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.

Bloomingdale

Dr William Epperly, Bio Identical Hormone Therapy, 245 S Gary Ave Ste# 105, Bloomingdale IL 60108, 630-893-9661/630-893-5665 fx. www.drepperly.com. A reader writes: "He was the only doctor who did a full hormone check including testosterone of which I was extremely low on. He started treating me with bio identical hormone pellets of estradiol and testosterone added natural progesterone orally and Armour thyroid as I was at 2.63. Shortly after he started treating me I started dropping weight which I could not do for 10 years of several other doctors. I finally had energy, and all my peri/menopausal symptoms had greatly improved or disappeared. He listens and spends time with you, has a great bedside manner. And you will not find an overbooked, waiting room, with a doctor rushing to get to the next patient. He's truly been a Godsend. He works with both conventional and alternative medicine and as an added credit he's also an allergist. I like the fact that he actually knows his patients, including reviewing your chart before he comes in the room. He works at getting people to realize they must do their part in their health too. Finding the right doctor has made a huge difference in both my physical health and mental as well." (Added 1/06)

Bloomington

Kathryn A. Wilson, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Carle Clinic, 1701 East College Ave, Bloomington IL 61704, 309-664-3800. "She is very kind and understanding. She really listens to what you are saying. And she tries to help you in any way she can. She changed my life!!!!!" (Added 6/02).

Note: This doctor's office has limited hours, so you may have a long wait for an appointment.

Bloomington

Dr. John Poge, 1401 Eastland Drive, Bloomington, IL, 309-663-8311, http://www.meta-ehealth.com/site/office/index.jsp A reader writes: "Dr. Poge is brilliant! He is convinced you should treat the problem, not just take care of the symptoms. He is a rare find!" (Added 10/05)

Bourbonnais

Dr. Jennifer P. Nepomuceno, M.D., General Practice, 475 Brown Blvd, 60914. A reader writes: "She has been my GP for 5 years now and has done a wonderful job. She listens to what I have to say patiently and without exasperation. She also has a thyroid disorder herself so she understands what goes with this type of disorder. She has a family practice with her husband but if you see her as a doctor you always see her unless you don't mind seeing Dr. Rey her husband. She is wonderful and I recommend her highly for anyone in the Kankakee area. She is also Board Certified in Family Practice."

Another fan:
"She knows thyroids!" (Added 1/06)

Calumet City

Dr John Jones, Psychiatry, 2100 Sibley Blvd, Calumet City, IL 60409, 708-862-4060. A reader writes:
"This doctor recognized that I had been misdiagnosed and had been taking medications not necessary for me. He recognized that I had a thyroid condition, but was being treated for depression. He weaned me from all the medications and immediately told me to see an Endocrinologist at either Northwestern or the University of Chicago Hospitals to get unbiased and good treatments.(Added Apr 06)

Channahon/Joliet

Dr. Byrant Smith, Internist 25259 W. Reed Street, Channahon, IL 815-467-0901. A reader writes "This Doctor listens to me. He will treat you with whatever it takes till you feel well and has no aversion to Armour. The first Doctor who admitted to knowing about Synthroid and spoke openly to me about the Abbott Lab push for their drug."

Another recommendation:
"He cares about his patients. This is evident in the way he interacts with them and the way his staff responds to him and his patients. He takes time to listen and really hear what his patients are saying. He is very knowledgeable. He stays current on new treatments for diseases but isn't opposed to using the older ones if they work well. It is all about what is best for the patients." (Added 6/02).

Chicago

Dr. Alan Bain, Internal Medicine/Alternative Medicine, 111 N. Wabash, #1005, Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 236-7010, mailto:mwellness@cihci.net, http://www.cihci.net. "Dr. Bain is a brilliant DO. He seems to be up on all the latest research in natural hormones. He takes the time to listen and works with his patients until they are balanced and well. He is not strictly a numbers guy - he takes into account your symptoms and everything you tell him in addition to the test results. He also does energy work, NYET for allergies, kinetic testing, and has a number of ideas about supplements and alternatives therapies that might help a person. He also has a suburban office near Chicago." (added 1/04)

