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Douglas W. Ball

Douglas W. Ball, MD

EndocrinologyDiagnostic Radiology

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Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Infant 0-2
  • Child 3-12
  • Adolescent 13-17
  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Douglas W. Ball

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Medicine

Johns Hopkins Physician

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Background

Dr. Douglas Ball is an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He holds a joint appointment in oncology. His areas of clinical expertise include diagnostic radiology, endocrine oncology, thyroid cancer and thyroid diseases. 

Dr. Ball earned his M.D. from the George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh-Presbyterian University Hospital and performed a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at Johns Hopkins. 

His research interests include medullary thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Additional Academic Titles

Associate Professor of Oncology

Research Interests

anaplastic thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer

Lab Website

Douglas Ball Lab

  • The Douglas Ball Lab conducts clinical trials and pre-clinical laboratory studies of thyroid cancer. Our clinical trials, performed in collaboration with research staff in the upper aero-digestive group in the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, have included protocols for advanced radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. Our pre-clinical research, conducted with Dr. Nelkin, Dr. Agrawal and other Kimmel Cancer Center researchers, includes pathogenesis and mechanisms of treatment resistance in medullary thyroid cancer, and pathogenesis and immune-directed therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Research Summary

Dr. Ball is an endocrinologist who is involved in clinical trials and pre-clinical laboratory studies in thyroid cancer. His clinical trials have included protocols for advanced radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. These studies are performed in collaboration with research staff in the upper aero-digestive group in the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Dr. Ball is associate protocol chair and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Thyroid Oncology Group (ITOG). He's developed national trials through this cooperative group. A focus of these clinical trials is the role of multikinase inhibitors, and inhibitors of the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K pathways.

In pre-clinical research, Dr. Ball collaborates with Dr. Nelkin, Dr. Agrawal and others in the cancer biology division of the Kimmel Cancer Center. The principal areas of this research include pathogenesis and mechanisms of treatment resistance in medullary thyroid cancer, and pathogenesis and immune-directed therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Recent studies have also focused on targeting the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K pathways in differentiated thyroid cancer. This work is supported by the NIH and American Cancer Society.

Selected Publications

  • Agrawal N, Jiao Y, Sausen M, Leary R, Bettegowda C, Roberts N, Bhan S, Ho AS, Khan Z, Bishop J, Westra WH, Wood LD, Hruban RH, Tufano RP, Robinson B, Dralle H, Toledo SPA, Toledo RA, Morris LGT, Ghossein R, Fagin JA, Chan TA, Velculescu VA, Vogelstein B, Kinzler KW, PapadopoulosN, Nelkin BD, and Ball DW. Exomic sequencing of medullary thyroid cancer reveals dominant and mutually exclusive oncogenic mutations in RET and RAS. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 98:E364-9, 2013.

  • Elisei R, Schlumberger M, Mueller S, Schoffski P, Brose M, Shah M, Licitra L, Jarzab B, Medvedev V, Kreissl M, Niederle B, Cohen E, Wirth L, Ali H, Hessel C, Yaron Y, Ball D Nelkin B, Sherman S. Cabozantinib in Progressive Medullary Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Oncol, 31:3639-46, 2013.

  • Jin N, Jiang T, Rosen DN, Nelkin BD, Ball DW . Synergistic action of a RAF inhibitor and dual PI-3 Kinase / mTOR inhibitor in thyroid cancer. Clin Can Res 17:6482-9, 2011.

  • Wilky BA, Rudek MA, Ahmed S, Laheru DA, Cosgrove D, Donehower RC, Nelkin B, Ball DW, Doyle LA, Chen H, Ye X, Azad N. A Phase I trial of vertical inhibition of IGF signaling using cixutumumab, an anti-IGF1-R antibody, and selumetinib, a MEK 1/2 inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors, British Journal of Cancer, 2014, in press.

Locations

  1. Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
  2. Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center
    • 201 North Broadway Street, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Get Directions
  3. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10751 Falls Road, Falls Concourse STE 412, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Endocrinology, 1991
  • Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Internal Medicine, 1987
  • Medical Education: The George Washington University School of Medicine, MD, 1984

Board Certifications

  • Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1987

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

4.9 out of 5

231 ratings, 104 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 3/19/2026

    Very knowledgeable about my condition-I left with additional information and was very pleased

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

    Thanks

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/17/2026

    I like him as a doctor. He listens. I hope he's not ready to retire yet

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/13/2026

    He listens closely and answers my concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/13/2026

    Execellent provider, knowledgeable, spoke well and did background review for the call

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/13/2026

    Excellent info from provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    Very professional, respectful, and culturally sensitive, and very knowledgeable of my health/medical conditions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    Always a good visit with Dr Ball.

