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.

Albany

Robert Kershaw -- NO LONGER LISTED



Alpharetta

Alan Einstein -- NO LONGER LISTED



Atlanta

Cindy Brown NP Endo 755 Mt. Vernon Hwy Suite 460 Atlanta, GA 30328 404-531-0051 cindyanp@hotmail.com A reader writes: "Cindy works with Dr. Reed. I wasn't too impressed with him, but Cindy is my goddess! She LISTENS, HELPS, UNDERSTANDS and gave me my life back!" (Added 11/02)



Atlanta

Dr. David Dalrymple -- NO LONGER LISTED (retired)



Atlanta

Edward Garbacz -- NO LONGER LISTED



Atlanta

Dr. Andrew Golde, MD, FRCSC, FACS Ear Nose and Throat Surgery 960 Johnsons Ferry Road Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia 30342 404-943-0900 www.advancedentpc.com "Best Thyroid Surgeon" (Added 11/02)

Another reader recommends Dr. Golde:
"Dr. Golde removed half my thyroid in 2000. People can barely notice my nearly hairline scar. My endocrinologist has even said "nice scar" on several occasions. He is also one of the sweetest and most personable doctors that I have ever been to." (1/04)



Atlanta

A reader writes: "With regards to your list of Top Docs, I would like to submit the name of Dr. Olivia Mulligan. Dr. Mulligan is an endocrinologist who practices in Snellville, Georgia (suburban Atlanta). Her office is in Eastside Medical Center and her phone number is (770) 979-4236. Dr. Mulligan is, in my estimation, what a doctor should be. She never shrinks from answering any question. When reviewing tests results she will go over them with you, line by line. She's not finished until you feel comfortable that you understand the information. She and her staff are very supportive of their patients. I hope you will include her in the list."



Atlanta

Dr. James Fortson, Ear, Nose, Throat Head & Neck Surgery, 285 Boulevard N.E. Ste. 220, Georgia 30307, 404.768.9350, 404.659.2273, www.fortsonent.com. A reader writes: "He's quiet and I had no idea he would be so expert or kind. Dr. Fortson is an amazing surgeon with a great deal of skill and compassion for his patients. His caregiving was excellent and I highly recommend him. His staff is competent and they made my life easier." (Added 6/05)



Atlanta

Dr. Jim Barron, gynecology, 780 Johnson Ferry Rd., Ga. 30304, 404-497-4700. A reader writes: "In addition to solving problems, Dr. Barron has wonderful bedside manner. He has a great support team as well, and can bring some comic relief to a situation that's sometimes too serious." (Added 6/05)



Atlanta

Frank Matalone, DO, Nutrition, 4646 North Shallowford Rd, Atlanta, Ga 30338, 770-676-6000. www.progressivemedicalcenter.com He diagnosed me with Hypothyroidism when my GP said that I was fine despite the plethora of symptoms that I was experiencing. Dr. Matalone also explained the importance of detoxification and using natural forms of thyroid instead of synthetics. Progressive Medical is truly a one of a kind clinic.(Added 1/06)



Atlanta / Roswell / Dunwoody

Dr. John Hamilton "Chip" Reed III, Endocrinologist -- NO LONGER LISTED



Atlanta

Alex Rikhter, MD, Internal Medicine, 1140 Hammond Drive, Suite G-7105, Atlanta, GA 30328, 770-351-0900. aerikhter@yahoo.com. "I have been to so many doctors and this is the first doctor I can ever say is Amazing! He asks questions, not from a chart, but from his head and heart. He wants to understand exactly how your feeling and talk to you about it. Dr. Rikhter tells you all of your options so you can talk about them together. He has genuine concern with how you feel and the problem isn't solved until you feel 110% better. He is someone you can call at 8 pm, like a friend, if you need anything. He is such a caring person and loves what he does. I guarantee you that there are no other doctors out there like him. This is the first doctor I can say I trust with my life. I am moving about an hour away and I will always go to him." (Added 6/02)

Another reader recommends Dr. Rikhter:
"Dr. Rikhter is an amazingly patient doctor. He listens and takes the time to explain everything thoroughly. Once, after a long, confusing explanation, he even asked me, patiently, if I wanted him to explain again. He never rushes through an appointment or makes me feel like he has any other patients but me. He's also always prompt with his appointments. Dr. Rikhter is a wonderful doctor in every way. I would (and do) recommend him to everyone." (added 1/04)



