ABOUT THE THYROID TOP DOCTORS DIRECTORY

The following listing includes recommended doctors and practitioners for your thyroid care.

Please note that being listed here in the Thyroid Top Doctors Directory doesn't necessarily mean a doctor is the right one for you. The doctor may be an empathetic and warm physician, but not open to working with drugs like Armour or T3 drugs. Or the doctor may be quite costly and not on insurance programs. Always call the doctor's office ahead of time to find out more about the doctor's philosophy, approach, costs, and other important factors before going in for your first appointment.

Please let us know if you have feedback about doctors listed here, or would like to recommend your doctor.

Adelaide

Dr William Hague, who was previously on this list, has asked to be removed from this list, and does not want to be associated with a patient-oriented list of top thyroid doctors, and does not want patients who would find him via this list.

Adelaide

Dr Peter Tunbridge GP, East Torrens Medical Centre Uraidla. A reader writes, “Dr. Tunbridge is willing to trial thyroid medication if symptoms warrant it. He also tests for and prescribes progesterone, estrogen and testosterone hormone replacements, and has an excellent diet for hypoglycemia. He was originally recommended to me by Dr Sandra Cabot’s (author of “The Liver Cleansing Diet” and other related books) Sydney clinic. Dr Tunbridge is an excellent GP who is willing to think ‘outside the square.’”

Another address provided:
Suite 22, 183 Tynte St., North Adelaide SA Australia, 8267 3133 (6/02).

Another reader praises Dr. Tunbridge:
”I would like to recommend Dr. Peter Tunbridge of Adelaide. He is a caring, listening doctor who is not tied to diagnosing thyroid conditions via TSH results. I originally saw him after being referred by the Sandra Cabot Foundation in Sydney. I was desperate for answers. I had a high TSH after 11 years on synthetic T4 replacement. Bad considering I have had surgery 10 times for thyroid cancer and should have had a totally suppressed TSH reading. My regular doctor's answer was more T4. Since I had developed thyroid resistance it was definitely not the answer. Dr. Tunbridge prescribed T3 and for a time I seemed to get better but when I hit rock bottom again he was willing to listen to my suggestion that we try Armour. I now have my sanity back. My husband has noticed my positive mood changes. I have more energy and no longer feel like "the living dead". My receptor sites may have been permanently damaged but I feel more positive now than I have felt in years. This man saved my life. I can never thank him enough.” (added 1/04)

Adelaide

Dr Anthony Roberts endocrinologist Ashford Specialist Centre. A reader says, “He listens to your ideas and is very informed about latest ideas.”

Baulkham Hills, New South Wales

Dr Jane Holmes-Walker, Endocrinologist, Suite 6 Hills Private Hospital, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153, Phone: 0296869000, A reader writes: "She is very approachable and listens to your concerns without being pushy or making you feel stupid." (Added: Dec. 04)

Bayswater

Dr. A. Fixler, Canterbury Gardens Medical Centre, 51 Blandford Cres., Bayswater NTH, 97203199. A reader writes, “Dr. Fixler has been fantastic, he looks at the results but how I feel is the most important thing, he is easy to talk to, very human, and my life saver. He has told me we will try everything until I feel like my old self.”

Brisbane

Dr. Gregory Hockings endocrinologist Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, Qld Australia PH: (Dr Hockings) 0738478848 (for appts). A reader writes, “Dr Hockings listens and thinks OUTSIDE his “square.” He actually found out I had a genetic blood disease when he did a clotting test before putting me on HRT. He is CAREFUL and he is CAPABLE. I was then able to see a hematologist who allayed some of my concerns, but Dr Hockings had explained a lot of it to me...even though it was outside his field and he is REALLY busy! And, he’s a really nice guy!”