Another patient recommends Dr. Bain:
"He does prescribe Armour Thyroid. He is a very compassionate man who listens to your health concerns and who is extremely knowledgeable about illness and wellness. He’s just fantastic and always has time for his patients." (added 1/04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Bain is very knowledgeable about alternative therapies and always gives good consideration to your problem and how to treat it best which often means he will try something other than giving you a new pill to take. Every time I go to see him, he reviews my folder and sees what we have done in the past and asks how that problem is doing. He's very thorough and thoughtful and down to earth and he treats you like another human being, not just a patient." (Added June 2005)

Another fan of Dr. Bain:
"Dr. Bain has a holistic philosophy and is able to bring patients back to health with natural means and bio-identical hormone therapies." (Added 10/05)

A reader writes:
"I just spoke to the Dr., and he NO LONGER has a suburban office. Wow! He answered the phone himself!"(Added Apr 06)

Chicago

A reader writes: "I no longer live there but for 6 wonderful years had the best endocrinologist in the world! His name is Dr. David Erhmann, M.D. at the University of Chicago Clinic at the U of C campus. He is extremely knowledgeable and very personable. He actually takes the time to LISTEN to you! Amazing, I know! You couldn't find a better endo if you had to. Call him and tell him Leslie Pyle sent you. I now live in Texas but as I said, was a patient of his for 6 years until we moved 5 years ago. I really and truly miss him. Now I have an HMO and they won't allow me to see an endo even though I've had a subtotal thyroidectomy and have a very hard time managing a good thyroid profile."

Chicago

Dr. Eulien, Internist, 2800 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60657 773-525-4740. "I have been Dr. Eulien's patient for years. He always listens and is concerned with making you well and really cares about his patients. He is also willing to try new and alternative methods." (added 1/04)

Chicago

Dr. Michael McNett, Fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial/ muscle pain, 4332 N. Elston Ave., Chicago Il 60641, 773-604-5321, http://www.paragonclinic.com. "Dr. Mike is a really caring and compassionate person. He takes the time to look at you as a whole person, not just a standard test that is always "within normal limits!" He is a traditionally trained doctor with complementary medicine knowledge. He is open minded and current on all the latest ways to combat chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, thyroid disorders: usually all these are hand-in-hand. As a doctor, he wants to try all avenues to get us feeling WELL, not just coming out "well" on a blood test. The whole staff there really supported me and helped me with all my symptoms."



Chicago

Sally Radovick, MD, Endocrinology - Pediatric, 5841 South Maryland Ave MC5053 (University of Chicago Children's Hosp), Chicago, IL 60637 (773) 702-6432, http://www.ucch.org/doctors.html A reader writes: "Dr Radovick is a Professor of Endocrinology, Section Chief, and is up on the latest endocrinology studies." (Added 2/03)

Chicago

Dr. Robert Rosenfield, Pediatric Endocrinology, MC 5053, Wyler Hospital Pavilion, 5839 S. Maryland Ave. Chicago, IL 60637-1470 773-702-6432. "Dr. Rosenfield treated me for 12 years after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's at the age of 9. He is great with kids and shows genuine concern for his patients. He is the Head of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Chicago. I would recommend him to any families needing pediatric endocrinology care." (added 1/04)

Chicago

A reader writes: "Three years ago I needed thyroid cancer surgery and came to Chicago to have this done. Dr. Natan Sher at Ingalls Memorial Hospital located in Harvey, Ill. did this surgery and needless to say it was successful. Dr. She is also the head and throat man at the University of Chicago. I recommend him highly."



Chicago

A reader writes: "I had my surgery done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. My surgeon was Dr. Gerald Ujiki and my endocrinologist is Dr. Henry Ruder. Both were very good."

Chicago

Dr. I. Yohay, 30 E 15th Street, Suite 314, Chicago Heights, Il 60411 708-709-2010. "Dr. Yohay is very dedicated to her patients. She listens to your concerns and makes sure you understand every aspect of your treatment. She explains things to you in terms you can understand. She is always available by phone if you ever have any questions. I am glad I have her as my Doctor." (added 1/04)

Chicago

Jifunza Wright, Holistic Family Medicine, 11110 South Sawyer Street, Chicago, IL 60655, 773-881-7191, holfamilymed@ameritech.net, "Uses alternative treatments and medications. Patients have input." (Added 4/04)

A reader writes:
"Very caring and attentive. Provided much information to help with my multiple challenges of thyroid, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in a concerned "patient-centered wellness" physician. (Added Dec. 04)