Atlanta

Carol Greenlee, thyroid - endocrinologist, Suite 2080, 77 Collier Road - Piedmont Hospital Complex, Atlanta, GA 30309, Phone: 404-355-4393, A reader writes: "She keeps up with current research, zeroes in on a diagnosis, explains it carefully and caringly. I cannot imagine a better doctor. " (Added: Dec. 04)

Another recommendation for Dr. Greenlee:
"Dr. Greenlee is the best endocrinologist I have encountered! Any patient looking for a physician who truly cares and listens should consult Dr. Greenlee. She has a wealth of knowledge and shares it with her patients in a manner that is easy to comprehend. She truly understands the patient’s feelings." (Added 10/05)



Atlanta - Buckhead Area

Dr. Spencer Welch, Endocrinologist. 77 Collier Road, Atlanta, GA 404-367-3133. A reader tells us that, "Dr. Welch is wonderful! I have been suffering from thyroid cancer for 2 years now. He is very thorough and caring. He has been going strictly by the book with tests and actually goes above the typical course of testing to make sure that everything is OK. He always calls with the test results and not his nurse. His nurse Gina is a positive asset. She is always very helpful and calls back almost immediately. They are a wonderful team."

A reader writes:
"I have seen Dr. Welch from my initial diagnosis 14 years ago with Hashimoto's. He had me on Synthroid for 11 years with good results, but was not hesitant at all to switch me to Thyrolar when my physical symptoms indicated something wasn't right. He looks beyond test results. Recently he switched me to Synthroid and Cytomel when it became difficult to get Thyrolar from the pharmacy. Very kind and easy manner." (Added: Dec. 04)



Buckhead

Dr Ed Garbacz, Internist who uses regular and alternative therapies. 3082 Shadowlawn Avenue, Atlanta 30305. A reader writes: "He is a great detective-sometimes a little rough but as long as you let him know you don't like to be spoken to like a NY cabbie from Brooklyn you'll get along great- Janet his nurse is great. The bad side is he doesn't take Medical Insurance-he'll fill out the forms but gets cash up front. In my opinion he's worth it but I am fortunate and my medical insurance reimburses me quickly."



Covington

Dr. M. Manning, Internist, 7138 Georgia Highway, 30016 Phone 770-786-9700 "Dr. Manning has worked with me and we have come a long way," says this reader. "Started out with "your tests are normal," so it must be your heart or so on and so on. When I keep in his face after all the heart tests and depression meds he said "what would you like to do?" WOW! We started with a change to Armour and tests for Ft3 Ft4 and tsh. Now we treat me together, not a lab report."



Cumming

Alan Einstein Internist 1100 Baptist Medical Center Dr. Suite 230 Cumming, GA 30041 678-455-3833. A reader writes: "This doctor is willing to work with his patients to find solutions. He is not threatened by patients who read, he actually likes for his patients to take an active part in their treatment. He prescribed Armour for me before I could ask. He uses special formularies of T3 when needed. In addition to be a good doctor, he is also warm, caring and a lot of fun! He is on most insurance plans." (Added 4/03)



Cumming

Dr. Michael Milton, Family Practice, Advanced Medicine and Longevity Center 6030 Bethelview Road, Suite 403 Cumming, GA, 30040 "I have been suffering with thyroid problems for almost 4 years now," shares this reader, "Moving from Doctor to Doctor and getting absolutely nowhere. I was referred to Dr. Milton by a friend and he gave me the light at the end of the tunnel. He uses the Barnes Theory of diagnosing Thyroid dysfunctions and works with his patients and listens and then does what it takes to have his patient’s thyroid working at peak performance. He prescribes Armour Thyroid. I live in Michigan. This is nothing new to him as he has patients all the way from Japan. His staff is fantastic and very warm and helpful. I was at my wits end. After two miscarriages back to back and 4 years of turmoil this man by the grace of God has given me my life back."

