
Alexander Hillel, MD
LaryngologyOtolaryngology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Alexander Hillel
Professional Titles
- Vice Director of Education, Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Alexander Hillel specializes in the medical and surgical management of patients who have scar tissue blocking their larynx and/or trachea, a condition called laryngotracheal stenosis. This condition occurs in patients who have had prolonged intubation, an autoimmune disease or a rare disease called idiopathic subglottic stenosis. He also treats patients with voice and throat problems, including spasmodic dysphonia and swallowing difficulty.
After he earned his medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Hillel completed his residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a fellowship in laryngology and airway surgery at the Emory Voice Center.
Dr. Hillel directs a laboratory that seeks to better understand why scar forms in the larynx and trachea. In an effort to improve treatment, he and his team investigate the relationship between the immune system, bacteria and other antigens and scar formation in the airway. He has led a number of clinical trials to improve treatment for subglottic stenosis, including the first interventional study for idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Researchers in Dr. Hillel’s lab are also testing drugs that may halt the progression of, or reverse, scar formation, and they have engineered a drug-eluting stent that is being tested to translate to patients with subglottic stenosis. He holds sponsored grants to conduct his research from the National Institutes of Health, surgical foundations and the medical device industry.
In addition to clinical and research work, Dr. Hillel has a leadership role within the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, serving as the vice director of education.
Centers and Institutes
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
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Breathing Easier: One Woman’s Journey from Misdiagnosis to Specialized Care for a Rare Airway Disease, Johns Hopkins Medicine (2/27/26)
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New Johns Hopkins Study Examines Oral Use of Everolimus to Treat Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis (iSGS) (11/14/2024)
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Tracheal Stenosis: John's Story
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Comprehensive Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis, HeadWay (Winter 2017)
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
Research Interests
- Development of biomaterial therapeutics for subglottic stenosis
- Laryngeal and soft tissue fillers
- Laryngeal tissue engineering
- Tracheal transplantation
Lab Website
Hillel Laboratory - Lab Website
Dr. Alexander Hillel's clinical practice and research focuses centers on risk factors for, the prevention of, and treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) and other diseases of the trachea and larynx. His laboratory developed robust in vitro and in vivo model systems to study immunologic and metabolic mechanisms promoting laryngotracheal inflammation, airway wall remodeling, and fibrosis to develop new therapies targeting airway disease. Ongoing efforts include applying a novel drug-eluting stent to influence to treat laryngotracheal stenosis. He serves on the leadership team of the North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC) which is an international organization dedicated to improving our understanding of adult airway disease and developing effective, cost-conscious treatments.
PubMed - Publications
Honors
- 2024: Faculty Mentoring Award, Dept of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2015: George Nager Teaching Award, Dept of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Memberships
- American Laryngological Association
- American Broncho-Esophagological Association
- The Triological Society
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Locations
- Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-6467
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2500, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2297
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 4920, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 301-530-2650
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology, 2012
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2010
- Medical Education: Tulane University School of Medicine, MD, 2004
Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2011
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
4.9 out of 5
283 ratings, 108 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 3/10/2026
This was my first time seeing the Physician and I felt he was extremely competent, polite and attentive to my care. I really enjoyed my visit with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Excellent appt
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
Dr. Hillel consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Awesome
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
He was great - first time I've seen him. Went to him because my previous doctor ([staff]) retired and recommended I see Dr. Hillel for future follow up and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Took time to explain my condition and time needed for healing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Dr Hillel explained my choices thoroughly and gave me clear information to consider my options and make decisions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Dr Hillel is kind, compassionate, and always explains. I appreciate the time he takes to listen as well as the time he takes with me. I never feel like I am ""just a patient.""
