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.

Burnaby BC

Dr. Rod Santos, Naturopathic Physician, 4071 Kingsway, V6B 5Z4, 604 439-1230, drsantos@telus.net. www.centralparknaturopathic.com. A reader writes: "I went to Dr. Santos because of my inability to lose weight. After careful evaluation and blood tests, he noted that my thyroid was not working optimally. He suggested me to take a few grains of desiccated thryoid twice a day. Within 4 month I lost weight and I feel great! I've been suffering for so many years, I wish I saw Dr. Santos sooner. I've never had a doctor that was so compassionate to my problems. Every other doctor I went to said I was fine and wanted to put me on anti-depressants." (Added 6/05)

A reader writes:
"I found Dr. Santos because of this site and I am thankful. I was so happy to find someone who was able to finally help me. I've been suffering from hypothyroid symptoms for years and no one believed me. Dr. Santos tested me and discovered I had a low functioning thyroid. After months of IV treatments and thyroid supplementation I can finally say I have my life back!" (Added 1/06)

Calgary, Alberta

A reader recommends Dr. Kim Wilmot, MD, Licensed Medical Dr. Using Holistic Medicine Centre for Preventive Medicine, 202-- 4411 16th Ave. N.W., Calgary-- Alberta Canada-- T3B 0M3, 403 286-7311 / 403 286-7437. "Not covered by AHC. Charges $180.00 Cdn. / hour. Well worth the money. Listened to everything I had to say. Ran all kinds of blood tests for Thyroid -- female hormones-- male hormones and is going to run a test for mercury in my system. Took me off estrogen and kept me on natural progesterone. First Dr. to test T3. Was very concerned about depression and suggested Sam e." (NOTE from Mary Shomon: Dr. Wilmot is not a thyroid specialist or endocrinologist, but rather a more general holistic practitioner who deals with overall health and hormonal imbalances. Please be aware of this if you are looking for a endocrinologist or thyroid specialist.)

Delta, British Columbia

Dr. Stephen Peach, Family practice, Nordell crossing Shopping Center, Delta B.C. Canada, 604-543-0888. A reader writes: "He listens and understand the thyroid issues." (Added Apr 06)

Edmonton, Alberta

Dr. Samuel Weisz Internal Medicine Meadowlark Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A reader writes: "Spends a lot of time at each appointment, concerned more with how I feel than what the test results say." (Added 4/03)

Edmonton, Alberta

Dr. Martine Roy, Ob/Gyn, Meadowlark, Edmonton, Alberta, 483-2901. A reader writes: "She is current on the effects of the thyroid on a woman's fertility and was very open to treating my subclinical hypothyroidism incase it was linked to my repeated miscarriages. She has a very open mind and is very supportive. She isn't usually running on time so it takes a while to see her for your appointment but she is the first doctor I found who would listen to me about this problem and I'm now a few weeks away from giving birth to a healthy baby and it's all because she was willing to treat my thyroid issue. She's wonderful!" (Added: June 2004)

Edmonton

Dr. T. Trethart, Nutrional medicine, 10303-65 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 1V1, 1-780-433-7401, A reader writes: "This doctor is willing to work with thyroid replacement therapy which will work for the patient and usually finds that desiccated thyroid medication works best. He also is very knowledgeable about nutritional support required for disorders and optimum health. A very thorough and thoughtful practitioner." (Added June 2005)

Edmonton

Dr. Yakimets, Meadowlark, Edmonton. A reader writes: "He is a wonderful doctor, very compassionate, funny and really helps you relax. He held my hand in the operating room before removing half of my thyroid. GREAT DOCTOR." (Added 1/06)

Kitchener, Ontario

Dr. P.S. Ahuja, M.D. General and Colorectal Surgeon Belgage Medical Building 525 Belmont Ave., West, Suite #108 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5E2. Shares this reader, "Most informative, kind hearted, and caring of my concerns. Removed 1/2 my thyroid due to a nodule. He was great at time of surgery and where I was cut open on my neck - you can barely tell I had surgery. He was very helpful and kind and he definitely made everything go smoothly. I thanked him so much the day of my follow-up and did mention to him that I would most definitely recommend him for the Top Docs List."