Another fan of Dr. Milton writes:
Dr. Michael Milton. General practice. 770-205-6068. A reader writes: "This is a Top Doc because he knows his stuff about the thyroid. I had been suffering for a long time and had tried convincing doctors of what I thought was going on with me -- but he took one look at me and knew. Even still -- he read over all my notes that I had been taking -- of symptoms I had been having and the various dosages of Synthroid I was on at the time -- which just wasn't working. He validated my feelings and the symptoms I was having -- for the first time in a long time. He sat with me for a good while and explained about thyroid & pituitary function -- and possible malfunctions -- reverse T3 -- and sounded as if he was reading from Mary's book. Thanks to the forum -- I was able to ask intelligent questions and concerns about symptoms that I was having -- whether they were related to the thyroid -- and he was not put off by that and did not act offended that I was questioning things -- as I have had happen before. In fact -- I think he was rather impressed that I knew so much about my own health. After he had spent some time with me -- he had his nurse come in and he re-explained everything in her presence -- so she would be familiar with my situation too -- and to make sure I understood everything. It was such a relief to know that there is actually someone out there with an open mind. He's agreeable to phone consultations and will adjust dosages as needed over the phone. He's about 40 miles from where I live -- but I'd gladly make the drive on a daily basis if needed to see him. He's worth the out of pocket money to see him and worth the drive to go see."

Another reader writes:
"I have gone to a lot of endocrinologists in the Atlanta area over the past 12 years. Dr. Milton is the first doctor I would recommend. He studied under Dr. Coddington and has a special technique for diagnosing thyroid function along with standard blood tests. I always hear people in the waiting room talking about how he is best doctor they have ever been to. He is willing to listen and help. I go a long distance to see him when other doctors are closer. It is about a 2 month wait getting in to see him but he is worth the wait."

Another reader recommends Dr. Milton:
"I realize that there are other recommendations for Dr. Milton already posted. That's the way I found him. But I must tell everyone that I have been seeing him since March, 2002. He is terrific. I had been to 4 doctors who told me that I was just severely depressed. One sent me to a psychiatrist. I just kept telling all of them that I was only depressed because they wouldn't listen and treat my hypothyroidism. Dr. Milton did extensive blood work. I am now on Armour and Cytomel and I'm doing better all the time. He is terrific and I recommend him highly." (Added 11/02)

More praise for Dr. Milton:
I have been to many doctors who have treated my symptoms without finding the disease. Many TSH tests have come back "normal" and I was about to give up. I was referred to Dr. Milton and the first thing that he said to me was that he wanted to be sure to understand what I was telling him and also that I understand what he is explaining to me. He took plenty of time with me and did, in fact, diagnose me with hypothyroidism. I finally have a doctor who can help me! The 2.5 hour drive was well worth it!!! (1/04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Milton listens and understands. If you have 50 questions (like I did) he will answer everyone of them. Since I've been with this doctor for 2 years, he has helped me lose my weight (45 lbs). He prescribes Armour thyroid and treats me not just my lab results. I drive 150 miles one way to his office and it's well worth the drive. I highly recommend him to someone else with hypothyroidism. I wouldn't have found Dr. Milton without this site, THANK YOU!" (Added: June 2004)

Another reader writes:
"He saved my life." (Added: June 2004)

Another fan:
"Dr. Milton really listens to you as a patient and as an intelligent human being. I knew something had to be terribly wrong with me because I was exercising, watching my food intake, and not losing an ounce. On top of that, the fatigue I was feeling was overwhelming. Dr. Milton has given me a light of what has been a very long tunnel of other doctors and medications. Thank you, Dr. Milton, from the bottom of my heart." (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader reports:
"I went to Dr. Milton because of the comments on this website. He has definitely done more toward resolving my lingering symptoms from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis than any other Dr. I've been to in the Atlanta area since being diagnosed (after almost fainting in the waiting room) by my Ob/GYN almost 8 years ago. Dr. Milton does more for the mind/body connection than anyone I've been to, and he promotes patient involvement, reading books, taking vitamin supplements and such. I was frustrated that I didn't think things were moving as fast as they could though. He was treating me like I had just been diagnosed, rather than his being about the 6th or 7th in a long line of Docs for almost 8 years. I have VERY severe PMS, and he hesitated to address this symptom, even after my 3rd visit. He seems to have a strict plan with steps that he does not alter from, even if you have been there before. This is hard if your insurance does not cover his visits as he does NOT accept any form of insurance up front. I think he would be perfect for someone suspecting they have a thyroid problem, or has been misdiagnosed by a Dr. that only does a standard TSH test. Dr. Milton is very up to date on tests and has no problem ordering them and subscribing natural thyroid hormones, but remember that he does not accept insurance and requires full payment at the visit. You must file your own insurance." (Added 6/05)