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
The doctor and his team understood my condition and provided a treatment plan and follow up.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
He is nice, kind and friendly provider I met
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
The Best of the Best. A truly Gifted Treasure of a Doctor, a Blessing to me and my Family.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Really listens, empathetic .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Always great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/16/2026
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Expertly knowledgeable.l, thoroug and considerate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr Hillel handled with expertise and sensitivity a necessarily uncomfortable medical procedure
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Very happy with the care provided by Dr Hillel and his team. He is very attentive and responsive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Dr. Hillel is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
This was a post surgery visit and obtained helpful information
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Very caring and professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Dr. Hillel is an excellent provider. He is knowledgeable, kind and caring. He goes the extra mile for his patients and is an expert in his field of practice. I am very thankful for his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
This was my first visit with Dr. Hillel. He was excellent. Early to the appointment, focused on me, his exam of my throat and vocal cords was thorough and focused.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
I'm grateful to have Dr Hillel caring for my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Excellent Doctor and Excellent service.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Dr. Hillel is exceptional. He is widely-known known as an expert In his field. After looking Into other doctors in various locations In the U.S. I traveled from Nebraska specifically to meet with Dr. Hillel. Explained my medical issue to me in detail, discussed available treatments. He listened thoughtfully. He is very knowledgeable and approachable. He answered my husband's questions as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr. Hillel is the absolute best doctor. I am so grateful for his time and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
He was friendly, respectful and jovial. Concerned by any unspoken issues and to contact for future related issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
They were very professional and good at what they do. I definitely saw improvement in my voice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hillel for his exceptional kindness and expertise during my recent vocal cord filler injection. When the oral route was not possible, Dr. Hillel's compassionate approach led him to select an alternative method, prioritizing my comfort and well-being-his clear explanations about each step of the procedure and what to expect provided great reassurance. I am especially appreciative of his thoughtful arrangements for a secure area to monitor my recovery, ensuring my safety throughout the process. Thank you, Dr. Hillel, for your outstanding care and dedication!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
Excellent. Clear. Good at explaining complicated surgery. Confidence inspiring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
Very thorough, very caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/29/2025
Dr. HILLEL IS A GREAT DOCTOR. GOOD BEDSIDE MANNERS. HE TAKES TIME TO LISTEN AND ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE FOR HIM.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr Hillel changed my life six years ago when he rebuilt my airway. He is absolutely the best. I can't say enough good about him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
EXCEPTIONAL
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/15/2025
Excellent service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
He strikes me as very capable, competent and knowledgeable. He's an excellent communicator and explained things clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
He was very attentive and explained my next move.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Hillel is awesome!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Excellent listened, asked pertinent questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Hillel is great. I would recommend him to anyone.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Good guy. He happened to be taught by a doctor I had at USC Medical Hospital. Small world.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Very outstanding, thorough and detail, excellent communication skill, very patient and respect!Very impressed that Dr. Hillel provided me great detailed examination with findings about my difficulty swallow issues. And offered me several referral recommendations! I definitely very appreciate Dr. Hillel.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Great interpersonal engagement!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Received some good tips from the assistant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
The Best Doctor Who understands my problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
I have always found Dr. Hillel to be professional and attentive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Dr Hillel and his team are wonderful. They are professional and very kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/3/2025
I trust Dr Hillel implicitly!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/27/2025
I have had a chronic cough for 10 or more years and have seen many doctors. Dr. Hillel is the first doctor to identify my problem and offer suggestions. He also provided me with a handout that explained the condition clearly. The handout also included a list of good foods to eat and those that would cause problems. He suggested I contact a gastroenterologist to help manage my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
It is always a pleasure to visit Dr. Hillel.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Good natured
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr. Hillel has provided excellent service. He truly helps me to understand my medical condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/20/2025
I visited with a kind and competent speech pathologist who took me through exercises that explored the concerns I was having. The pathologist then provided a brief overview for some speech therapy options. The Doctor was also fantastic and did not just rely on the pathologist's video findings which he reviewed, he physically assessed the laryngeal structures by palpating and having me move articulators such that laryngeal functions and movement were assessed. Then the Doctor reviewed the video of the vacalis abducted and adducted to illustrate the muscular tension present when phonating at lower pitches.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr Hillel explained the need to stabilize the weak edge of my weakened vocal cord