Brisbane

Dr. Christopher Strakosch, Endocrinologist, Morris Towers, 149 Wickham Terrace Brisbane. 4000, 0738320457, c.strakosch@mailbox.uq.edu.au. "Dr. Strakosch is approachable and understanding. He also prefers to treat patients according to their symptoms and not according to their lab values. He is also quite prepared to prescribe natural thyroid (T3) on patients request. He is very approachable and easy to talk to." (Added 6/02).

Brisbane

Dr. Dzung Price, Natural hormones, 4 Albert Ave, Broadbeach & Ashgrove, Brisbane, Gold Coast & Brisbane (07) 55390048 Fax (07)55390034. She practices complementary medicine. (added 1/04)

Geelong Victoria

Dr Roy Nicholson, Otolarynologist, 43 Little Myers St, Geelong Victoria, 052 226620. “Easy to talk to, neat cut incision. I feel more energetic, much healthier since my goiter was removed.”

Melbourne

A reader recommends doctors from the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Melbourne 9589 6088 for recommendation for doctor in your area. "Doctors who come through the college are willing to listen and seek alternatives to what is very essentially a very conservative practice in Australia. They are not "flat earth practitioners".

Another reader recommends the ACNEM:
“I suggest that people contact this College for recommendations of qualified medical practitioners who have studied nutrition. These doctors are very savvy in cutting edge medicine and are sprinkled all around Australia now.”

Penrith

Dr Robert Coles, thyroid, 60 Derby Street, NSW. 2750. 02 47665599. A reader writes: “Explains thyroid functions so easily that you become a thyroid expert too. His expertise is fantastic. His surgery is out of the way but most of his clients come from all areas because they hear what a great doctor he is.” (Added 6/05)

Perth / Mt Lawey

Dr. S. Ismail, Hormonal Imbalances, 150 Walcott St., Mt. Lawey Perth WA, Phone: 08 93705077. "I've suffered years of depression which doctors have only been able to keep under control with high doses of antidepressants. I had my thyroid tested many times by other doctors because of symptoms I displayed but the tests came back negative and nothing was ever done. This is the first that has to me, he said "Jenni, I treat patient symptom not blood test results." What a guy! I now take thyroid medication for hypothyroidism and cortisol supplements and I have reduced my Effexor medication from 475 mg/day to 75 mg/day in 2 months and I feel fantastic!" (Added Dec. 04)

Queensland, Brisbane

A reader recommends Dr. John Prinns, endocrinologist. "He is the travelling specialist to North west Queensland. He visits here every two months. Has agreed to let me try T3 with T4 -- although was sceptical at first, he followed up some more research and tried some more of his own patients on it since then and says it works for some patients. He is quite 'human' to talk to and listens to my 'list of questions.' He believes that your levels should be determined by a combination of how the patient feels and 'normal levels'. He writes a letter back to my GP each visit to tell him my progress and suggests future treatment-- and my GP can contact him to discuss anything. I asked him if he knew of any support groups when I first visited and he didn't so I recently gave him a print out of "Mary's home page" and the address of the Australian Thyroid Foundation and he asked if he could keep it. He also said he had read some articles by Dr Ridha Arem-- when I showed him my "Thyroid Solution" book.

Queensland, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast

Dr Peter Hodgkinson, GP, Plaza Parade, Maroochydore, 807 - 5443 9455 A reader writes: "This doctors is into alternative health, has an open mind, and is quite willing to take symptoms into consideration as well as blood test results. Because of my continuing symptoms, I am now using T3, at my request."

Another recommendation:
Dr Peter Hodgkinson, general practice. Family Medical Centre Plaza parade Maroochydore. A reader contributes, “He uses Broda O Barnes methods of diagnosing hypothyroidism. He also seems confident in the use of T3 and has a very nice manner.”