Chicago

Dr. Kenan Qin, Pediatric Endo, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, 5721 S. Maryland Avenue, IL 60637, 1-888-UCH-0200, http://www.uchicagokidshospital.org/physicians/physician.html?id=4041, A reader writes:"This guy is FANTASTIC. My 9 year old son came to him in 2002 and by 2004 he was in remission! (our first ped. endo wanted to do RAI). This doc said "no way" and prefers ATD therapy and often uses Block and Replace and his (cooperative) patients have a high rate of remission. I would recommend him to any parent who has a child with Graves Disease. Dr. Qin (Chin) is the best!" (Added 6/05)

Chicago

Dr. Mark Stolar, Adult Primary Care, 676 North St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-335-1133 ext. 201.
http://nwinternist.com. A reader writes: "My thyroid gland had been destroyed due to radioactive iodine
treatment for Graves Disease. I had been taking Synthroid for 7 years and for some reason I suddenly started showing signs of hypothyroidism. My regular doctor would not change my prescription because I tested in the "normal" range. I found Dr. Stolar and was relieved to see him genuinely concerned for my health. As it turned out, Synthroid was no longer a good choice for me and he changed me over to Armour Thyroid. I haven't felt this normal in 3 years. This is a doctor who will listen to you as well as educate you on the latest findings with hypothyroidism. I went to 3 doctors before I found him and I'm thankful I did not give up." (Added: June 2004)

Another recommendation for Dr. Stolar:
"He is very nice and will call you back the same day as soon as he can. If he can’t call you, he has a nurse call to discuss the problem. He listens to you and doesn’t tell you it’s in your mind like some doctors do when they can’t find out what is wrong. He seems to be right on target with everything he says and does." (Added 10/05)

A reader writes:
"I was really sick for 3 yrs. before i met Dr. Stolar. Though I still have a way to go before I'm back to my regular healthy self, he has done alot for me so far. His staff & office are good too. He is a very nice man & will call you back the same day as soon as he can. If he can't call you he has his nurse call to discuss what the problem is. He jokes around too & will try different things to help you. He listens to you & doesn't tell you it's in your mind like some doctor's do when they can't find out what is wrong. He seems to be right on target with everything he says & does. He has a sense of humor..." (Added Apr 06)

Chicago

Dr. Richard Crawford, Endocrinology, 211 E. Chicago Ave. #1050, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-944-6677/312-944-3346.A reader writes: "Dr. Crawford is an amazing doctor who is very knowledgeable and personal. He is a doctor who believes that his patients do know when their thyroid is off, regardless of any numbers. He takes the time to listen to you and consider your concerns. Dr. Crawford has been very flexible with me and that has helped me tremendously!" (Added Apr 06)

Crystal Lake

Gary R. Oberg, MD, Integrated Medicine: Allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Candida, CFS/FMS, Migraines, Hormone imbalances including thyroid, PMS, menopause, 31 North Virginia Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, 815-455-1990 or fax 815-455-6780, http://www.garyoberg.yourmd.com, "Dr. Oberg is very knowledgeable and always looking to expand his ability to assist difficult patients. Dr. Oberg provides alternative medical treatments along with conventional medicine. Dr. Oberg prescribes Armour and Thyrolar as his first choice thyroid treatments. He looks at the person as a whole, and tries to identify not only what is going on, but also the root causes. Dr. Oberg provides complete and thorough medical care." (Added 4/04)

Evanston

"Dr. Joseph Terrezzi, Pediatrician, 500 Davis Street 866-3800. My daughter is 21 years old and since her birth he has been her doctor and has taken really good care of her. He was always concerned, very informative, readily available even though he is very busy and always knew what to do for her. He also took care of my grandson who is now 10. Just an exceptionally caring doctor, the best I have ever seen."

Freeport

Dr. Clarence Parks, Internal Medicine/ Pediatrics, Freeport Health Network, 1036 W. Stephenson, Freeport, IL 61032, 815-599-7790. "Dr. Parks has been wonderful. He listens to the concerns I have about my life style and the goals I have yet to accomplish. He takes the time to determine if I am able to have the quality of life I have been struggling to attain after RAI. Dr. Parks does not just look at my TSH and T4 numbers. He always looks at my entire quality of life. He has been willing to change my dosage of Levoxyl and Cytomel by very small increments to get the desired results. He is always willing to listen to, or look at, any new information I have brought to his attention. I highly recommend him to any one struggling with being "sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.'"