Langley, British Columbia

Dr Scott Tyler Naturopath 101-22355 48th Ave Langley, BC V3A 7J8 604-530-3130. A reader writes: "I tried for 27 years to get a diagnosis and totally gave up for the last 8 years. This year when my thyroid really hit rock bottom, a friend recommended Dr Tyler to me. He knew without any tests or anything that I was hypothyroid and immediately began to treat me for hypothyroidism and adrenal exhaustion (a direct result of not being diagnosed with hypothyroidism). I have been going to him for the last 2 months and I can see good results. It will take time, though, because I was in the late stages of hypothyroidism. He listens! I have recommended him to so many people and he has helped them as well." (Added 4/03)

Another reader recommends Dr. Tyler:
"I've only seen Dr. Tyler once so far. But I can honestly say I've never known a doctor to listen so intently to my problems. Once we covered everything (the session ran very late, but he was fine with that), he felt confident he can cure me of my thyroid condition (Wilson's Tyroid Syndrome). This is a man whose passion in life is making people feel better by making them healthy. He's also very good at explaining the scientific things." (1/04)

Langley

Dr. LaForge, 21641- 48th Ave. Langley, B.C., 604-530-3130. A reader writes: "Dr. Tyler and his new partner Dr. LaForge make an excellent team. Being treated in their clinic makes you feel like you are part of a family. I have never felt like someone cared about my health as much as I did in their clinic. I thank both doctors for helping me find my new lease on life." (Added 1/06)

North Bay, Ontario

Joanne Vaughan BSW BSc DSc, Doctorate of Science (Nutrition and Natural Therapies), 740 Stockdale Road, North Bay, Ontario P1B 6L4, 705-476-5357, drjvaughan@healthchannelonline.comwww.healthchannelonline.com, A reader writes: "I am Dr. J. Vaughan's Assistant. I hear, first hand, the incredible support and compassion her clients' feel. I hear comments like: " I have never felt alone again in my health care since I have been coming to you". " I have appreciated your time, your patience and your eye for detail". Dr. Vaughan makes sure her clients experience is a positive one. Dr. Vaughan had the unique experience of working with an esteemed allopathic Physician who worked with natural desiccated thyroid throughout his professional career. She has been using a whole thyroid glandular that is sourced from organic, hormone free sources." (Added Apr 06)

Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Edward Ragan, GP, complimentary medicine, 1305 Richmond Rd, Suite 204, 1-888-384-7855 Ph or 613-721-3669, www.wellnesshospital.com and info@wellnesshospital.com. A reader writes: "The whole Biomedical team is a breath of fresh air. They listend to me and ultimately they helped me. They understand thyroid should be measured via FTs, they don't believe in The Church of TSH. They believe adrenals get fatigued. The use bioidentical hormones. Both Dr. Ragan and Kent Macleod (biochemist) took my health to heart. This clinic is private and not covered by OHIP. You get what you pay for." (Added 6/05)

Saint John, New Brunswick

A reader writes: "This news letter is great. I have had problems for 6 years and now as a result of seeing Dr. John Dornan in Saint John, New Brunswick I feel the best I have felt in years. I had Graves’s disease and was treated with RAI. I immediately had complete thyroid failure. I was given Eltroxin and for over a year my GP could not get my levels normal. It turns out my body cannot convert the hormone so I must take T4 and T3 as well as Lopressor to slow my heart down. I was a long time feeling ill but after one appointment with this Dr. I now feel like a million dollars!!!"

