
William Sharfman, MD
Cutaneous (Skin) Medical OncologyMedical Oncology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About William Sharfman
Professional Titles
- Director, Cutaneous Oncology
- Clinical Co-Director for Oncology, Johns Hopkins Melanoma Program
- Mary Jo Rogers Professor of Cancer Immunology and Melanoma Research
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Oncology
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Dr. William H. Sharfman is an associate professor of oncology and dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His areas of clinical expertise include cutaneous oncology, dermatology and immunotherapy. He helped create the well-established Melanoma Program at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in 1994. Dr. Sharfman serves as the director of cutaneous oncology and clinical co-director for oncology at the Johns Hopkins Melanoma Program.
He earned his M.D. from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. He completed his residency at Cleveland Clinic and performed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Sharfman's research interests include novel therapies for high risk and advanced melanoma patients.
Centers and Institutes
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
“Two Regattas,” The New York Times, December 24, 2008
Skin Cancer 101 with an Emphasis on Melanoma
Additional Academic Titles
Associate Professor of Dermatology
Research Interests
GI Cancers, Lung Cancer, Novel therapies for high risk and advanced melanoma patients
Research Summary
Dr. Sharfman’s research focuses on melanoma, including novel therapies for advanced melanoma patients.
Selected Publications
Brahmer, J.R.; Drake, C.G.; Wollner, I.; Powderly, J.D.; Picus, J.; Sharfman, W.H.; Stankevich, E.; Pons, A.; Salay, T.M.; McMiller, T.L.; Gilson, M.M.; Wang, C.; Selby, M.; Taube, J.M.; Anders, R.; Chen, L.; Korman, A.J.; Pardoll, D.M.; Lowy, I.; Topalian, S.L. Phase I study of single-agent anti-programmed death-1 (MDX-1106) in refractory solid tumors: safety, clinical activity, pharmacodynamics, and immunologic correlates. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jul 1;28(19):3167-3175.
Lange, J.R.; Fecher, L.; Sharfman, W.H.; Alani, R.M.; Mikkilineni, R.; Topalian, S.L.; Balch, C.M. Melanoma. In: Abeloff MD, A.J., Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG editor. 4th ed, Abeloffs Clinical Oncology. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc.; 2008. p. 1229-1252.
Lectures & Presentations
Skin Cancer 101 with an Emphasis on Melanoma, http://bit.ly/MelanomaWebinarVideo
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 1500, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-583-2970
- fax: 410-583-2980
- Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center
- 201 North Broadway Street, Viragh BLDG 5th FL, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-8964
- fax: 410-367-2194
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, Hematology and Oncology, 1989
- Residency: Cleveland Clinic, Internal Medicine, 1985
- Medical Education: University of Toledo College of Medicine, MD, 1982
Board Certifications
- Hematology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1992
- Medical Oncology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1989
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
5 out of 5
322 ratings, 124 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 3/20/2026
Very attentive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
Dr. Sharfman is efficient and understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
Dr. Sharfman seems to genuinely care very smart.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr. Sharfman is an expert oncologist and verrry professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Very good Doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Dr. Sharfman is an empathetic and knowledgeable provider. He is easy to talk to and easy to reach!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
PROVIDER Was generous with his time and also spent time with my family.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Dr Sharfman is a caring, professional provider. He has been very helpful in my melanoma surgery and treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Couldn't have a better cancer doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Personable yet professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/16/2026
Dr Sharfman is so knowledgeable about melanoma. I trust his opinion!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
The best!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
Dr Sharfman is the best. His ability to determine the best care plan for my metastatic melanoma gives me confidence and reassurance.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Professional, caring, and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
Dr, Sharfman was very thorough and clear in explaining my plan for immunotherapy going forward. I had brought a large list of questions . He answered most of those without me needing to ask. All explanations were clear and understandable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Dr. Sharfman made me feel very comfortable and confident in his evaluation and possible future treatments.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2026
Very capable and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Dr. Sharfman is an empathetic physician who inspires confidence in myself for the results he provides after the test (scan) is completed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Wonderful doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
Dr Sharfman is the best. he is kind, informative, and encouraging, and I have them upmost respect for his opinions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
Dr. Sharfman seems to be extremely knowledgeable about what he does and put us at ease from the start.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr. Sharfman is wonderful! He is patient, caring, and very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
I love Dr Sharfman. He's caring. It's a scary time & he is always helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Sharfman is patient and has a good clinical plan for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Very happy with the treatment that I receive from Dr. Sharfman.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Very caring and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Dr Sharfman is very thorough and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Dr. Sharfman is so helpful in guiding me through this cancer process. I appreciate his knowledge and expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2026