Fulton

Dr. Stephen Harrison, M.D., General Practitioner, Fulton Family Health Clinic, 314 12th St., Fulton, IL 61252, 815-589-2121. A reader writes: "He is an excellent listener with a compassionate personality. His many articles in the local newspaper explaining various illness and the latest findings on effective treatments are written so the person on the street can have a better understanding. I appreciate his desire to use the least invasive but effective means to improve his patient’s health."

Hinkley

Sandra Labak, Family Practice, Rt. 30, IL 60520, 630 286-3685. A reader writes: "She listens. She monitors the situation. She pays attention to clinical symptoms as well as lab numbers. She is willing to work with her patient (and parents) to determine the right medication. My son's condition was very unstable. She stayed on top of it. I am happy to say that his condition is now quite stable. He is living a normal life!" (Added 6/05)

Hinsdale

Dr. Edward Paloyan has requested that he be removed from this site's listing.

Hoffman Estates

Dr. Susan Busse, Holistic Dr., 2260 W. Higgins Rd/Suite 202, Hoffman Estates, IL, 60195, 847-781-7500 / 847-781-7502, bussewellness.com. A reader writes: "I saw Dr. Busse with a lot of problems that a lot of doctor's put off as chronic fatigue or PMS. I needed someone who would listen and she did just that. She tested everything possible, including my thyroid. This needless to say was very off. She addressed this problem and I have been feeling great since. She deals with a lot of patients that have Lyme, but also with a wide variety of problems. Chronic fatigue, ADHD, Lyme, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid....basically everything and every age. I have suggested her to several friends and they love her as well."(Added 3/03)

Another reader adds:
"She is very compassionate and willing to take the time to listen and evaluate you as a person." (Added 3/03)

La Grange Park

Dr. Tony Lu Integrative Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Homeopathy 321 N. LaGrange Road, Family Health Center of LaGrange Park LaGrange Park, IL 60526 708/485-1020 Fax 708/485-1173 www.luhs.org. A reader writes: "I have been to 6 doctors in 4 years and everyone kept telling me, it just takes awhile to see the results. How long is a while? I got Dr. Lu's name from a talk about Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome. I called to make an appointment and had to wait a few weeks to get in. It was well worth the wait. He's changed my medication, added several supplements, and used acupuncture to relieve my symptoms. I feel so much better after only six weeks of treatment. He is wonderful. He takes his time with you, answers your question, and treats you like a real person." (Added 2/03)

Macomb

Dr. Sherry Li, Female Medicine/Hormones, 909 E. Grant, Macomb, IL 61455, 3098372000, www.mdh.org. A reader writes: "Works with whole body and specializes in female hormones. She listens to you. Takes her time. Makes you feel like cared for. She treats the symptoms. Very knowledgeable! (Added Apr 06)

Maywood/Chicago western suburbs

A reader recommends Dr. Nicholas V. Emanuele, Endocrinologist and Metabolism, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Avenue-- Maywood-- IL 60153, 708.216.6200. "After 3 endocrinologists-- I was so happy to get lucky and find Dr. Emanuele. He listens-- asks lots of questions-- answers all your questions. After my first visit the exam was so thorough and informative I really felt like everything's going to be OK now. I'm going to get back to normal. I feel very lucky to have found him. He and his wife both practice endocrinology and are both spoken of very highly."

NOTE / April 2006: A reader reports that "After being dissatisfied with several doctors, I was so happy to find Dr. Emanuele. I have hyperthyroidism due to a benign thyroid nodule. I do not have Graves' Disease. I was a patient of Dr. Emanuele's for a couple of years and found him very knowledgeable and with excellent bedside manners. Unfortunately, I have received a letter from him saying that he has begun working full time at Hines and is no longer seeing patients at Loyola." (Added Apr 06)

Moline

Dr. Brian Cady, 7th ST & J Deere Road, Moline Illinois, 764-4500. "He's great!!" (Added 6/02).