Yet another reader writes:
"Dr. Milton is remarkable. He has a holistic approach to medicine and will sit and talk with you for however long it takes to answer your questions and explain his techniques and treatments. But, probably the best thing about Dr. Milton is his office staff. I have left doctors in the past because their staff was thoughtless, rigid and seemingly uncaring. To me, that speaks more about a doctor's character than anything that takes place in the examining room. His waiting room is light, airy and comfortable. There's a small, bubbling fountain and a table where you can help yourself to a cup of hot, herbal tea. But, you never wait in there long. I've never had to wait longer than 15 minutes to see him, and that only happened once. He has pictures of his children in his office and when you ask about them, he glows with pride. It's rare to find a doctor who's not afraid to connect with patients in such a personal way. I owe him a lot." (Added 6/05)

Another fan of Dr. Milton:
"Dr. Milton is awesome! His practice offers real personalized medicine. He listens to your symptoms and then treats you based on those symptoms. I wish there were more doctors like him out there." (Added 10/05)



Duluth

Dr. Susan H. Boyle General Practice Phone Number 770.622.0660 "This is in response to someone on this site who lives in Lawrenceville requesting a listening General Practitioner. Dr. Boyle is by far the very best G.P. type and is well worth the drive! I have recommended several friends to her and they all loved her. She really sits down and listens to you...give her a try!"



Dunwoody

Viktor Bouquette, MD, Integrative Medicine, 4646 North Shallowford Rd #100, Ga 30338 770-676-6000, 770-392-9805 Fax www.progressivemedicacenter.com. A reader writes: "He listens to me and knew that my thyroid was not functioning optimally despite my PCP stating otherwise. I have been to numerous doctors with no answers until I decided to go to Progressive Medical. They turned around my life." (Added 6/05)

Another reader writes of Viktor Bouquette, MD, Frank Matalone, DO, NMD, Gez Agolli, NMD PhD
Another reader writes: "They get to the root cause of disease, specializing in diagnosing and correcting underlying metabolic disorders. Including thyroid and adrenal disorders." (Added 6/05)

A reader writes:
"He was the only doctor out of so many others who listened to me. He ordered extensive lab testing to get to the root cause of my problems. What a blessing to have found Progressive Medical Center." (Added 10/05)



Gainesville

Doctor Robert Grant, Endo, 174 Prior St. NE, Gainesville, GA, 770-5361381. "Dr. Grant considers more than just blood test and is willing to prescribe T3 (Cytomel) and Armour. My TSH was very low. Instead of automatically reducing my thyroid medication, he asked "How do you feel?" I replied," I feel great. For the first time in years my joint pain is gone, my memory has returned, and I'm no longer having emotional swings and episodes of rage." He considered other factors such as pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperatures and my past problems Mercury poisoning and with the ineffectiveness of Synthroid. He wanted me to stay on the relatively high dose of Armour and Cytomel. I asked, because the T3 levels were at the top of normal, "Should I reduce the T3?" He replied, "Keep taking it." AT LAST A DOCTOR WHO DOES NOT PLAY THE BLOOD TEST NUMBERS GAME. He is an older doctor and takes the time necessary to get to know all about you. In addition, he is reasonable and will not over charge the patient."



Gainesville

Dr. Jeffrey Lev, Endocrinology, 660-B Lanier Park Drive NE, Gainesville, GA 30505, 706-532-8999 (behind Lanier Park Hospital). A reader shares the following, "He has prescribed Armour to me, and was extremely open minded to alternative treatments. I was very pleased with his demeanor and would highly recommend him to someone else with hypothyroidism."

Another recommendation:
"I am a 3 year Graves disease patient who is adamant about staying on anti-thyroid meds and will avoid RAI at all costs. Dr. Lev is the 3rd Endo I have seen for my Graves. He is calm, compassionate and thorough. He listened to my concerns and complaints and did NOT try to force RAI on me. He even has a sense of humor...imagine that...an Endo with a sense of humor! At my first visit to Dr. Lev he spent a solid hour with me taking a full, thorough background history including the health of extended family. Then we spent another 30 minutes discussing my treatment to date and what we would do in the future for me. His knowledge of Graves specifically might be lacking a bit, as he believes in the TSH test (which I do not) and he did mention RAI once to me, but understood where I stand after I explained why I feel so strongly about avoiding RAI. I must say that the hour I spent with Dr. Lev was a welcome change from the other 2 Endo's I've seen over the last 3 years who would rush me in and rush me out within 15 minutes. I feel like I was HEARD for the first time since I was diagnosed! I'm thrilled to have found him, and I thank the original poster who listed him on this site, as I probably would not have found him without this site!" (Added 6/02).