Queensland, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast

Dr. Scott Powell, Family Medical Centre Plaza Parade, 07-5443 9455, "Dr. Powell looks beyond blood test results and takes symptoms into consideration. He tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and endeavors to treat the underlying cause of illness. Dr. Powell is very caring, sympathetic, and informed. Moreover, I initially contacted this medical centre following the dvice listed on this website. Dr. Hodgkinson of this same practice, as recommended here, is not taking on new patients. Dr. Powell is a new doctor at the centre who uses the same methods." (Added Dec. 04)

South Australia

Dr. Kerry Callaghan, Medical Practitioner - Specialises in alternative and nutritional medicine. Oxford House, 48 Oxford Tce, Unley S.A 5061 PH# 08 82717555 OR 43 Main St, Nairne Sa 5252 PH#08 83886078. A reader tells us, “I have been to see several doctors who have virtually told me I was depressed and eating too much, it couldn’t be my thyroid, all my levels were correct !! Dr Callaghan tests all hormone levels, antibodies and diet. He is also taking special interest in thyroid problems and researching this area extensively and most importantly he listens !!!”

St. Leonards, New South Wales

Dr. Bruce G. Robinson, M.D. Endocrinology, Wallace Freeborn Professorial Block, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia, 02 9926-7267. "He takes the time to listen and help you with your problems," said a reader. "I was surprised to also see he has his home phone number on his business card for emergency. Very easy to talk to and explains things so you can understand."

Sydney

Dr. Ludka Berkowski, Integrative medicine physician, Suite 704/135 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, 61 2 92525247. / 30 Manning Road, Double Bay, Sydney NSW, 0419 493 601. 93625377 . Email ludkaberkowski@yahoo.com.au. Dr. Berkowski writes: "I am a general practitioner with Hashimoto and adrenal insufficiency, perimenopausal. My endocrinologist did not want to confirm my self-diagnosis, despite having all the symptoms of both conditions. That's how I developed interest in these topics. In the last few years I read everything there is to know about diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, CFS. I feel great myself and so do my patients. Fortunately, we have 4 compounding chemists in Sydney, who have all the needed supplements. I am still searching for an endocrinologist, who is open to treatments with thyroid extract, T3 an believes in the existence of adrenal fatigue."

Another reader writes:
"I found Ludka on this website over a year ago. Since seeing her, my health has improved greatly. She understands the big picture, and has prescribed T3 and DHEA from compounding chemists to help. I have sent other patients to her and they have found similar turnarounds, especially regarding the treatment of Adrenal Fatigue and Hypothyroidism. As she has had the disease herself, she knows exactly what to look for and orders far more tests than any other doctor I have been to over the years. She always keeps her knowledge up to date and goes to conferences. As she is so good she is very busy - leave plenty of messages because you will get an appointment. You must see her!" (Added: June 2004)

Another reader writes:
"This doctor is wonderful. I have been trying to find someone, anyone who would listen and Dr Berkowski not only listens but takes the time to explain without making you feel like a nag. I made the 4 hour drive to visit her and would do it again and recommend her to any woman who finds that no one listens about thyroid problems." (Added: June 2004)

More recommendations:
"I found her name on this site a few months ago and I went to see her because I was desperate for someone to help and understand me. She was great! She prescribed me T3 and DHEA. She knows all about Hashimoto's Disease and realizes to go on a patient's symptoms and not necessarily blood test results. I really liked her and thought she was great." (Added Dec. 04)

Another fan:
"Dr Berkowski is open to using the latest natural medications such as T3 and Amour and gives you the choice to use only natural or a combination of natural and synthetic. If you are already diagnosed with thyroid she will start you on medication from the first visit and show you how to adjust your medication if you fall either side of the average.What surprised me about this doctor was how kind she treated me A fter claiming back off Medicare she was cheaper to see than my local GP and I got an hour with Dr Berkowski and got some seriously good help." (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"This is the best doctor!" (Added June 2005)

Another reader:
“It took me ten years to find a Doctor like Dr Berkowski, the treatment she has given me when other doctors would just ignore or insult me, has turned my life around. She is at the cutting edge of her profession and always willing to listen. If it were not for her care and treatments I would not have been able to study full time and work these past three years, and now I am entering proper full time employment for the first time in my life thanks to the level of health I have achieved through her treatments. I don't know of any other doctor like her.” (Added 1/06)

