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Amy DeZern

Amy DeZern, MD, MHS

Hematologic Malignancy

Accepting New Patients

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

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

Languages

  • English

Gender

Female

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Amy DeZern

Professional Titles

  • Vice Chair for Hematologic Malignancies
  • Director, Bone Marrow Failure and MDS Program

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Oncology

Johns Hopkins Physician

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Background

Dr. DeZern is a Professor of Oncology and Medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  She is active in the Division of Hematology Malignancies, Leukemia Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.

Dr. DeZern has expertise in aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, acute myeloid leukemia, and bone marrow transplantation.

Dr. DeZern received her medical degree at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins, followed by fellowships in medical oncology and hematology, as well as obtained a Masters in Clinical Investigations at the Bloomberg School of Public health.

Dr. DeZern is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

Dr. DeZern’s principle research activities consist of designing and conducting clinical trials that test investigational new therapies and approaches in the treatment of bone marrow failure (aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes). She has specific expertise in the use of alternative donor bone marrow transplantation in patients with severe aplastic anemia and trials of novel therapeutics for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.  Additionally, she has taken a rigorous approach to the study of diagnostics and supportive case (such as transfusion practices) in these patient populations.  She is or has been the Principal Investigator for a number of multicenter trials in collaboration with the MDS Clinical Research Consortium, the Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group (ECOG)-ACRIN and now the Bone Marrow Trials Clinical Trials Network (BMTCTN).   She is the Study Chair for the multi-site BMTCTN study (CHAMP) investigating the role of haploidentical donor transplantation using post-transplantation cyclophosphamide in patients with relapsed several aplastic anemia. Dr. DeZern is the local PI as well as the Deputy Chair for The National MDS Study, a collaborative natural history study of the NHLBI and the NCI.  As a clinical investigator with a focus on translation of novel treatments to the clinic, Dr. DeZern’s goal is to improve outcomes for patients with bone marrow failure at the bedside and in her research environment. 

Clinical Trial Keywords

Aplastic Anemia; PNH; MDS; Acute Leukemias, Myeloid Disorders; Bone marrow transplant; Bone Marrow Malignancies

Find a Clinical Trial

View all trials by this principal investigator.

Additional Academic Titles

Professor of Medicine

Contact for Research Inquiries

1650 Orleans Street
CRB 1 Room 3M87
Baltimore, MD 21287

Phone: (410) 502-7208

Research Interests

Bone Marrow Failure Disorders, Bone Marrow Transplantation in Patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia, Novel Therapeutics for Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Research Summary

Dr. DeZern’s research involves a series of clinical investigations related to diagnosis and treatment of   bone marrow failure (BMF).  Her work is demonstrably changing the standard of care for aplastic anemia and she is the leader of our myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) clinical trials program.  She is nationally recognized for her work in marrow failure, both aplastic anemia and MDS.  She has distinguished herself as a translator in several novel areas of clinical investigation. She has demonstrated the role of specialized testing to distinguish cellular marrow failure disorders as well genetic evaluations for patients with both inherited and acquired BMF.  She also sees patients with cytopenias that may be precursor states to MDS.  Dr. DeZern has pioneered a novel treatment approach for relapsed and refractory severe aplastic anemia as well brought haploidentical transplantation to the forefront of therapy for all aplastic anemia patients.  Additionally, she has lead several efforts and clinical trials at Hopkins which have resulted in recent approvals of novel therapies for those with MDS. Her ability to develop and translate new biologic insights into the clinical arena has made her a most sought-after clinician for patients and a clinical collaborator for those in research.

Selected Publications

  • DeZern AE, Zahurak M, Symons H, Cooke K, Jones RJ, Brodsky RA. Alternative Donor Transplantation with High-Dose Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide for Refractory Severe Aplastic Anemia. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2017 Mar;23(3):498-504. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.12.628. Epub 2016 Dec 21.

  • DeZern AE, Zahurak ML, Symons HJ, Cooke KR, Rosner GL, Gladstone DE, Huff CA, Swinnen LJ, Imus P, Borrello I, Wagner-Johnston N, Ambinder RF, Luznik L, Bolaños-Meade J, Fuchs EJ, Jones RJ, Brodsky RA. Haploidentical BMT for severe aplastic anemia with intensive GVHD prophylaxis including posttransplant cyclophosphamide. Blood Adv. 2020 Apr 28;4(8):1770-1779. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020001729.

  • Dalton WB, Helmenstine E, Pieterse L, Li B, Gocke CD, Donaldson J, Xiao Z, Gondek LP, Ghiaur G, Gojo I, Smith BD, Levis MJ, DeZern AE. The K666N mutation in SF3B1 is associated with increased progression of MDS and distinct RNA splicing. Blood Adv. 2020 Apr 14;4(7):1192-1196. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001127. No abstract available.