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Jeffery Lev helped me to successfully reduced my A1C from 12.7 to 6.0 in a 9 month time frame. I would highly recommend him to other diabetic or endocrinology patients." (Added: Dec. 04)



Gainesville

Karen Newell, MD, Women's problems, Alternative Medicine, 1016 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30501, (770)533-4494/(770)533-9919, www. gahealthandmedicine.com. "Caring, up to date. Various therapies, incl. acupuncture chelation and hyperbaric oxygen." (Added 6/02)

Another recommendation:
"I had been to many different doctors to find out what was wrong with me, and I finally found Dr. Newell. She made it a point to find out what was wrong with me and have me well in less than a year. She is very sweet and caring and wants all her patients well enough so that they don't have to come back." (Added 6/02)



Kingsland

Jimmy Diaz, Internal medicine/Integrated medicine, 140 Lakes Blvd, Suite D, Ga 31548, 912-729-6606, drjimmydiaz@tds.net. A reader writes: "This doctor is awesome. I feel so good after giving up endocrinologist that wasn't helping me at all and getting to Dr. Diaz. I am now on Armour Thyroid and feeling great. This doctor cares enough to make whatever is wrong with you right. Please call if you're around here. I have a new lease on life." (Added 6/05)

Another reader recommends Dr. Diaz:
"This doctor is a rare find. He listens and sincerely wants to help you get your life back." (Added 10/05)



Lawrenceville

David W. Kunz Family Practice 1655 Lebanon Rd Ste A Ste A Lawrenceville, GA 30043 (770) 682-2024 A reader writes: "Dr. Kunz was already my doctor when I realized I might have a thyroid condition after reading a book with about thyroid diseases. He listened to me and treated me based more on how I felt than what my results said. He has taken on thyroid conditions as a specialty and I have been very impressed with the care I have been given. I have referred him to several friends who have also since been diagnosed with thyroid conditions. My only regret is I had to move and he is no longer my doctor." (Added 11/02)

Another reader recommends Dr. Kunz:
"He really knows his thyroid information. He even knows hat for some reason there are more thyroid problems in this area than in all of GA, but they don't know why. He has said that other doctors don't like it when they see a patient in the hospital with the #s Kunz is keeping them at and he has to explain it to them." (Added 6/03)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Kunz is very educated on thyroid problems and takes time to listen to you and your needs. After several
years of severe symptoms he has gotten me to the point where I can actually function at some degree of normal. I would highly recommend him for thyroid patients." (Added: June 2004)

A reader writes:
"I love Dr. Kunz; he is the only doctor who diagnosed me with thyroid problems. All the other ones kept telling me that 'my numbers were all good'. Dr. Kunz listened to me and put me on medication for my thyroid problem. I feel a lot better now." (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Kunz has helped me to get my life back " (Added: Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"He's open, knowledgeable, experienced with alt tx for Hashi's, easily accessed, accepts most insurance, familiar w/Mary." (Added 6/05)



Lawrenceville

Dr. David Shore -- NO LONGER LISTED (April 2006)



Macon

A. Keith Martin, Surgeon. 330 Hospital Drive, Suite 315 (912) 750-8606. A reader shares, "Dr. Martin and his entire staff are first-rate. When diagnosed with Thyroid cancer he spent as much time as my husband and I needed to evaluate treatment options, the procedure, side effects, etc. In fact, after the surgery he came to check on me three times that day and twice more before I was discharged the day after my surgery, to make sure that I was doing well, that the hospital staff was responsive to my needs and to assure my husband that I was doing well!! He continued to follow up with my care for 6 months...and I have no noticeable thyroid "necklace" to show for his skill as a surgeon! I thoroughly recommend this practice for those needing thyroid surgery in Middle Georgia. He skill and concern are well worth the drive."



Marietta

A reader writes: "A Top Doc in Marietta, Georgia is Dr. Ralph Lee, a family physician who practices preventive medicine and nutrition therapy. He prescribes natural Armour thyroid, diagnoses and treats food allergies and Candida, and is a very nice, unpretentious man. His number is 770-423-0064."