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

    Dr. Ball is an excellent Endocrinologist..I happy to have been given the recommendation to see him.

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

    Dr. Ball is fabulous, I would reccomend him to anyone who has cancer. I feel he takes great care to dot all the eyes and cross all the tees. I feel safe in he hands.

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

    Dr Ball is an excellent doctor who ensures I understand all that's going on with my health. He takes his time and reviews and explains test results and my concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Dr Ball is of the most caring and skilled doctors I've ever hsd

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/26/2026

    Dr. Ball was kind, extremely knowledgeable and made me feel I was in very capable hands.I was extremely glad I sought him out for a second opinion for my health care decisions

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

    Dr Ball is very thorough. He is always prepared, listens attentively, explains things well, and is very compassionate.

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

    I'm thankful to be a patient of Dr. Ball's

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

    Dr. Ball is kind, methodical, pensive, analytical, smart, thorough, patient, studious, quietly friendly.I think very highly of him.

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

    Excellent physician

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/17/2026

    Excellent provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/16/2026

    Dr Ball is an endocrinologist so many of these questions are not relevant since they pertain to a primary care physician.

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

    Dr Ball emulates a knowledgeable and experienced provider. He showed care and spent time enough to explain test results and options for treatment plan.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/12/2026

    Excellent listener, very kind and clear and thorough

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

    Listened to my wife's and my concerns. Compassionate since the prognosis wasn't the best outcome we were hoping to get.

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

    We are happy to receive the care we need from Hopkins and Dr.Ball.

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

    Dr Ball is both professional and personable. He asks questions and listens. He is thorough and does not rush. He is an excellent physician.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/26/2026

    I really appreciate Dr. Ball. Whether in person or video, Dr. Ball is very patient and very knowledgeable. I especially appreciate how he takes his time to review meds, previous providers test results and the overall care he's provided to me over the years.

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

    Dr. Ball is an excellent physician. He is very kind to my daughter and who has special needs. He provides her good care.

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

    Dr. Ball is terrific, thoughtful and trustworthy.

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

    He was very good and effective

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

    Provided both care for my condition and care to my quality of life.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Trust his advice, expertise and medical knowledge. Very professional. Fully explained my medical issue and options for treatment.

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

    Dr. Ball took the time to understand my health history in my own words and gave his suggestion moving forward but also wanted to consult with a surgeon/ colleague so I could make a final decision. I'm thankful for his deep knowledge & experience & also his humbleness to collaborate.

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

    Did not see provider until later in the exam.

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

    Excellent provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/2/2026

    Outstanding expertise, and explanation. Could not improve anything!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/29/2025

    Excellent physician

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

    Dr. Ball is fantastic. I never feel rushed during my appointments with him. He answers questions clearly and explains things in a way that is easy to understand.

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

    I have the utmost confidence in Dr Ball for my cancer treatment

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

    Dr. Ball is the best doctor I have ever had. He is incredibly knowledgeable and informed about thyroid cancer, as well as my personal medical history.

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

    Dr. Ball Is brilliant and has excellent bedside manner.

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

    Dr. Ball always takes his time with me for which I so appreciate. He ask questions, listens to me and allows me to also ask questions.

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

    Dr Ball is a wonderful doctor who listens to his patients and provides excellent medical care.

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

    Dr Ball is terrific

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

    Knowledgeable about my issues and history. Attentive and informative.

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

    Good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/20/2025

    Dr Ball is excellent. I feel fortunate to have him as my physician.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/20/2025

    Dr Ball is excellent, warm and friendly . He was really able to figure out why I am so tired. He has always been able to treat me accurately. Dr Ball explains everything very clearly and it makes my checkups go smoothly .He is an awesome doctor !!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/18/2025

    Dr Ball is considerate and caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/7/2025

    Dr Ball is patient and listens well. He is compassionate and honest.

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

    Dr Ball was wonderful on my last visit. He reviewed everything with me in great detail, including the most recent studies on my cancer that came out in late summer. He went thru all of my testing since my last visit and his expectations for the coming year. He also did an exam of my lymphnodes and discussed his thoughts. VERY happy with my visit.

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

    We normally have problems with appointment starting on time. This appointment was about 40 minutes late from the originally scheduled time.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    Love Dr Ball he is great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    Dr. Ball shows great care and concern for his patients.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    The absolute best doctor I have ever met.