Saskatoon, SK

"Dr. Classen, General practice, Lakeside Medical Clinic, 3919 8th St E., Saskatoon, SK Ph: (306) 374-6884. This reader shares the following: "I had a new patient interview with Dr. Classen to see if we would suit each other, after meeting him as a walk-in to get a sinus infection treated. I explained that I was happy to abide by his advice in most matters, but I had researched hypothyroidism extensively and expected to be listened to, at least! That was fine by him. He also said that he had other patients on Parke-Davis desiccated thyroid (Armour, in the States--my jaw almost dropped), though so far none had needed dosage adjustments and he didn't claim to be an expert. He even seems to be interested in exploring alternative health therapies as long as he does not perceive them to be harmful...he suggested the use of zinc gluconate lozenges for a sore throat, and asked me if I was using any alternative therapies for my hypothyroidism. Lastly, I said I really wanted to check my T3 levels since I was on the desiccated thyroid and the T4/T3 proportions were different. He ordered the test along with TSH. The lab sent back my results with a TSH of 0.03 (!!) but with my T3 and T4 in normal levels, about midrange, so he said that since I was feeling good and my levels were good he wouldn't recommend any changes. I could have hugged him! Needless to say, I think this doctor, though still relatively new out of med school (I think), has the makings of a fine Top Doc, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to someone else needing a doctor who will listen and be open-minded. He's GREAT!"

Toronto/Scarborough, Ontario

Dr. L. Direnfeld, Family Practice, 255 Morningside Ave., Suite 325, Toronto, Ontario, 416-282-5773, "An MD who also deals with Naturopathy. What a wonder he is! After ten years on Synthroid at our first visit he switched me to Armour. I can't believe how well I am feeling. Covered under OHIP unless unusual tests. He also does Chelation therapy for heavy metals and has a Far-Infrared Sauna in his office. He really listens to his patients and is very knowledgeable." (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Direnfeld is the best! After being on Synthroid for almost 2 years and not feeling well, my previous doctor would not help me anymore. Dr. Direnfeld switched me to Armour (Thyroid) at my first visit! He also deals with naturopathy and reccomended other products that would help boost my thyroid function. He listens to you and asks you if you have any other questions. He is extremely knowledgeable and a very warm and friendly person." (Added 6/05)

Toronto, Ontario

A reader writes" My 'endocrinologist' is Dr. Briones-Urbina at Sunnybrooke Medical Centre. I've called her my "endocrinologist" since it is her job to understand this crime that has been committed in my body. While I don't always agree with her, she is very attentive and spends as much time with her patients as is needed to answer all questions (average appointment is 30 to 45 minutes). Some things she has done include sending me for an echocardiogram re possible mitral valve prolapse (it was confirmed by this test) when my general practitioner was willing to let it go for another year. She is also considering me for an upcoming study at Sunnybrooke regarding combined T4/T3 medication because I continue to experience fatigue / mood changes even though my TSH is normal. She didn't reduce my medication on my last visit even though the test came back below 0.5, because I had a test done 2 months earlier that showed I was at 1.8 (ordered by a different doctor). She was willing to believe that the more recent test may have been an aberration (I'm feeling good so I don't want to reduce my dosage and she listened to that). Some things we disagree on...weight gain is normal when one reaches age 40; there is no evidence of seasonality in the response to thyroid replacement medications (I'm always at the low end of the TSH scale in the summer and at the higher end in the winter...but she says that has nothing to do with anything). Overall, I would recommend her because she listens and explores in depth any symptoms that could be serious, and her opinions are based on proven studies...i.e. she goes by the book. Her tel # is 416-480-4759 and her office is Room 145 in the H Wing at Sunnybrooke Hospital in Toronto."

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Zolton Rona M.D., Preventative and Nutritional Medicine 1366 Yonge St. Toronto Ont.M4T, 416-920-9241, http://www.highlevelwellness.ca/. "Dr. Rona practices preventative and nutritional medicine. My hyperthyroidism is kept under control with diet and nutritional supplements. He has written a number of books newspaper articles."

