Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Alex Ambinder
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Dr. Alexander J. Ambinder is an instructor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is active in the Division of Hematology Malignancies, Leukemia Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer at Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Ambinder has expertise in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and bone marrow transplantation.
Dr. Ambinder received his B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis. He earned his M.D. from Emory University School of Medicine and his M.P.H. from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. He completed the Osler Medical Residency Training Program in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins and subsequently served as an Assistant Chief of Service (Chief Resident). He completed his fellowships in Hematology and Oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and also served as a Chief Fellow.
Dr. Ambinder is a member of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Ambinder’s principle research interest is in designing and conducting clinical trials inspired by laboratory insights to improve the management of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. He also has an interest in building large databases that will yield insights that allow for more personalized approaches to the care and treatment of patients with blood cancers.
Centers and Institutes
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Research Interests
Experimental Therapeutics for Acute Leukemias, Measurable Residual Disease
Research Summary
Dr. Ambinder’s research focuses on translating laboratory-based discoveries into new strategies to treat AML and MDS. He is working on enhancing the effectiveness of approved therapies by counteracting the protective mechanisms that cancer cells use to reduce their exposure to these agents. By pre-emptively blocking these survival mechanisms, Dr. Ambinder aims to eliminate residual leukemia, thereby increasing the chance of cure. Dr. Ambinder is also interested in developing more sophisticated databases that will allow oncologists to leverage cancer center’s cumulative experiences treating blood cancers to provide more personalized recommendations and prognoses for future patients.
PubMed - Publications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1XCga_j_yrbko/bibliography/public/
Selected Publications
Ambinder A, Hambley B, Shanbhag S, Merrill S. Ibrutinib?associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case series from Johns Hopkins. American Journal of Hematology. 2019 August; 94(11):-. doi: 10.1002/ajh.25611
Ambinder A, Miller J, DeZern A. Autoimmune disease in CMML-the chicken or the egg?. Best Practice & Research Clinical Haematology. 2020 June; 33(2):101136-. doi: 10.1016/j.beha.2019.101136
Ambinder AJ, Shenoy PJ, Nastoupil LJ, Flowers CR. Using primary site as a predictor of survival in mantle cell lymphoma. Cancer. 2013 Apr 15;119(8):1570-7. doi: 10.1002/cncr.27898. Epub 2013 Jan 22. PubMed PMID: 23341329
Dalton WB, Helmenstine E, Walsh N, Gondek LP, Kelkar DS, Read A, Natrajan R, Christenson ES, Roman B, Das S, Zhao L, Leone RD, Shinn D, Groginski T, Madugundu AK, Patil A, Zabransky DJ, Medford A, Lee J, Cole AJ, Rosen M, Thakar M, Ambinder A, Donaldson J, DeZern AE, Cravero K, Chu D, Madero-Marroquin R, Pandey A, Hurley PJ, Lauring J, Park BH. Hotspot SF3B1 mutations induce metabolic reprogramming and vulnerability to serine deprivation. J Clin Invest. 2019 Aug 8;129(11):4708-4723. doi: 10.1172/JCI125022. PubMed PMID: 31393856; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6819102
Gavriilaki E, Yuan X, Ye Z, Ambinder AJ, Shanbhag SP, Streiff MB, Kickler TS, Moliterno AR, Sperati CJ, Brodsky RA. Modified Ham test for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Blood. 2015 Jun 4;125(23):3637-46. doi: 10.1182/blood-2015-02-629683. Epub 2015 Apr 10. PubMed PMID: 25862562; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4784297
Honors
- Chief Fellow, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, 1/1/19
- Assistant Chief of Service (Longcope Firm), Osler Medical Residency Training Program, Johns Hopkins, 1/1/17
Memberships
- American Society of Hematology
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
Locations
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- 401 North Broadway Street, Weinberg BLDG, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-8964
- fax: 410-367-2194
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Oncology, 2020
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, 2017
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, 2016
- Medical Education: Emory University School of Medicine, MD, 2013
- Graduate School: Emory University, MPH, 2013
Board Certifications
- Medical Oncology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2020
- Hematology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2020
- Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2016
Insurance
- 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
110 ratings, 55 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 3/20/2026
Dr Ambinder in an expert for my medical affliction.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Dr. Ambinder has been great! He has made it easy to obtain my treatments. He's very down-to-earth.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Dr Ambinder has my respect and trust. He made me feel reassured in my diagnosis and plan forward
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
This provider was very knowledgable, kind, and listened and responding excellently to my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Excellent care and support for current medical concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Very good and caring and shows concern.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Impressive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
I am satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
He is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
The visit provided answers to all my questions - kind , courteous, and factual info I needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
Dr. Ambinder is thoroughly knowledgeable about my disease and, importantly, gave me all the time I needed to make decisions about moving forward. I also appreciated that he took the time while I was there to contact my local oncologist to confer about my treatment plan.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Ambinder provides excellent care in support of my needs. He listens to my concerns and addresses each issue accordingly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Ambinder is an excellent provider. He is simply everything that you would hope that your doctor would be. I couldn't be more pleased that he's my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Great experience over two years with Dr. Ambinder. Always on top of my record and labs, and goes well beyond just oncology issues when looking at my health.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr. Alex Ambinder is the best Dr I've ever had . He's always consistently professional, provides the necessary education so I have full understanding, and shows genuine care for my wel being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