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

    Very satisfied with this provider. He's kind, compassionate, and very informative. Couldn't ask for a better provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    They were very professional in their job

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

    Great provider have been seeing for over 10 years.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/9/2025

    Dr Ball is the best. I feel very fortunate to be his patient.

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

    My experience with Dr. Ball and his team have always been very good.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/18/2025

    Dr Ball took the time to discuss everything about my medical condition. He didn't act as if he had somewhere to be, I felt like I was only his patient.

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

    Amazing, thoughtful and explains in detail test results and care moving forward

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

    I appreciate Dr. Ball's research and knowledge on Medullary Thyroid cancer.

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

    Dr. Douglas Ball is the best Endocrinologist and he had saved my life.The steps are very helpful.

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

    I have been a patient of Dr. Ball since 2016, and had to always wait at least an hour after my scheduled appointment time to be seen.

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

    Excellent

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

    Dr. Ball is very informative and patient. He doesn't rush through my visit and listens to my concerns.

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

    Dr. Ball, my endocrinologist provided excellent care during this visit (as he always does). He listened carefully, explained things clearly, and took the time to answer my questions without ever making me feel rushed. I appreciated his calm, thoughtful approach, which made it easy to trust the care plan we discussed. His professionalism combined with genuine compassion left me feeling confident and reassured about my health moving forward.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/27/2025

    Dr Ball is extremely knowledgeable and kind.

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

    Hoping his suggestions for treatment works!

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

    Dr. Ball is highly skilled, knowledgeable and exceptional bedside manner!

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

    Super thorough and answered all questions. Definitely a provider I would love to stay with.

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

    Always a great physician.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/19/2025

    Excellent provider

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

    All good

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

    Dr. Ball is the best. Always caring and supportive. I feel fortunate for his care.

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

    I appreciate his honesty about my health. I also appreciate him understanding how l feel which is very important to me.

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

    Dr Ball is like a unicorn in the medical community. He is knowledgeable, personable, and able to explain things very clearly. He never makes me feel rushed and always puts me at ease. I always trust that he cares and will give me the best treatment possible - seriously, I wish every doctor I have was like him but almost no one is anymore. He's one in a million.

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

    Great doctot, wouldnt see anyone else

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/11/2025

    Dr. Douglas Ball is very professional and an excellent doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/11/2025

    Dr. Ball explained my bloodwork results very well and responded well to my concerns. I'm very appreciative of the time and care he takes.

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

    Very pleasant , explained information well, very informed. Listened to patient

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

    I have seen Dr. Ball now for four years after having been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He is an exceptionally gifted physician and overall human being. During my office visits with him, he explains test results with me in terms that I understand and carefully details a plan of care. I cannot say enough good about Dr. Ball.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/27/2025

    Dr. Ball explains my case and possible treatments carefully and answers questions thoroughly. I know that I'm getting the best possible care at the end of a visit or video

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/25/2025

    Dr. Ball is an exceptional provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/19/2025

    Happy to have Dr. Ball as a doctor on my team

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

    Dr Ball is an excellent provider.

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

    Excellent

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

    Dr Ball is a good listener. I did not feel rushed. Appointment actually started early.

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

    Dr. Ball is the best! He listens, explains test results clearly, next steps. We are a team.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Dr Ball rates 10/10, he is attentive, caring, and thorough

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

    Always have excellent visits. Now waiting to be contacted about scheduling a biopsy appointment.

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

    Very attentive.

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

    Dr. Ball is so very attentive. He always takes the time to show me my scans, answer my questions, and explain the next steps and why.

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

    Caring, knowing helpful

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

    Dr Ball has been my dr for over 20 yrs. He's watched over me and I'm still alive because of he's care and positive attitude all these yrs.

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

    Caring kind, genuine, very intelligent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    Dr Ball was very helpful and detailed with my concerns

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    Dr. Ball was fantastic- I highly recommend him. He explained things thoroughly and made me feel comfortable. I plan on making him my permanent endocrinologist.

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

    Best provider I could have.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/25/2025

    My provider is efficient and knows what exactly what he is doing.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2025

    Dr. Ball is very thorough and cares. He is a fantastic doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/17/2025

    Dr. Ball is thoughtful, very smart and knowledgeable, current with research, kind, a good listener, and quietly friendly--a gem!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/17/2025

    Dr. Ball is an excellent doctor and makes me feel safe even though I have Hashimotos. I know that he takes care to get me the best treatment and to screen me for nodules or other thyroid growths. He gives me full feedback about my condition and what his clinical impressions and recommendations are. He also invites me to weigh in on my proposed treatment. He is the personification of solicitouness combined with expertise.

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

    All good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/15/2025

    Excellant Doctor, very precise, #1