Naperville

Joseph Donzelli, MD, Otolaryngology, 640 S. Washington, Suite #268, Naperville, IL 60540 (630) 420-2323, fax (630)420-8822, www.ent-doctor.com. "He takes his time with his patients. He listens to them and their concerns. He is a very patient and compassionate person that will treat his patients with the utmost care. He is willing to try medications first before jumping into a surgical situation. I would have to say that his biggest asset is that he cares for his patients on a personal level." (added 1/04)

Another recommendation:
"Dr. Donzelli diagnosed my thyroid cancer after several other doctors missed it. He also did my thyroidectomy surgery. He did a beautiful job and my scar is not even noticeable. He's thorough and he really cares!" (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Donzelli is an incredible doctor. He takes time with each and every patient no matter how big or small the situation is. I appreciate his honesty and concern for each patient. He has diagnosed my thyroid cancer and I know will be with me every step of the way." (Added 6/05)

Northbrook

Dr. Elena Koles, Immunology / Internal Medicine, 666 Dundee Rd., Ste 602, Northbrook, IL, 60090, 847-291-0900, http://www.u-ok.net. A reader writes: "Dr. Koles is an excellent and compassionate physician who tries to figure out the cause of illness and treat it appropriately. Uses many alternative modalities, even though she's an MD. Very good listener." (Added 1/06)

Oak Brook Terrace

Dr. Dina R. Desai, Family Practice, 1 South 161 Summit Ave, Oak Brook Terrace, IL 60181, 630-889-8922. A reader writes: "Dr. Desai stays with you until you’re feeling right, no matter how long it takes. She’s terrific!" (Added 10/05)

Oak Park

Paul J. Dunn M.D., Alternative/Homeopathy, 715 Lake Street, Suite 106, Oak Park, IL 60301, 708 383-3800. DrDunnsOffice@aol.com. "After working for Dr. Dunn for several years I have been witness to many happy outcomes for patient's with complicated thyroid and adrenal problems. Dr. Dunn takes the time to listen to each patient and he works with them concentrating on what is of most concern to them. He always stays on top of the latest information and passes this along to his patients. I am happy to work with him and am also happy to be his patient."

Oak Park

Carlos Reynes, Internal Medicine/Integrative Medicine, 1140 Westgate Oak Park IL 708-358-0111 www.integrativetherapiesltd.com. A reader writes: "Dr Reynes goes beyond traditional testing to find the causes of patients symptoms. He is not like other doctors I have seen who just want to give you a pill to treat the symptoms. He understands the relationships of various hormones and knows how to make adjustments to maintain the proper balance of hormones. Dr Reynes is good at explaining the problems and the causes in simple terms that I can understand. He is open to using whatever treatments work. He works with chiropractors, a medical hypnotherapist, an acupuncturist, and a Reiki master." (Added 6/03)

Paris

James Ciulla, Programs to reestablish health, emphasizing natural techniques --- Regenerative Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Pain Mgmt., Stress Mgmt. Techniques, Preventative Medicine, Allergy Treatment, Cardiovascular Rehab, Intravenous Chelation Therapy. The New Life Medical Clinic, 509 South Main Street, Paris, IL 61944 (an hour drive from Champaign), (217) 465-8053, Fax (217) 463-9704. "The New Life Medical Clinic is an outstanding facility. It was obvious to me upon my first visit that their first priority is with "how the patient feels" rather than lab values alone. After years of needless suffering and going from one doctor to another I was unprepared for the genuine interest that the staff displayed in trying to make me feel well and whole again. Significant efforts were made in getting me properly diagnosed and treated. What impressed me most of all was their knowledge in the area of endocrinology. They moved beyond the typical TSH testing and used other standards to identify and treat my long-standing thyroid problem. I can never remember receiving such a complete and thorough physical in my life. I feel like I have found a diamond in the rough. What a welcomed change. This facility performed circles around the doctors in my city --- the hour drive is nothing compared to the care that I receive. Anyone that walks through the doors of the New Life Medical Clinic is truly blessed." (Added 6/02).

Another reader writes:
"Initially, my sister who lives in Champaign, IL recommended Dr. Cuilla and his wife Wanda. It was well worth the drive. Superb medical treatment for thryoid challenges I've had for 5+ years. I live in the Chicago area and decided to try something different and pursue their medical approach. Out of the several doctors (in 5 years) I've been to in Chicago and suburbs, nothing compares to their unique concern and care. Wanda, Jim's wife is a Certified Physician's Assistant and they work together as a team on different approaches. Wanda has a dynamic, professional, thorough approach and her first consultation with a patient is thorough. They both have their area of specialty and it's my understanding when a new patient calls sometimes it is suggested he/she talk to Wanda first. They have a successful health care business and they both really care about their patients. I have seen Wanda and I'm very impressed. I highly strongly recommend considering the drive to Paris, IL. It's worth the trip." (Added 6/05)