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Continue the excellent service that you provide
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Very much liked Dr Hillel. Listened to me, showed concern, demonstrated competence
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
I was very pleased with everything and everyone during this visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Careful, knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/29/2025
Clearly had reviewed my chart prior to coming in to the visit and was up to speed on my issues, discussed things very thoroughly with me, answered all my questions directly, did not rush me at all and spent a very long time with me, was very personable and approachable. He is true subject matter expert that made me feel very comfortable. He was collaborative in deciding on a course of treatment, taking my ideas and preferences into account with appropriate weight.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Dr. Hillel is always a pleasure to visit. Very knowledgeable about my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
He was fast at finding the problem and explained it well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2025
Dr. Hillel is the best doctor I have ever had In my life, I cant praise him enough. John Hopkins Is lucky to have him, please keep him happy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Dr. Hillel has been amazing. He has been thorough, explained my options clearly, described what the process would be like, sensitive to the distance I am coming from to see him, and has provided excellent care. I can't recommend or speak highly enough about him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/18/2025
Excellent patient care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/11/2025
Very much like and respect Dr. Hillel.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
I have been to several specialists on my health journey the past 14 years. Dr Hillel is top-notch. He shows such concern and always follows up with any questions I have. He calls me or responds on my portal quickly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Excellent bed side manners! He was so friendly and didn't rush the appointment. He explained all that was done in the visit, what the results were and my options going forward. Waited for any of my questions and gave derailed answers. Very easy to be with this doctor. Great visit!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Dr. Hillel is one of the best medical professionals I've encountered in my 75 year lifetime.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Very thorough, very professional and very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
I feel Dr Hillel is trying to make the best out of a difficult situation (paralyzed vocal cord).
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Dr Hillel is a wonderful doctor and his assistant [staff] goes beyond to help with scheduling and anything I need. I am always completely satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Dr. Hillel was welcoming and very pleasant and attentive to my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
He was very nice. His assistant was great she interacted with us more than he did. But they both were knowledgeable and respectful. They even listened to me complain about something they had nothing to do with. It was a pleasant visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
It was very refreshing to have the doctor , assistant, and nurse all there with me asking questions and working together as a team
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/21/2025
Left confident he would take care of the problem.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Very good Doctor explains everything and is very pleasant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Dr. Hillel is very caring and personable. He puts my fears at ease.Very knowledgeable about my condition and takes the time to explain every option in detail.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Dr. Hillel ensured I was given every opportunity to take an active role regarding my health.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Always friendly and professional, answers questions and very competent with the procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Very caring and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Dr Hillel is great. He's very thorough, professional, and friendly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Dr. Hillel is a terrific doctor. He is communicative, listens well and allows the patient full participation in the schedule/choice of treatment, explaining the options and possible outcomes!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Very knowledgeable, listened to concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Dr. Hillel and his attending resident and SLP were both exceptional. They were professional, thorough, informative and accommodating when my original appointment with another doctor was canceled without my knowledge.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Excellent
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Dr. Hillel and the PA or his assistant who did my scope were both amazing
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/2/2025
Dr. Hillel is my favorite care provider I've ever interacted with in my life!
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
I felt like the doctor and his assistant was really trying to see what was bothering me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Dr. Hillel is thorough and kind and I appreciate him so much!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Great health care provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
I am a physician associate and was seen as a patient. I was very impressed with the years of checking in to the appointment at the office, the medical assistant who attended information as well as Dr. Hillel.He is very candidate, very specific And direct with i Medical information and Options for my diagnosis.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
The best, most caring, kind, efficient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2025
Accommodated me for a next day appointment when I requested to be seen sooner. Just the entire experience from the scheduling to the visit were excellent. I'm glad to have Dr. Hillel as a doctor I can go to with medical concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2025
Very nice and very helpful explains everything
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/21/2025
Patient. Kind. Extremely knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/21/2025
He doesn't rush, listens and takes care in our conversations and treatment planning
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/21/2025
Could never be better. He's excellent in all ways!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Hillel for an ENT consult on the reason for a chronic cough. After a diagnostic test Dr. Hillel was able to explain what the reason is for the cough and provided treatment options. We agreed to a treatment plan before I left his office.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
Excellent