Marietta

Dr. Mark Starr Preventative Medicine/thyroid /adrenal 627 Cherokee St. Suite 6 Marietta, GA. 30060 770 528-9214 770 fax 528-9215 http://www.starrpainclinic.com. A reader writes: "He had taken his time and looked at my past medical history from birth. He uses additional tests for thyroid and adrenal function and subscribes natural hormones and thyroid. He also tests for Candida so your immune system can recover. He supplies books and websites for additional info and uses past info from Dr. Broda Barnes." (Added 4/03)

Another reader recommends Dr. Starr:
"I really felt like he listened to me. I was pleasantly surprised seeing an M.D. with such a good grasp on natural health and the welfare of his patients. I am impressed and hopeful I will be well soon." (added 1/04)



Marietta

Dr Ken Knott, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,1455 Bells Ferry Road Suite A, Georgia 30066, 770-421-8094. A reader writes: "I had a partial thyroidectomy. A few years after surgery, I was very lethargic, always cold, brittle hair, tendonitis and it was difficult to concentrate. I went to several endocrinologists over several years that performed the standard blood test and stated that I was normal. I remembered that I had my blood tested before my surgery. When I compared the current lab result to the previous results, I discovered that my hormones changed 400%. I decided to find a physician who was familiar with tendonitis and thyroid replacement therapy. Luckily, I found Dr. Knott. He is a cash only physician but on the first visit, he spent at least 30 minutes with me reviewing my history and current symptoms. He was the first physician to measure my free T3 and discovered that I was significantly below normal. Additionally, he found that I had iron and B 12 deficiency. He started me Armour and B-12 injections. Because of Dr. Knott, I have my life back and I cannot thank him enough." (Added 6/05)



Marietta

Linda Kelley, Holistic Care, 4343 Shallowford Rd. #H, Marietta, GA 30062, 770-649-0094, drlindakelley@earthlink.net, www.cobblongevityandwellness.com A reader writes: "She treats the WHOLE person, not just the indicated symptoms. I am indebted to her for giving me back my life!" (Added 10/05)

Another fan:
"She is a caring doctor and her patients are doing great." (Added 1/06)

Another writes:
"Dr. Kelley is multi-talented. Not only did she identify and fix my reverse T-3 but she is available to prescribe bio-identical hormones and adrenal support a thyroid is a multi-faceted issue. She is caring and very knowledgeable on other illnesses such as fibromyalgia. This is truly 1 stop to do my annual pap smear, thermography, and other anti-aging treatments." (Added Apr 06)



Monroe

Steven R. Taraszka, MD, Pain Medicine, Bio-identical hormone replacement, fibromyalgia and many others, 9244 West Spring Street, Monroe, GA 30655, 770-267-4455 or fax 770-267-7495, "Most caring and knowledgeable physician I have ever met! Cured me after the Mayo Clinic said it couldn’t be done!" (Added 4/04)



Oakwood

Timothy Flynn, Family Practice/Endocrinologist, 3931 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566, 770-503-1481. "Dr. Flynn listens, is up to date on his info and uses how I feel as well as my blood tests to treat me." (Added Dec. 04)



Oglethorpe

Dr. E. Glynn Taunton, D.O., Wellness/Osteopathic Med, 100 Riverview Lane, P.O Box 1069, Oglethorpe, GA 31068, 478-472-2550, osofam@yahoo.com. "I have been seeing him now for 6 months and I am almost completely well. The pain in my body and my joints is all but gone. He treats the whole person and finds the root cause of a problem and goes after it. He is VERY knowledgeable and will explain everything to you in terms you can understand without talking down to you. He has given me the best treatment than any other Dr."

Another reader writes:
"I have been seeing him now for 6 months and I am almost completely well. The pain in my body and my joints is all but gone. He treats the whole person and finds the root cause of a problem and goes after it. He is VERY knowledgeable and will explain everything to you in terms you can understand without talking down to you. He has given me the best treatment, better than any other Dr."

