
Simon R. Best, MD
Gender Affirming CareLaryngologyOtolaryngology
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 Simon R. Best
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Laryngologist Simon Best specializes in voice and airway disorders, including the comprehensive care of professional voice-users and performers. He treats patients diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal cancer, precancerous vocal cord dysplasia, benign laryngeal lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules), and laryngeal and tracheal stenosis. He has expertise in the operative management of vocal cord disorders, including Blue Light laser surgery and office-based management of vocal cord papilloma, dysplasia and vocal cord paralysis.
Dr. Best earned a medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine and completed residency training in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He undertook fellowship training in laryngology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Best has a particular clinical and research interest in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and sees patients from across the country for specialized care for this disorder. He offers operative and office-based laser for papilloma, utilizing the Blue Light laser, which allows for precise excision of papilloma while preserving underlying vocal function. Dr. Best is also a pioneer in the adjuvant use of bevacizumab for RRP, helping many patients break the cycle of repeated surgeries.
The Best Laboratory studies RRP and the development of novel immunotherapies to target the underlying viral infection. This research is conducted in collaboration with the head and neck cancer and cervical cancer research groups at Johns Hopkins, which also study human papillomavirus-related diseases. In addition, Johns Hopkins is a site for ongoing clinical trials in DNA immunotherapy, the goal of which is to eliminate the causative viral infection that leads to RRP.
Centers and Institutes
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
-
Woman With Raspy Voice Has Had More Than 300 Surgeries to Treat Rare Vocal Chord Disease, Inside Edition (4/11/2019)
A Toddler's Dwindling Voice Was Chalked Up to Acid Reflux. Her Problem Was Far More Serious Washington Post (3/23/2019)
Laser Surgery Brings Back Patient’s Voice
Additional Academic Titles
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Research Interests
Development of novel therapeutic treatments for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP), Immunobiology of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP), Voice and swallowing outcomes following skull base surgery
Lab Website
Best Laboratory
- The Best Laboratory focus on therapeutic vaccine development for HPV-related diseases by developing a murine model of papilloma analogous to Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) for testing of DNA vaccine technology. We also work to understand the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that facilitates RRP development, and translate this work into novel therapies and clinical practice.
Google Scholar - Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Rhj8AukAAAAJ&hl=en
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 Bayview Medical Center
- 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 01 (G), Clinic 2, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2463
- 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: Massachusetts General Hospital, Otolaryngology, 2012
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology, 2011
- Medical Education: Yale University School of Medicine, MD, 2006
Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2012
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
325 ratings, 144 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 3/23/2026
Excellent care from the doctor and assistant.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/23/2026
Very knowledgeable, great warm and caring demeanor, and was very patient with me. Highly, highly qualified, and explained things in a very understandable and clear way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Dr.Best is an Excellent Doctor. He always makes me feel comfortable and communicates very well. Dr.Best has great bedside manner and always makes sure I know what is going on with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
He was warm, informative and wonderful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
I was more than pleased!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Dr Best and [staff] (speech pathologist ) were both excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
He was very courteous, kind and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
Informed, caring, gives all the time you need. Upbeat, excellent bedside manners
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
I'm very satisfied with the level of care I receive from Dr. Best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Great beside manner. He explained very thoroughly the procedure of an esophagus stretch on a very clear video.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Dr. Best is the best and I have referred him to other family members
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Excellent and knowledgeable Dr. Best used a new technique with me which is more comfortable than others I have experienced.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/26/2026
Dr Best and his Team were very professional and supportive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Dr Best is AWESOME, I like he talks to you not above you so you can understand. John Hopkins is lucky to have a great doctor like him on the team
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/23/2026
Great information, very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/23/2026
I think he is truly excellent as a doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/23/2026
He listened and explain things well. Very upbeat
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Excellent Communication. Explained my condition in very understandable terms. Answered all my questions thoroughly and gave us peace of mind about treatment options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Dr Best was excellent in explaining everything from the procedure to the treatment he recommended
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Best is friendly and thoughtful person. He sits and explains everything in that you can understand. I am very picky about my doctors and he one great doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/16/2026
Dr. Simon was very knowledgeable, kind and explained my medical problem well .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Excellent provider. Caring, knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Dr. Best is the best! He was professional. Courteo, and friendly. Thought I reported more than one hour before my appointment, he attended me within minutes. He examined me thoroughly and gave me a referral.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
The doctor's name is BEST for a reason!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Dr. Best ia and amazing doctor and is critical in me maintaining my ability to talk and swallow.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
Dr Best is the BEST! He was caring, thoughtful, and reassuring while providing next steps forward In my treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2026
Dr. Best was very professional and very respectful. He paid attention to my complain and visualized all my vocal cord examination video and examined also my ears with [staff] ( Dr. Best's Fellow)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Made me feel safe
