For many living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis (iSGS), the simple act of breathing becomes an arduous daily struggle, often complicated by years of misdiagnosis. Join Dr. Alexander Hillel, a leading Johns Hopkins laryngologist and airway surgeon, and one of his patients for an essential conversation about recognizing the signs of this rare airway disease and accessing the specialized care necessary for long-term relief.
This expert-led webinar will explore the critical pathway from identifying symptoms—frequently mistaken for asthma or bronchitis and even anxiety—to minimally invasive surgical interventions. Dr. Hillel will discuss the latest clinical breakthroughs, including a new endoscopic procedure with skin-graft and stent that offers lasting results. Through the lens of a firsthand patient journey, we will examine the physical and emotional impact of the disease and the transformative power of a precise diagnosis.
This session is designed for patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in the latest advancements in airway health. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or a loved one, you will gain valuable insights into the innovative treatments helping individuals regain their breath and their quality of life.
Alexander Hillel specializes in the medical and surgical management of patients who have scar tissue blocking their larynx and/or trachea, a condition called laryngotracheal stenosis. This condition occurs in patients who have had prolonged intubation, an autoimmune disease or a rare disease called idiopathic subglottic stenosis. He also treats patients with voice and throat problems, including spasmodic dysphonia and swallowing difficulty.After he earned his medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Hillel completed his residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a fellowship in laryngology and airway surgery at the Emory Voice Center.Dr. Hillel directs a laboratory that seeks to better understand why scar forms in the larynx and trachea. In an effort to improve treatment, he and his team investigate the relationship between the immune system, bacteria and other antigens and scar formation in the airway. He has led a number of clinical trials to improve treatment for subglottic stenosis, including the first interventional study for idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Researchers in Dr. Hillel’s lab are also testing drugs that may halt the progression of, or reverse, scar formation, and they have engineered a drug-eluting stent that is being tested to translate to patients with subglottic stenosis. He holds sponsored grants to conduct his research from the National Institutes of Health, surgical foundations and the medical device industry.In addition to clinical and research work, Dr. Hillel has a leadership role within the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, serving as the vice director of education.
Event DateWednesday, April 8, 2026Start Time: 6:00pm EDTEnd Time: 7:00pm EDT
Hopkins at HomeLivestream
ContactOffice of Alumni RelationsJoe LetourneauLifelong Learning(800) JHU-JHU1hopkinsathome@jhu.edu
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