Another reader recommends Dr. Rona:
"Dr. Zoltan Rona is easy to talk to, very caring and well-informed. We rode the "Doctor-Specialist- Merry-Go-Round" in Nova Scotia for too long, and in desperation, flew our son to Toronto to see Dr Rona. Finally a doctor who recognized that my son was physically sick. We are very thankful Dr. Rona was able to identify my son's extreme case of adrenal insufficiency. Thank you Dr. Rona." (added 1/04)

NOTE: People should be aware that Dr. Zolton Rona can be very expensive. According to some patients, "she charges $523 above what OHIP covers for the first visit, which you have to pay out of your own pocket!" (April 2006)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Alvin Pettle, ObGyn, 3910 Bathurst Street, Suite #207, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5Z3, 416-633-4101, Fax: 416-633-9254, Email: info@drpettle.com, www.drpettle.com. A reader writes: "This doctor is holistic and uses natural HRT. He has vast experience in treating women. Has studied alternative holistic approaches. Has an open mind, treats you like a human being. Prescribes Natural Raw Thyroid Extract without even mentioning Synthroid!!! Recommended by my Naturopath, who goes to him himself when appropriate."

A reader writes:
"incredibly thorough" (Added Apr 06)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. David Posen, Family Practice, Bayview, Toronto, 416-222-9955, "He is the best." (Added 4/04).

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Duncan Gordon, Endocrinology, Toronto Western Hospital, 416-603-5866. A reader writes: "Dr. Gordon is an experienced Endocrinologist who cares." (Added 6/05)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Natasha Turner, Hormonal concerns, 110 Eglinton Ave. East Suite 702, Toronto, Ontario, Phone: 416-486-3300, Fax: 416-486-9433, drturner@truestarhealth.com. A reader writes: "She completely understands and recognizes the connection between the thyroid and the delicate interplay with other hormones of the body. Her approach works to balance blood sugar, stress hormones, sex hormones and thyroid hormones. She is thorough in her approach and sympathetic to thyroid patients because she has hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian disease herself." (Added 6/05)

Toronto, Ontario

Dr Marcha Werb, Endocrinology &metabolism, 586 Eglinton Ave East, Canada, 416-322-2198. A reader writes: "I've seen Dr. Werb for around 2 years and I have found her not only very approachable but also knowledgeable. My Thyroid levels were within the normal range, but I still showed all the symptoms of being hypothyroid. She kept listening to me and now for the first time in almost a decade I feel well. I also find she is willing to look at all possible avenues instead of taking a very narrow approach to my health." (Added 6/05)

Toronto

Dr. Danny Trinh, 118 Eglinton Ave West, Ste 600, Toronto, ON, 416 789-9188 A reader writes: "Dr. Trinh works in a clinic with a team of doctors that deals only with metabolism issues. He and his team are very knowledgeable and receptive to patients with thyroid conditions that are undertreated. There are 3 such Metabolism Clinics around the city." (Added June 2005)

Toronto

Sushma Shah, naturopathic medicine, 1849 Yonge Street, Suite 511, Toronto, Ontario, M4S1Y2, 416 913 4325, http://www.naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com. A reader writes: "Great doctor - she is patient, a great listener, and a firm believer to treating by first finding out the root cause of the problem, she does all the blood test necessary to find out what exactly is wrong first and then treats accordingly using natural medicines." (Added 1/06)

Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Karen Jensen, ND, Menopause/Adrenals/Thyroid, 16th Avenue and MacDonald, Vancouver, British Columbia, Tel: (604)742-0800, http://drkarenjensen.com "Her excellent naturopathic skills and focused attention on her patients is well-known in the alternative health field, plus she has written two books on menopause that are the best I’ve ever read on the subject. Dr. Jensen has also co-written a book and co-created health products with Dr. Lorna Vanderhaeghe." (Added 4/04)

Vancouver B.C.

Dr. D Thompson, Endocrinology, UBC Hospital, 604-875-5996. A reader writes: "He actually cares to listen to your life history and assesses you that way, as well as through all the regular tests. He relies mostly on how you are feeling. When I had seen him, after seeing many, many doctors, I finally felt that someone was listening to me and wanting to help. Someone finally understood. It was such a quick diagnosis as well! Everytime, he's wonderful!" (Added 6/05)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Dr. John Moorhouse -- NO LONGER LISTED (retired)

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.