John H Sherner, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

John H. Sherner, MD, FCCP, is a board-certified pulmonary and critical care physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he is currently Chairman of the Department of Medicine. He is also an associate professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Sherner specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all pulmonary ailments and illnesses, including shortness of breath, exercise limitation, asthma, COPD, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. In his practice, he uses a wide range of diagnostic procedures including radiographic studies, pulmonary function testing, thoracentesis, and bronchoscopy, as well as placing a heavy emphasis on the patient’s experience. His clinical interests include the use of point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate critically ill patients in real-time and treating patients with sarcoidosis and interstitial lung disease.

Diseases of the lungs can affect other organs in the body and may require attention from physicians of multiple specialties. Dr. Sherner collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of specialists at MedStar Washington Hospital Center to coordinate and provide individualized care for patients with a complex diagnosis. His experience in the Army instilled in him a deep respect for teamwork and collaboration, which he continues to practice in his role as a physician.

Dr. Sherner received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX, where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He then joined the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to complete an internal medicine residency and a three-year fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Before joining MedStar Washington Hospital Center, COL (Ret) Sherner served as Chief of the Department of Medicine at Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital and Director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

As a dedicated medical educator, Dr. Sherner has aided in the development of medical education courses while serving as faculty for multiple medical training programs throughout his career, including the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and both the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program and the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Training Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He has led national teaching activities and presentations and continues to be involved in the education and guidance of new physicians. In-line with his passion for medical education and the continued advancement of the field of pulmonary and critical care, Dr. Sherner has authored poster presentations, peer-reviewed publications, letters to editors, and a book chapter.

In 2017, 2018, and 2019 he was named a Distinguished CHEST Educator by the American College of Chest Physicians. He is also the recipient of numerous awards from the United States Army and the Department of Defense, including the Legion of Merit.

Philosophy of Care

“My job as a healthcare provider extends beyond providing excellent medical care--it’s to advocate for my patients. I see myself as an educator that helps inform my patients about their diagnosis and treatment options, and I make sure they get the treatment and services they need. 

“I truly enjoy getting to know my patients and building a unique relationship with them based on respect, compassion, and empathy. To provide a treatment protocol that is tailored to the specific needs of each patient, it’s imperative that I take the time to listen to them and understand their goals for treatment, while also hearing their concerns. I accompany my patients through the entire course of the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment process.”