Peoria

Dr. Catherine Cuite Ophthalmology 5401 N Knoxville, Suite 102 Peoria, IL61614 1-800-872-4651. A reader writes: "She is wonderful. [She has] energy, attitude and patience with people of all ages. She will take the time to explain the diagnoses and treatment. She was the first Dr. to finally tell us you can have thyroiditis eyes (a form of Graves) without abnormal thyroid tests/results and that there is treatment. You can read all about her on their web page at http://IllinoisEyeCenter.com Top Doctor List. (Added 4/03)

Peoria

Dr. Chang, Endocrinology/Diabetes, 3308 Chartwell Rd., Peoria, IL 61614, 309-691-7640. "He is by far the best and most confident doctor I’ve seen. He is willing to listen and adjust medications to help you feel better." (Added 10/05)

A reader writes:
"I have seen 2 previous endocrinologists and he is by far the best and most confident doctor I've seen. He is willing to listen and adjust meds to help me feel better." (Added Apr 06)

Peoria

Jill Carnahan, Family Practice/Integrative Medicine, 815 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61602, 309-672-4977, www.drcarnahan.com, Excellent physician who practices Holistic Patient centered medicine. (Added 1/06)

Rockford

Dr. Andrew Kong Holistic, Post-Graduate Rehab, Certified Acupuncturist 5301 E. State Street, Suite 123, Rockford, IL 61108, 815-397-8500. Andrew Kong, Holistic & Chiropractic. Back in Action Holistic Health, 5301 E State, #101, Rockford, IL 61108, 815/397-8500. A reader informs us, "He used blood, urine, hair, and saliva tests to determine my health condition. Based on those results, my regimen of nutrition, supplements, herbs, acupuncture, and relaxing breathing exercises dropped my TSH score from 61 to .86 in 6 months. He is caring about the whole person."

A reader writes:
"I had low thyroid and elevated TSH. I was suffering from fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations, high cholesterol and anxiety. My results with Dr. Kong were excellent. My cholesterol went from 279 to 197 and my TSH went from 10 down to 3. This after only about 5 weeks of supplements and acupuncture prescribed by Dr. Kong. I sleep better, have no anxiety or fatigue and all with no side effects! I really recommend anyone who wants to get off thyroid hormones to visit Dr. Kong.(Added Apr 06)

Schaumburg

Dr. Joseph M. Mercola, Family Practitioner/Specializing in Chronic Illnesses. 1443 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194-4065 ph 847-985-1777. A reader informs us, "Dr. Mercola LISTENS to his patients. He takes his time when discussing your health needs. He looks at the WHOLE picture, not just one single lab value. He is quite thorough also. Dr. Mercola is quite knowledgeable in endocrine "disorders" as well as female hormone imbalances. I wish I would have met him 7 years ago when I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I have only been a patient of his for one month and I feel like a new person.

Doctor Mercola shares the following information about himself
"Board certified in family medicine and uses many natural therapies to find out the cause of the disease, rather than just treat the symptoms. One of the few doctors in the state who regularly uses Armour and natural thyroid replacement. Also uses clinical judgment and more sophisticated free thyroid hormone levels to monitor and guide replacement therapy."

See Mary Shomon's interview with Dr. Mercola: Hypothyroidism and the Role of Armour Thyroid, Seaweed, Exercise, and More

Schaumburg

Betty Go, MD, 1443 W. Schaumburg, IL 60194 Tel # 847-985-1777. A reader writes: "I wanted a nutritional/herbal/homeopathic way to deal with my low thyroid and adrenals as I don't like pharmaceuticals and their side effects. Dr. Go is working with me to address the underlying deficiency problems that have influenced this. I like the teamwork approach between patient and doctor/staff that she and her staff provide. She listens and takes time. She knows the link between feeling cold/low temp and the thyroid." (Added 11/02) (This recommendation refers to her Bellevue, WA practice).