Another reader recommends Dr. Taunton:
"Dr. Taunton is the best! He understands that once you've got thyroid disease, you probably have other endocrine imbalances. He promptly tests/treats your adrenal glands, runs a sex hormone panel, and checks pituitary function. He knows that a deficiency in HGH, TST, DHEA, or cortisol, for example, will leave you feeling just as bad as thyroid disease, and that hypothyroidism often results in such imbalances. Dr. Taunton prefers to use natural thyroid, but will also adjust dosages using combination therapy. He also treats with nutritional supplements and checks for yeast and allergies. He has you fill out a survey before your first appt so he can immediately identify areas which may be causing you problems (with your thyroid, endocrine imbalances, bowels, and environment---all sorts of stuff). He is also a pharmacist so he KNOWS his drugs and when to avoid them. Dr. Taunton fully comprehends every aspect of thyroid disease, as he himself has hypothyroidism and takes Armour medication for it daily. Due to his intimate knowledge of hypothyroidism and endocrine imbalances (he treats himself for adrenal insufficiency as well), Dr. Taunton TRULY UNDERSTANDS why you suffer your various symptoms, and he works to optimize your health naturally, through endocrine and nutritional balance rather than through drugs. Don't worry about walking in depressed---he won't throw any Prozac at you! He does NOT treat symptoms; he cures illness! Your symptoms will all go away because he will fix the underlying problems. He also will spend hours with his patients; your first appt will likely be 2-3 hours long, and follow-ups will last 0.5-1 hours. I can recommend Dr. Taunton unequivocally and can say without reservations that if you seek care from him, you WILL be healed." (Added 11/02)



Powder Springs

Dr. Michael Christa, Brownsville Rd, Powder Springs Georgia, 678-567-8000. A reader writes: "He takes time and listens and is very educated with thyroid and is also the family doctor so when you are sick you still see Dr.Christa and does a physical thyroid check every time." (Added 1/06)



Savannah

Douglas G. Gresham,M.D., Endocrinologist, 340 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, Ga., (912) 355-6029. According to one reader, "To him, I am NOT just a lab result. He believes in tweaking the dosage of medication until the patient is in a normal range BUT also NON-symptomatic!"



Sharpsburg/Newnan/Peachtree City

Dr. John Schuler, GP, Sharpsburg/Newnan/Peachtree City. A reader enthuses, " Dr. Schuler is a wonderful doctor. I was extremely fortunate to find a great one on the first try. His front office staff is sometimes abrupt and they don’t always make the mark, and often I have heard that the wait to see him is long from over scheduling, but he is a superlative listener, VERY knowledgeable and UP TO DATE on the latest information. A proactive patient does not intimidate this doc! He appreciates a well educated patient. He is tops!"

Another reader writes:
"The first time I went to Dr. Schuler he listened to me and my concerns regarding my thyroid. In the past, tests have shown me to be "within the range" for normal. However, symptoms tell another story. Dr. Schuler tested me and I was on the low end and he started me on medication for hyperthyroid. I am not so tired anymore, I actually sweat when I exercise, and I do not retain water like I did before. I am actually slowly losing some weight. Also, Dr. Schuler actually seems to appreciate the fact that I had done some research." (Added 6/05)

Another recommendation for Dr. Schuler:
"Dr. Schuler listens to me. He never rushes me and listens to how I actually feel. The front office staff has changed; I found them to be professional and courteous." (Added 10/05)



Stockbridge

Sondi Moore-Waters, M.D. Integrative Medicine, 130 Eagle Springs Court Suite, , GA 30281, 770-507-2930, rosehillmedicalcenter.com. A reader writes: "She really listens - I am getting my life back. We are monitoring my thyroid condition closely and treating the anxiety and digestive problems it has caused. She is the first medical doctor who hasn't told me "it's stress - learn to live with it"." (Added 6/05)



Thomaston (Formerly in Zebulon)

Dr. Virginia Sharron Jones. 201 Jackson Ave, Thomaston, GA 30286, (706)647-1200. A reader writes: "Because I discussed several articles here on this site and she knew exactly what I was talking about and agreed wholeheartedly with the fact that synthetic T4 alone is inadequate -- that the thyroid can mess up your whole body and life -- she knew that soy was bad for you and that it's in everything and is eager to help me achieve a better quality of life and also assured me that blood test could be inaccurate in many cases and she would also rely on my physical symptoms. To top that she knows what Wilson's Syndrome is and believes it exists! You may have to wait -- but she takes her time with every patient. "

NOTE: As of April 2006, it has been reported that this doctor may not be taking new patients.

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.