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Friendly, receptive, reassuring, informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Dr. Best is a very great physician and will go to any extent to assist a patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Excellent provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Dr. Best's expertise is truly impressive. He always takes the time to understand my concerns and thoughtfully personalize my care, His respect, compassion, and genuine concern set him apart, and I am grateful that I have a world-renowned provider who specializes in complex cases and individualizes his approach to medical delivery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Excellent care and expertise
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
My husband was with me and because it's difficult for me to speak with a trach, he asked questions for me but Dr. Best always addressed the answers to me. I really appreciate this because it's easy to be overlooked due to age and disability but I felt like I was treated as a person competent to participate in my own care. Dr. Best explained everything to me very clearly and used very appropriate examples to help me understand medical conditions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Very patience and knowledgeable of my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Very thorough explanation of my throat concerns, replete with clear visual pictures.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Doctor Best, is the best doctor I have ever been to. So professional and also, friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
I love Dr Best he is so good bout defining what I need to do to get my trach out and what all has to be done during surgery he has a great bed side manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
Professional, competent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
Very thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/5/2026
Easy to take to, gave me great directions and told me where I could get the medication needed to help me comfortable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
I was very well, please with the service. That was add to me that was my first visit there and they treated me well..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/29/2025
Dr Best is an excellent doctor I would recommend him anywhere he's patient kind and very caring and attentive 10 stars across the board
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/29/2025
I am so grateful to be in Dr. Best's care. He is knowledgeable, warm, professional, patient, trustworthy, and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr Best is excellent. He has been working on my speech and swallowing disorder for two years.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr. Best and [staff] both provided excellent care during my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr Best makes me feel comfortable, and answers my questions in easily understood terms.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr. Best is without any doubt the best at his work. I was fortunate to take the leap of faith to travel to Emory for consultation. It was indeed worth it to the point that I have been flying in monthly to see him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr. Best is an amazing provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
Dr Best and the assisting nurse did an excellent job.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Dr. Best and his team are exceptional when considering patients care. I travel from Salt Lake City UT to be evaluated by Dr. Best. He has amazing bedside manners. I'm grateful to Dr. Best's care and I appreciate the team of people that support him and his practice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Explains my condition and I feel as if he has my best interest in his decision.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Very good doctor and explained clearly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/1/2025
Dr. Best There's an excellent doctor very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Dr. Best is an excellent physician with experience, knowledge and compassion. I am fortunate to have him as a physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Dr. Simon Best is excellent, very attentive and communicates well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
The Dr is great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr. Best is fantastic. He takes time with you answers your questions. Also, compassionate knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr Best is very thorough and a great doctor,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr. Best shared the video of my vocal cords and explained what I was seeing on the screen. Excellent presentation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Very concerned with my problems
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Good communicator
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr Best is an excellent physician. He has a very warm and caring bedside manner. Dr Best makes you feel special.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Dr. Best was very attentive and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Dr. Best has been very active and supportive with my needs, care and future procedures
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2025
I found Simon to be very professional and thorough. She explains things well and listens well.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/3/2025
I felt like my visit was handled by a resident. She was nice. But would have preferred more interaction with the doctor with whom I made the appointment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/3/2025
Dr. Best is very knowledgeable, professional, and excellent in make his patient feel seen and heard.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/3/2025
Always professional. Informed. Punctual. Friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Provided options for next steps to address my issues. Left the decision to me . I chose the least invasive option.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Dr. Best Is wonderful! He did laser on my scar tissue from being on a ventilator from covid. I went to 2 other doctors in Pittsburgh & Dr Best was the only one who cured me. I travel from Pennsylvania to see him.well worth it!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
Dr. Best and the other physician, who attended me during the visit, were exceptionally interested in my overall care and well-being. They explained the in-office procedure thoroughly, the current status of my health concerns and what steps I should take for follow-up.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2025
Exolained my health concerns very clearly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2025
Dr Best is an excellent doctor I highly recommend him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Time well spent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Excellent great doctor none great everyone
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Thorough, pleasant, helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Dr. Best was thorough and professional. Took time to address my concerns and was a great help. He modified some elements of my procedure to make it more effective for me personally. Five stars!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Dr. Best is wonderful. He has an amazing bedside manner, a good sense of humor, and explains things to me in a way I can understand. I wouldn't trade him for anything! He is perfect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr Best is the best doctor and he saves my life
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr. Best is the smarted ENT I have ever been to and he is thoughtful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
He was great and took time to explain everything to mr