Dr Sharfman is the consummate professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
Requested an ultrasound of leg to check for blood clots.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Always pleasant and competent. Questions always anticipated or answered
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr. Sharfman has been my oncologist for over 9 years and I couldn't be more pleased with the care he gives.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr Sharfman is one of the top in the country for Melanoma. Fortunate to be able to see him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
Verry good in all areas on every visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Provided good information and options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
I have been a patient of Dr Sharfman for nine years. He is an exceptional physician in every way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Sharfman is excellent! Very professional & thorough!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2025
Dr Sharfman is excellent and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Very happy with care provided with Dr. Sharfman.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
My provider has been working with me for almost 10 years. He's very sensitive to the condition that he cured and about my personal well-being. I feel the same about him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Dr. Sharfman is a tremendous physician who cares about his patients, prepares well for appointments, and provides excellent treatment plans.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr. Sharfman is the best. When I arrived for my appointment he had already consulted with other specialists I will need to see and had shared MRI results. A clear plan for my treatment was in place and he discussed it with me in detail, and he considered my choice in the treatment plan. No one wants to navigate a cancer journey, but Dr. Sharfman removes all unnecessary anxiety through his extremely calm approach and his wealth of knowledge.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr Sharfman is the best of the best, He took the time necessary to understand my needs and thoroughly explained answers in response to my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Great bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Excellent doctor! He listens and reacts! Highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Dr. Sharfman is the best! Always listens, I am grateful to have him as my oncologist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Dr. Sharfman is very thorough and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
I feel he is the best for my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Set up an immediate treatment plan for a new cancer I'm experiencing. The doctors expertise comforted me in this new territory
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Oncologist Doctor William H. Sharfman was very caring, thorough, and fantastic during my visit on 11/13/2025!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2025
Very good,!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2025
I had a very kind and complete medical experience .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/10/2025
Outstanding in every way. Compassionate, knowledgeable, and respectful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2025
I see Dr. Sharfman for an annual check after interferon treatment for invasive melanoma almost 20 years ago.He state up to date on my subsequent skin cancer issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2025
Very professional and knowledgable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Scheduling was efficient. Records were obtained from our referring provider. Everyone is courteous, personable. Dr. Sharfman is exceptional. Kind, thoughtful, thorough. We feel very fortunate to have connected with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr Sharfman went over & above to get me the medicine I needed to resolve my issue
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/20/2025
Dr, Sharfman is a terrific doctor. He Is very attentive and never rushes appointments. I have felt very cared for and about throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow-up check-ups.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
Dr Sharfman and everyone at the facility showed me the utmost care and professionalism during my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Dr. Sharfman is wonderful and I trust him explicitly!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Outstanding professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
All good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Dr. Sharfman always takes time to listen to and address my concerns. I never feel rushed or dismissed. The nurse, [staff], always follows up to ensure I understand and that my needs are met. They are an excellent team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/29/2025
Hopkins has provided the best care that I have received. First rate in all areas.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Dr. Sharfman is simply amazing. He listens to my concerns and provides excellent care strategies.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr. Sharfman is upfront and honest about my health and concerns he has. I am completely confident in his ability to provide the care I need.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Always have excellent care from Hopkins
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr. Sharfman, not only is he tops in his field', he is a kind and thoughtful man. The first thing he asked me was ""How are your new twin granddaughters?"" We shared personal experiences before he explained the details of my scans and checkup.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr Sharfman is a very knowledge, class act. I'm thrilled to have him leading my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2025
Professional, courteous and always concerned about my health.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/10/2025
I have been seeing Dr. Sharfman for 25 years since my original melanoma diagnosis in 2000 and he is one of the most excellent doctors I I have known. He is steady, thorough, compassionate, skilled. I am privileged to have been cared for by him for so long.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