I feel he is very truthful with me. He is frank about the way the treatment is going and some of the options we can look into.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Dr. Ambinder is very patient and understanding. He took the time to go over my treatment in detail and addressed any concerns I had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Excellent doctor, so glad to have his expertise in my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
He cares about my health concern, and always comes up with a care plan.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
Doctor Ambinder showed genuine care and compassion in every interaction. He listened with us, explained everything with clarity, and treated us with great respect. During a time that could have been overwhelming, his calm presence and dedication brought comfort and confidence.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
He spent a great deal of time with us, asked a lot of questions, explained things thoroughly and was very kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Very knowledgeable about my medical problem Talked to me on a level I understand and was very positive and reassuring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr Ambinder take very good care of me and shows a genuine interest in my well being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Without Dr Ambinder, I would have died in March 2024
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr Ambinder is very good in explaining issues related to my case n nicely provide further information when asked. He seems very knowledgeable n on top his game.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2025
Dr. Ambinder is an excellent physician. He listens very well and explains thoroughly. His knowledge is first rate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2025
Dr. Alex Ambinder is an excellent doctor. Very patient very understanding, professional and informative regarding my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Great Doctor, explained my condition and listened to what I had to say.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Ambinder made sure my family and I understood the next steps in my treatment. We discussed the plan and he addressed all of our concerns and answered all of the questions my family and I had. Dr. Ambinder is very patient and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Dr. Alexander Ambinder is an excellent and outstanding doctor.. He listens to concerns and extremely thoughtful in addressing all responses. Certainly an expert In his field, Dr. Ambinder's leadership has been extremely Influential In my treatment process.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Efficient, knowledgeable patient,listens well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Dr. Ambinder was easy to talk to, asked good questions of me and answered my questions thoroughly and clearly. I went for a consultation on the care I've been receiving and to understand better where my case fits in the range of the disease. He also agreed to see me for further consultations when needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Dr. Ambinder is kind, concerned and very knowledgeable. He always makes me feel that he cares about me as both a patient and a person. I can't say that about many doctors. I trust him completely.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Dr. Ambinder is a wonderful doctor. He is very thorough and caring. I trust his judgement and I feel extremely fortunate to have him as my doctor. I appreciate that he is personable and straightforward.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Alexander Ambinder is the best provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr. Ambinder is a great listener and extremely intuitive. Clearly discusses options after carefully considering physical condition and any challenges w meds. He Is an exceptional doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Dr. Ambinder is the best. I'm glad the Lord provided me with an awesome Doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Dr. Ambinder is a kind considerate physical who explains and answers questions. And when he can't, admits he can't and gets back to me with answers when he can answer the question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
Both providers were professional, kind and compassionate. They both took time to make sure I understood test results, treatment plans, etc.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
Great Dr and knew what he was talking about and had a very good bed side manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2025
As always, it is very comforting to see Dr. Ambinder. He is an excellent doctor and addresses my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Down to earth, very knowledgeable about my cancers and treatment. Shows focused interest in me and my care and feelings.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
I was getting treatment at UPENN the last 2 years. After talking with Dr. Ambinder I decided to switch hospitals for my upcoming bone marrow transplant.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
My provider did an excellent job
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
He was knowledgeable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
The best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
Highly professional kind and courteous. Well versed in my situation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
I'm Doctor Ambinder is my doctor. Easy to talk to and listens very well to my concerns. I'm sure my care is very important to him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Excellent clinician and academician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Very kind young doctor, who took his time with us and was spoke to our concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Very helpful and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
Dr. Ambinder cares for me as a patient and a person. He provides the expertise and confidence I need in a physician. I trust him completely.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Wonderful, caring physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2025
Dr. Alex Ambinder is a wonderful doctor. He went over all of my lab work and explained what things meant. He asked many questions and gave me a check-up. He always takes his time and shows genuine concern and compassion. I feel so grateful and blessed that he is my oncologist. My entire experience at JHH has been top-notch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2025
Dr Ambinder always is thorough and explains everything so that I understand and am comfortable.