Another fan:
“I was recommended to Ludka by a girlfriend. My daughter and I went along - desperate for help. After 4 years of allopathic medicine and specialists etc we have found a doctor with a keen intelligence, interest in the field and a fresh response to our needs. My time frame is now in terms of "before Ludka", "after Ludka". I will be able to work again. Not only is my body regaining normal function I feel like a valued and valuable person again. Am highly recommending Dr Berkowski to afflicted friends.” (Added 1/06)

Sydney

Dr Anthony O’Sullivan endocrinologist C/- St George Hospital. Writes this reader, “Nice guy, prescribes T3 therapy.”

Sydney (Penrith)

Dr. Robert Coles, Endocrinologist and reproductive specialist as well, Sydney (Penrith) Australia, 02 2472-12445. "A gentle, caring man that will listen to you rave on," is how one reader described Dr. Coles. "When I first found out about the nodes and panicked he actually rang me personally at home and discussed the results and treatments."

Another reader on Dr. Coles:
A reader recommends Dr. Robert Coles, endocrinologist, Derby Street Penrith, Ph O2 47212445. "Caring-- thorough and listens."

Sydney

John N Stiel, endocrinologist, 40 Pacific Hwy St Leonard’s 2065 61 2 9439 8447. A reader writes, “Dr Stiel is one of the top doctors in his field in Sydney. However I have recommended him because he will take the time to discuss all your concerns (that’s hard to find!) and will give you the choice of alternative treatments before making his recommendation.”

Sydney

Dr. Katherine Samaras, Consultant physician in Endocrinology and Metabolism, St. Vincents Clinic, 438 Victoria St., Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, 02 83826778. "She is a good listener, doesn't just stop at the first obvious answer. Involved in the Garven Institute and very aware of the problems of every day life. Explains things really well. Works in well with my GP keeping her informed, happy to discuss treatment alternatives. Makes suggestions, not godlike laws. A very human human." (Added 6/02).

Sydney

Dr David Henderson, Orthomolecular Medicine, 324 Victoria Ave, Chatswood. Sydney NSW, 2067 43 234465 ionhealth@iprimuscom.au. A reader writes: "Working in a health center that has a compounding pharmacy." (Added June 2005)

Why is a Particular Doctor No Longer Listed?

Doctors who were previously listed here are removed for a number of reasons.

1. The doctor has requested that his/her listings be removed because: he/she does not agree with this site’s philosophy or patient-orientation; the practice is too busy and can’t accept new patients; the doctor does not feel comfortable handling complicated thyroid problems; the doctor did not agree with what was said in the patient recommendations; or the doctor said “take me off the list” and offered no explanation.
2. The doctor has moved, retired, or died.
3. The doctor has lost his/her license, or given up his/her license, and is no longer practicing medicine.
4. Patients have provided negative input about the doctor that is of sufficient concern that, in the opinion of the editor, the doctor should no longer be on the Top Thyroid Doctors List.

Thyroid Top Doctors would face legal concerns if we published specific information about why patients had negative opinions about doctors, or if we shared a doctor’s occasional ranting ”take me off” email, or if we publicized doctors with licensing problems. So please, if you see that a doctor has been taken off the list and want to know why, talk to the doctor directly. If you write to us to ask why a doctor was taken off the list, we’re sorry, but we won’t be able to answer you or share that information.

LATEST UPDATE:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Mary Shomon, the patients who have recommended these physicians and practitioners, or physicians and practitioners who have recommended/listed themselves make no guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information provided here. Mary Shomon, patients writing in to recommend their doctors, and the doctors/practitioners themselves assume no responsibility for any services provided by listed physicians or practitioners. It is your responsibility to investigate any physician with whom you plan to have a consultation, and you consult with physicians listed here expressly at your own risk.

Copyright © 2006, Mary J. Shomon. PO Box 565, Kensington, MD 20895. All rights reserved.