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr. Simon is great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Very personable. Easy to talk with
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2025
I have worked with Dr. Best for years. He always answers my questions and makes sure to tell me to return if my Botox shots don't seem to be working.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
I'm very pleased with the services provided to me by my doctor and posse
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2025
Excellent experience I was referred here by my local ENT and I am thrilled to be under Dr. Best's care now.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2025
Dr Best is the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
Dr. Best was the first provider that provided a comprehensive discussion about my condition. I have been in a hospital for three weeks, seen several specialists and not only did no one have any answers to my condition, they seemingly did not care. Not so with Dr. Best. It was a welcomed breadth of knowledge and information. I look forward to continuing working with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
Dr. Best is a great surgeon and makes you feel at ease with the procedure
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Knowledgeable, friendly and attentive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Dr. Best & his Fellow were fantastic!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2025
Very efficient follow-up/annual visit completed with no new issues, stable status reported by MD.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2025
I feel confident Dr. Best and his team will restore my voice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2025
doctor best was awesome and [staff] was too
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
Dr. Best, always acts in the best interest of his patients. He does his best to help resolve my medical issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
Provider was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
Dr Best was very detailed about my condition and compassionate. He preformed a scope and was very kind. I'm so glad I was able to get in to see him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
I have been saying Dr best for 3 years. It was a blessing for me to find him for my care. He is kind, incredibly competent and also very efficient. He is a wonderful, attentive role model to his students and fellows. I highly recommend him and feel that new patients would experience the same consistent, excellent level of care that I I have.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Dr Simon best is very good and respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2025
Long term 7 years of working together
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2025
He is very friendly and explains his self clearly I like him for my son
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2025
Very happy and frequently recommended Dr Best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2025
I have an ongoing throat problem and Dr. Best worked on finding the problem and the solution. It is not healed but Dr. Best is very patient with me and looking for other solutions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Simon is always thorough and perfect
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
The exam and subsequent discussions with both doctors were extremely informative and positive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
I travel from Fairfax VA to see ""The Best""
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2025
Always professional s well as kind and caring!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Dr. Best was courteous, and professional. Explained the problem, and the treatment. He also explained that the treatment was not obligatory. Overall I am satisfied with my interaction with the provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Provided a complete service with onsite diagnostics to give me a definitive diagnosis which was explained well (cause and path forward) and then follow up was scheduled before I left. Comprehensive and knowledgeable service.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Dr Best is the BEST!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Dr Best is extremely accommodating, a careful listener, and provides excellent care for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Both Dr Best and his associate Fellow (I did not write her name down.sorry) were both great communicators, highly competent and personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
Excellent! Dr. Best is wonderful. He really cares about his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
I feel like I have the BEST ENT DOCTOR IN BALTIMORE, MD!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Dr. Best is THE Best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Excellent doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Happy the doctor sent a prescription in for helping me with problem I wasn't scheduled for that day. Very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Nurse an Dr Best were the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Easy to talk to. Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Dr Best is a great physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Dr. Best explained the results of the exam in easy to understand terms.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Dr. Best did a great job listening to my concerns and explaining his suggested treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/30/2025
He knew his stuff!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
Very pleased with Dr. Best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Due to weather and traffic, I was at least 30 min late for my appt. I called while enroute to let them know of my delay. They waited and allowed me to keep my appt. Because I reside out of state, I was very appreciative of their efforts.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Dr. Best and his team took care of my swallowing challenges and I am hopeful that I will not ever need to visit him again based on the level of improvement I am experiencing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2025
I'm very grateful for Dr. Best's skills and knowledge. He has a great bedside manner. Treats his fellows well while providing the patient with the needed information and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2025
Dr. Best has a wonderful manner with patients. He explains everything very well and in a kind way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Very good and thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
Dr. Best is outstanding! I wish all of my doctors were like him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
So happy to have found a specialist to identify what I have had for the past several years.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2025
Discovering Dr Best has changed my life completely. Prior to being treated by Dr Best, my prognosis was pessimistic. Following Dr Best's recommendations I now have a stable airway and a confidence in living for many years. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
Dr. Best truly lives up to his name. He is the best. He explains everything so thoroughly and clearly so that I can understand what is fling on. He is kind and gentle and makes me feel safe even with uncomfortable tubes down my throat. He literally saved my life and I'm so very thankful for him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
Dr. Best is very knowledgeable regarding my swallowing and throat problems
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/28/2025
Dr. Best is the most excellent specialist that I have had as a doctor. He has helped me solve a difficult medical problem.