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Lee M. Akst

Lee M. Akst, MD

Gender Affirming CareLaryngologyOtolaryngology

Accepting New Patients
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Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Lee M. Akst

Professional Titles

  • Director of the Johns Hopkins Voice Center
  • Vice Chair, Safety, Quality and Service, Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Johns Hopkins Physician

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Background

Lee Akst, M.D., specializes in treating the larynx (voicebox), in particular the treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. He is a leading laryngologist in office-based procedures such as vocal fold injection augmentation, pulsed KTP laser treatment, and laryngeal botox injection. 

In the operating room, Dr. Akst specializes in phonosurgery for the treatment of vocal cord disease, with emphasis on voice restoration and improvement. A strong focus of his practice involves the use of pulsed angiolytic lasers, which allow for subspecialized care of laryngeal papillomas, laryngeal dysplasia, and early vocal cord cancers while preserving the quality and strength of the voice.

Dr. Akst is a national leader in the field of laryngology and serves in leadership roles for the American Laryngological Association, the American Broncho-Esophagological Association, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He lectures extensively on the treatment of laryngeal disease, teaching other physicians how to care for patients with voice and swallowing concerns.  

His research interests include the development of robotic laryngeal surgery, the study of voice and swallowing complaints in the elderly, and the advancement of pulsed lasers for the treatment of laryngeal diseases with a focus on leukoplakia.

This provider is registered with the Florida Department of Health to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida.

Find a Clinical Trial

View all trials by this principal investigator.

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

Research Interests

Functional recovery of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, Robotic laryngeal surgery, Treatment of vocal fold scar, Use of pulsed lasers for treatment of laryngeal disease, Voice and swallowing outcomes of neuro-otologic skull base procedures

Selected Publications

  • Best SR, Starmer HM, Agrawal Y, Ward BK, Hillel AT, Chien WW, Francis HW, Tamargo RJ, Akst LM. Risk Factors for Vagal Palsy following Cerebellopontine Angle Surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar 23.

    Starmer HM, Best SR, Agrawal Y, Chien WW, Hillel AT, Francis HW, Tamargo RJ, Akst LM. Prevalence, characteristics, and management of swallowing disorders following cerebellopontine angle surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar;146(3):419-25.

    Olds K, Hillel AT, Cha E, Curry M, Akst LM, Taylor RH, Richmon JD. Robotic endolaryngeal flexible (Robo-ELF) scope: a preclinical feasibility study. Laryngoscope. 2011 Nov;121(11):2371-4.

    Akst LM, Broadhurst MS, Burns JA, Zeitels SM. Microflap laryngosplasty for treating an anterior-commissure web with papillomatosis. Laryngoscope. 2007 Aug;117(8):1496-9.

    Burns JA, Zeitels SM, Akst LM, Broadhurst MS, Hillman RE, Anderson R. 532 nm pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis under general anesthesia. Laryngoscope. 2007 Aug;117(8):1500-4.

    Lee WT, Milstein C, Hicks D, Akst LM, Esclamado RM. Results of ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Mar;136(3):450-4.

    Zeitels SM, Burns JA, Akst LM, Hillman RE, Broadhurst MS, Anderson RR. Office-based and microlaryngeal applications of a fiber-based thulium laser. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2006 Dec;115(12):891-6.

    Broadhurst MS, Akst LM, Burns JA, Kobler JB, Heaton JT, Anderson RR, Zeitels SM. Effects of 532 nm pulsed-KTP laser parameters on vessel ablation in the avian chorioallantoic membrane: implications for vocal fold mucosa. Laryngoscope. 2007 Feb;117(2):220-5.

    Kobler JB, Rosen DI, Burns JA, Akst LM, Broadhurst MS, Zeitels SM, Hillman RE. Comparison of a flexible laryngoscope with calibrated sizing function to intraoperative measurements. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2006 Oct;115(10):733-40.

Locations

  1. Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
  2. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2500, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital, Laryngology, 2006
  • Residency: Cleveland Clinic, Otolaryngology, 2005
  • Medical Education: Yale University School of Medicine, MD, 1999

Board Certifications

  • Otolaryngology: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2006

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

164 ratings, 66 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 3/12/2026

    Explains very thoroughly what he is doing for the procedure and instructions for next visit timing . He also had read my chart and knew what else was going on with my health.

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

    Dr, Akst is an excellent Laryngoligist

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

    Excellent physician

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

    Excellent provider

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

    Expert, very interested and very intelligent. Remembers details from previous treatments and takes notes.

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

    Excellent

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

    Dr Akst and [staff] were very good

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

    I drove 3 hours to see Dr. Akst because there are no specialists in my area that treat No Burp syndrome. It was a huge relief to find somebody experienced and knowledgeable on the matter. I've been trying to meet with an ENT specialist for over eight months and Dr. Akst was amazing! I am looking forward to my surgery next month and hope my condition will be resolved.

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

    He was very thorough in his explanation of my issue and the various treatment options that can be done to help. Both my husband and I were very impressed and grateful!!