Springfield

Harald Lausen, DO, Family Practice, 2060 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62702, 217.726.5720. http://www.lausenfp.com. A reader writes: "Dr. Lausen has based his practice on listening to his patients. He feels that we know our bodies best and will treat based on symptoms, not just lab results. He is willing to try alternative therapies when indicated. I have found him to be very thorough, intelligent and caring. He is willing to treat with Armour where indicated. He agrees that T3 and T4 are more accurate predictors of thyroid hormone levels. He spends an hour and a half with me everytime I see him. I'd recommend him to anyone for family practice or anyone having difficultly obtaining a diagnosis." (Added: June 2004)

Springfield

James Malone, otolaryngology, SIU Physicians and Surgeons Building, Springfield Il, 2177880704. A reader writes: "Dr, Malone is awesome he is patient and has a great bed side manor. My scar from thyroid surgery is not even noticeable after only 3 months. He is very involved in research and knows his stuff .Such and intelligent man with a general caring for patients. He treats patients like he would want to be treated.(Added Apr 06)

Wheaton

Madeline Moriarty, Internal Medicine,140 East Loop Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 630 665-5995 "I recently changed docs and was very fortunate to find this Dr. She takes the time to listen to you and offered me Thyrolar after being on Synthroid for 6 years. She is very caring and always available." (added 1/04)

Wheaton

Dr. Fred James Schultz, MD, Family Practice Specializing in Natural Approaches to Wellness. Center for Health and Healing 2150 Manchester Road Wheaton, IL 6018. 630-933-97227 www.drfredschultz.com. A reader tells us, "I found a doctor who prescribes Armour. He had 15 years experience in conventional medicine before following his heart and founding his current practice in 1997 where he combines alternative with conventional methods of healing. Dr. Schultz works with each patient to find solutions. He successfully treats patients who have arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, headaches, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder, diabetes and many other diseases. He treats many autoimmune disorders including scleroderma, lupus, multiple sclerosis and Sjogren's. He also specializes in neuroendocrine disorders such as hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian dysfunctions such as PMS, endometriosis, fibroids and menopausal conditions. Rather than merely covering up symptoms, the functional medicine approach involves looking for reasons behind health problems and working to resolve these underlying dysfunctions. The goal is to normalize and balance body function, thereby allowing natural healing to occur. He seems to be a very caring doctor, he listens and will work with you. You can even call him by his first name. All the women in the office are very nice and caring too!!! They all have experienced "the attitude of conventional doctors" and are not willing to follow in their footsteps. He has just started me on Armour. He takes the proper thyroid tests. Free T4, Free T3, TSH, thyroid antibodies, and lots more... He has also given a few supplements to build up my thyroid tissue. Next he is going to check my adrenals and female hormones. He also does IV vitamin therapy. He truly is an answered prayer from God. At the Center for Health and Healing, they do not accept Medicare or any insurance plans. They do provide the patient with a form to send to their insurance carrier for possible reimbursement from plans with out-of-network coverage. Payment is expected at the time of service. They accept all major credit cards. I asked and I was told that PPO plans will cover a percentage of everything except for any supplements (i.e. the supplements I am taking to build my thyroid tissue). Like myself, some people feel finding a good doctor is first priority and coverage is secondary."

Wheaton

Frank Strehl Internal Medicine 111 E. Cole Avenue Wheaton, Wheaton, IL 60187 630-653-5755 drstrehloncall.com A Reader writes: "Willing to work with alternative thyroid medicines/glandulars and has 21 yrs experience doing so." (Added 11/02)

Winfield

Dr. Pauline Harding, family practice, 27W281 Geneva Road, Suite D, Winfield, IL, 630-653-9900 "Very knowledgeable in treating hypothyroidism, low adrenal, chronic fatigue, etc. Has a homeopath, and chiropractor on staff also to evaluate and treat patients. Several staff members either have had hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue in the past, so you never get that "are you nuts look." They all take their time with the patient; none of this 10 minutes per patient. There seems to be a definite concern for the patient. Will prescribe Armour, Cytomel, or other thyroid medications based upon the patients' response to the particular medicine (amazing). Only negative, is that she only takes Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I am not easy on doctors, so I don't make this recommendation lightly."

>A reader writes:
"I originally found Dr. Harding from your list. She has been treating my hypothyroidism for about a year now and I have to say, I haven't felt this good in years. She believes is getting one's TSH to about 1 and has no problem with T3 or Armour. She does also practice alternative medicine, which I'm not really in to, but she isn't too pushy about it. She may not be the best person to go to if you think you need antibiotics for a sinus infection - BUT - if you want to be listened to and have your thyroid problem treated by symptoms, and not just numbers, she's the one to see. She still does only take Blue Cross PPO, and she is willing to order the expensive tests. Blue Cross PPO has covered these for me, but this is something to keep in mind if you have different insurance." (Added: June 2004)

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.

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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.