  • Gondek LP, DeZern AE. Assessing clonal haematopoiesis: clinical burdens and benefits of diagnosing myelodysplastic syndrome precursor states. Lancet Haematol. 2020 Jan;7(1):e73-e81. doi: 10.1016/S2352-3026(19)30211-X. Epub 2019 Dec 3. Review.

  • Schratz KE, DeZern AE. Genetic Predisposition to Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Clinical Practice. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2020 Apr;34(2):333-356. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2019.10.002. Epub 2020 Jan 6. Review.

Honors

  • Emerging Women's Leadership Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  • NCI Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award
  • Deputy Chair, The National MDS Study, NHLBI, 1/1/20
  • Director's Teaching Award, Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1/1/13
  • Assistant Chief of Service, Osler Medical Service, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1/1/09

Memberships

  • American Society of Hematology,

    Member

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology,

    Member

  • American Board of Internal Medicine,

    Member

  • American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy,

    Member

Professional Activities

  • AA-MDS International Foundation, Medical Advisory Board, 1/1/13
  • American Society of Hematology, Committee on Educational Affairs, 1/1/19
  • American Society of Hematology, Scientific Committee on Bone Marrow Failure, 1/1/20
  • The Hematologist, American Society of Hematology, Contributing Editor, 1/1/19
  • The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Faculty Senate, 1/1/18

Locations

  1. Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
    • 401 North Broadway Street, Weinberg BLDG, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Oncology, 2012
  • Graduate School: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MHS, 2011
  • Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, 2009
  • Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, 2008
  • Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 2005

Board Certifications

  • Hematology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2013
  • Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2008

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

167 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 3/10/2026

    Dr Dezern is an incredible person!!

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

    Dr DeZern is always informed and has the latest updates on my condition and relays that information to me in a way I can fully understand.

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

    She could very well be the best in the world

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    I was very pleased with Amy D. She was very easy to talk to, explained things very well & I did not feel rushed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    Wonderful doctor -- brilliant

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/20/2026

    Dr DeZern is brilliant, compassionate, and effective. I am so grateful for her care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/20/2026

    Dr. Amy DeZern is the best. Love her.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    Dr. Dezern is an expert in her field and I trust her completely. She's compassionate and thorough, with a straightforward, honest demeanor that I appreciate. She's creates and encourages an open dialogue and always explains everything to my satisfaction. She is genuine in her interactions with me, attentive to my input and concerns and is fully invested in my wellbeing.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    Dr DeZern is a brilliant physician. She is kind & empathetic, never rushes the visit. She is direct in her answers - asking the right question may also be the trick! I am very grateful to be under her care. Simply the best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    Dr. Amy DeZern is wonderful. Showed great concern and compassion and is extremely knowledgeable. Explained everything in great detail and made me feel very comfortable as a patient. Highly recommend her.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/3/2026

    Amy Dezern is a wonderful caring knowledgeable professional! So glad we were scheduled with her 3 years ago when I began at Hopkins

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Dr. DeZern is a wonderful, caring and empathetic provider. She is patient centric and gives frank and honest advice and guidance. Even when she has information or results that are not positive she delivers the information in a caring and supportive way. She takes a sincere interest in each of her patients and I feel that I am not just another patient she has to see.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Dr DeZern is the best in her field and I am very thankful she is my doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Dr. DeZern is an excellent doctor, she listens carefully to my concerns, and helps me come up with a plan to sort them out. She has always been available when I need her.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/23/2026

    Dr. DeZern is absolutely the best . . . Through, caring , kind and compassionate- I truly cannot say enough good about her.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/20/2026

    I feel very lucky to have her as my doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Dr. Dezern is the best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Dr listened and was well informed of my needs and conditions

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

    Dr. DeZern is not my main provider, she works together with [staff] and is 100% informed about my disease. She was very thorough in explaining my situation.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Dr. DeZern is world class - always knowledgeable, thoughtful, thorough, and personable. I feel very lucky to have her as my oncologist

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    My first visit exceeded my high expectations. Thank you!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/6/2026

    Most excellent Doctor, kind & caring..

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

    Amazing, comforting and concerned.

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

    Dr DeZern provided a much needed consultation that answered a lot of our questions and provided much needed insight and expertise in her specialty, aplastic anemia & bone marrow transplant. Before the meeting, I was very concerned with the advise I was receiving but after the meeting most of my anxieties were put to rest.

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

    Wonderful -- best possible.

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

    Dr. DeZern is a superb clinician. She is courteous, professional and knowledgeable. I trust her totally.

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

    Dr Dezern is a wonderful doctor. She is considerate, warm and genuinely listens.