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

    Very courteous and always answers any questions I have. Explains everything about the condition I have and what could happen and how it can be taken care of.

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

    Knowledgeable, great recommendations. Exactly what I wanted

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

    Dr Akst is outstanding!

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

    Dr. Akst and [staff] were absolutely amazing! It was one of the best medical appointments I've ever experienced. Thank you!

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

    Dr Akst was outstanding and clear in his explanations as well as generous with his time

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

    Dr. Akst has been a superlative doctor in all respects. He is kind, thorough, empathetic, and a very nice person to deal with. I feel I am getting the best care possible anywhere.

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

    Very thorough. Explained all medical concerns well

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

    Excellent

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

    The best total professional very positive and upbeat

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

    Wow, Dr. Akst and his team were truly amazing.

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

    Very Good

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

    Fantastic clinician

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    Very good appointment. Everyone was courteous and efficient.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    I have worked with Dr. Akst since 2016 for tracheal stenosis and think the world of him.

    2 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    Provider was good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/19/2025

    The provider was very thorough in explaining my diagnosis and treatment. I was especially impressed with how careful he was in recognizing costs of prescriptions and trying to give me advice on how to ensure I get the best price possible on prescriptions and medications.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/13/2025

    Excellent

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

    Dr. Akst has a warm, engaging, and thoughtful approach in his patient interactions. It's clear he prepares for the visit before seeing patients and considers patient's wishes when addressing treatment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/23/2025

    Dr. Akst is simply the best.

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

    I like Dr Akst.

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

    Thank God for doctors like Dr Akst.

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

    Dr. Akst is a kind, caring, and very knowledgeable doctor. He addressed some concerns I had in a comprehensible manner. I now know what causes the conditions I wanted to discuss with him and how to address them.

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

    Wrellbinformed, provide options when I thought there were none.

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

    Dr Akst is outstanding in every way - he is friendly, explains things at a non-medical level. He listens, offers advice and alternatives.

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

    He was very knowledgeable about my condition and put me at ease during the appointment. He explained to me what could be done and also how long it could take for me to get my voice back in terms that were easily understood by me,

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

    I love Dr. Akst - I always feel well-cared for.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/14/2025

    He is very thorough, compassionate and very knowledgeable. He took his time and made sure I fully understood my condition and the next steps to follow.

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

    Dr. Akst Is as experienced, knowledgeable and helpful as any medical professional I have ever encountered. I wish all doctors were as competent and patient-friendly as he. He is an absolutely excellent health care provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/6/2025

    I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Akst. I like that he is honest, to the point, and does not sugar coat anything. He explains everything that he is doing, or will do, very clearly. If I am unsure, he is happy to explain it in a way that makes sense to me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    He is excellent.

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

    They were terrific! I found NO fault with them.

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

    PA & Dr were knowledgeable on my situation.

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

    Very down to earth and easy to talk to!

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

    Very good in communication skills and knowledge

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

    Was running behind but still thorough, explained everything. He and his assistant perormed excellent prep. She (cant get to or recall her name) was very supportive of me, offering reassurance. I had other issues around this problem but I felt she cared; I didn't feel judged.

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

    He is a very fine physician as well as a caring gentleman. Highly recommend him.

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

    First time I met Dr. Akst. Very good provider. He explained everything perfectly, was very compassionate and caring

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

    Explained things well

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

    Very patient and friendly The receptionist, Dr. Lee, and his assistant

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

    Dr. Akst is the best laryngologist out there!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/2/2025

    Dr Akst is always great--informative, helpful, patient and very professional. His assistant was also wonderful.

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/2/2025

    Dr. Akst has performed surgery on me several times for subglottic stenosis. These surgeries have been 3 years apart each time. He told me that the repeating interval for my surgery would likely be 3 years going forward, which is what it as been. However, he was not pleased that I didn't come every 3 months to be checked even when it was not likely I would need surgery for 3 years and the test for that is miserable with a camera being inserted down the throat. This time 3 years had passed and he said surgery was not needed yet.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/2/2025

    [staff], SLP and Dr Akst were great!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/2/2025

    Dr Akst is excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    Dr Akst has treated my vocal dysphonia for 10 years with skill that has restored my voice quality- I'm very grateful to him!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    Dr Akst delivers info very clearly.In addition to his competency, his compassion is evident - and appreciated!

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

    Excellent care; the nurse who administered the exam couldn't have been nicer or more skilled and Dr Akst was kind, informative, and exceptionally good.

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

    Seemed good

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

    Everyone was courteous and very qualified

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

    Dr. Akst is a wonderful doctor who has helped me tremendously.

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

    Provider has helped me and keeps me informed.

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

    They where very professional

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

    He's great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/24/2025

    Wxcellent Dr expert in his field. Excellent memory and very connected to his treatment of me as patient

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/24/2025

    Dr Akst was very informative and caring

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

    Good experience, listened to my concerns and gave me information in an approachable manner. Did a good job of creating an easy and comfortable environment when I was stressed about my health.

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

    I wish I could have given an 11 or 12 on the rating scale