13/2025

    Great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/30/2025

    He is knowledgeable and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/30/2025

    Very thorough and helpful. Gives good advice

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

    Nice,well educated about my problem. Listen to my concerns.

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

    Dr. Aboulafia is the absolute best. His care, expertise and patient advocacy is exceptional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/23/2025

    Excellent provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/16/2025

    Just great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/16/2025

    Dr, Aboulafia is wonderful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    This has been a life saving experience, and Dr. Aboulafia, [staff] and all are the very best health care providers.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/9/2025

    Great

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

    He gave me information to get MRI

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Very personable,l knowledgeable and reassuring.

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

    Dr. Aboulafia was excellent. He was kind, caring, and listened to me. He then immediately had a solution to my problem.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/23/2025

    Doctor Aboulafia seems very concerned and willing to do whatever it takes to diagnose my condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/18/2025

    Excellent. He explained everything very well and clearly. Easy to understand.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/18/2025

    Dr. Aboulafia took the time to listen to me, explain his findings and course of treatment. He explained in a way that I understood and was professional and easy to talk to. He did not rush through the appointment. More doctors should be like him. One of the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/12/2025

    Dr. Aboulafia is a very kind doctor who I answered all my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/11/2025

    The doctor was excellent.

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

    Knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/28/2025

    He joked around at the beginning to connect with my son. He was teaching other physicians in the room and seemed to do a good job of it.

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

    Great physician. The best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/14/2025

    Puts you at ease and makes you feel you are The Only patient he has

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/14/2025

    Very friendly Very informative Great Dr

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

    I have been working with Dr. Aboulafia for the last five years. We have had an excellent patient-doctor relationship and continue to do so. Dr. Aboulafia cares about his patients.

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

    He is intelligent and courteous and knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/23/2025

    The dr was very nice n so was his helper.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/23/2025

    Dr. Aboulafia is kind, caring and engaging. He listens to me and really seems to care about me and my quality of life.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/22/2025

    Very straightforward with diagnosis and plan. Personable but not overly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/22/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/16/2025

    My doctor is an excellent clinician and provides very poignant and exacting diagnosis of my issue