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

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Excellent. Would be a good witness based upon her ability to explain including a timely sense of humor. She would be a very good expert witness.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    Excellent adherence to actual scientific principals in all areas except one.

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

    Dr DeZern and [staff] have provided excellent, compassionate care prior to and after my stem cell transplant.

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

    It was impressive how thoroughly my doctor had read my medical history. She asked me many important questions to gather additional information.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Dr DeZern was very patient, she explained everything with great care. It was a very calming experience.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/17/2025

    Compassionate, thorough. Dr. DeZern coordinates with my other physicians to ensure the best care for me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/17/2025

    Superb physician

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

    Dr. DeZern is an exceptionally fine physician. She is incredibly knowledgeable and caring. Her responsiveness is incredible. I am so fortunate to have her in my corner. She is the very best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Dr. DeZern is a compassionate, caring and empathetic physician. She listens and ensures we understand the results of tests, prognosis and treatment options.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Explains everything so that I can understand about my condition. If I have any questions or concerns she gets back to me in a timely manner.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/19/2025

    Excellent

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

    DeZern arranged everything from her end. It was seem less. Issues arose with the interface with Sibley for bloodwork. They are not up to speed about the cutting edge science.

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

    Always prompt giving lab results

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

    Dr DeZern is thorough, easy to understand and accessible. She is the best!

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

    Gives me great confidence in her ability and skills!

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

    Dr. DeZern is the absolute best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Explained everything, answered all questions , permitted daughter in Dallas to listen and ask questions by phone.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    Dr DeZern is an Excellent provider, very kind and compassionate.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    Dr. DeZern is a fine doctor and person. I am grateful to have her leading me through the whole oncology experience

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    Friendly, very supportive and explained my treatment and progress in an easy way for me to understand.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/12/2025

    I loved seeing her again and look forward to to seeing her next year

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/12/2025

    Dr Dezern was very informative to help us I'm grateful she had accepted me as a patient.

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

    Excellent knowledge and bedside manner

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    My provider has been very concerned about my condition, knowledgeable, and helpful in explaining what is needed for my condition/treatment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Dr DeZern was very knowledgeable with a calming demeanor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/22/2025

    Concerned provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/22/2025

    Competent, friendly, thorough.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/22/2025

    Top knotch

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    Dr DeZern and team are the absolute best. I am alive and cured because of the Dr's brilliant mind and care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    Dr. DeZern is the best!!! She's not only brilliant she is also very kind!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    Who likes to go to their oncologist? I do - Dr. DeZern Is a wonderful provider and person/ extremely competent and caring and a delight to see.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    I received excellent care. Thank you!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/1/2025

    Dr DeZern is the BEST! I apparently have a rare and complex condition and seems determined to solve the problem.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Doctor DeZern is a super doctor. Excellent, professional, very knowledgeable, pleasant and is right-on-target with all of her answers.

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

    Dr DeZern is an excellent Dr she is taking Good care of me

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

    Amazing

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

    I feel fortunate, and am grateful, to be in the care of Dr. DeZern. I have a very unusual condition in which she has rare expertise. She listens well and communicates clearly. She is patient, kind, and understanding.

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

    Very good visit. Dr DeZern reads my info before the meeting She is caring and is interested in.me as a person.

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

    Amy is tops and JHH should know that. Professiona and compassionate but is attuned to you as a a person and incredibly smart. Tops on my view.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/27/2025

    Dr DeZern is by far the most outstanding physician who saved my life with her attention to complete care and treatment !

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/27/2025

    Dr DeZern is professional, while providing a personal interest in not only medical issue but also overall state of my Family and my wellbeing.

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

    Dr. DeZern is an absolute gem of a doctor! Superb in every way, I am so glad I met with her. Johns Hopkins is lucky to have her.

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

    Dr. DeZern is the most informed expert on my problem in the area and, perhaps, nationwide. Beyond the professional expertise she has been my emotional support in dealing with a likely fatal chronic illness. I am so fortunate to have her support.

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

    This second opinion changed the care I will be given. She was fantastic.

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

    Working with Dr DeZern is always a pleasant experience. I am very sick, anWorking with Dr. DeZern is always a pleasant and reassuring experience. As someone dealing with severe aplastic anemia, I consider myself fortunate to be under her care. She not only provides expert treatment herself but also coordinates seamlessly with other specialists involved in my care. Dr. DeZern is widely respected in her field-her reputation as a world-renowned hematologist is well deserved. I truly feel I'm in the best hands possible.

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

    Dr DeZern is engaging and compassionate. She listened to us and communicated complex clinical information in an easy to understand manner. Dr DeZern was very candid in her assessment and provided patient centric care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/29/2025

    Excellent!!