I have been a patient of Dr. Sharfman for quite a few years now. He is compassionate, considerate, thoughtful and professional in every way. I appreciate him immensely.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Dr. Sharfman saved my life and I will NEVER loose sight of this. Dr. Sharfman is one of the best Dr.'s I've had. His gentle nature, vast unbelievable knowledge of MCC always gave me hope. He truly cares about his patients and has always listened to my concerns and answered to the best of his ability. He has a way of making you feel at ease. He's just a wonderful man.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Doctor Scharfman is wonderful, I am grateful he is my provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2025
Very knowledgeable about my condition. Explained the options available for treatment. Great ""bedside"" manner! Instills much confidence.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2025
Dr. Sharfman is the best doctor I have ever had. He is caring and attentive and gives nothing but the best possible service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2025
Doctor was well informed & gave excellent advise
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/3/2025
Dr Sharfman is so attentive, has genuine concern for my health,care,& comfort,I feel completely at ease with him,& have complete trust in him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Dr. Sharfman is knowledgeable, personable & professional. I trust his advice totally.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Very glad I have Dr. Sharfman as my Doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2025
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2025
Excellent!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Dr Sharfman was terrific. Very thorough and thoughtful about his diagnosis and treatment options. We drove 3 hrs to see him and he was a godsend. We can't say enough great things about this Dr. We felt so much better upon leaving. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2025
Dr Sharfman was very helpful in providing a second opinion. Very knowledge in the field I was seeking help in.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/4/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/21/2025
I Have all of the confidence in the world In Dr Sharfman
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/21/2025
Always great to see him, very personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2025
Dr. Sharfman is the best. He always explains things, is endlessly encouraging and positive, and instills me with the confidence necessary to deal with whatever needs to be faced. Can't imagine my cancer journey with anyone else. The added bonus is that thanks to his skill and Hopkins' resources, my cancer has been crushed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Dr. Sharfman is always on top of everything. He is an excellent provider. Always thorough and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
All of my experiences with Johns Hopkins have been professional and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
I have been going to Dr. Sharfman for 10 years. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. He's very knowledgeable and listens, explains any questions throughly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Dr. Sharfman continues to provide the most comprehensive treatment for me. I am quite certain that he has saved my life and provided me with extended time I most likely would not have had but for his involvement!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/10/2025
Cordial, confident, informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/10/2025
Excellent visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Dr. Sharfman understood my concerns and was very helpful. I am very glad that I chose this facility and Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Dr. Sharfman is a consummate, knowledgeable professional who is friendly and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Dr. William Sharfman is the best doctor. He is very knowledgeable, caring and understanding. He listens to what I am concerned about with my health. I can't thank him enough for coordinating the doctors I needed to see eleven years ago, when I was going through melanoma, and my Pet CT scan gave a false positive. Dr. Sharfman is Excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
Dr Sharfman is engaged in oncology research which I believe saved my life I am grateful that he took me on as a patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Outstanding, caring doctor. He helped me with a complex 2nd opinion.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Johns Hopkins had the best providers in all fields. Never had a bad experience in all the 12 years I have gone there.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Very happy and glad Dr Sharfman is my oncologist
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/12/2025
Dr. Sharfman is a very kind and caring man.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
He saved my life, emotionally and physically
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Professional, polite
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
I feel as though Dr Sharfman saved my life he is a great Dr
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Excellent communication skills. Compassionate and caring, Trust him completely.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
They are the best!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/5/2025
He's wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Good quality check up following my lab work and CT scan.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
First time appointment with Dr Sharfman. He is a delight and so pleased he was recommended by [staff].
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Dr. Sharfman listened to my concerns & came up with ideas to tackle the problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Dr. Sharfman is an incredible doctor and his Team as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Dr Sharfman is an excellent provider. He is very concerned with my comfort in everyday. I trust him with my health care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Dr. Sharfman deliveries outstanding patient care in terms I can understand. .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Dr. Sharfman is a great doctor who is easy to talk to and answers all of my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2025
Best Melanoma doctor in the country, very knowledgeable, significant experience. AND good communication and care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2025
Excellent, reassuring appointment.