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.

Bloomington

Dr. Kevin Wand, D.O., Holistic Family Medicine -Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Autism, Midwest Wellness Center, 10564 France Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55431, 952-942-9303. www.midwestwellness.com. "Dr. Wand actually got to the cause of my problem & prescribed Armour. Unlike my first MD that told me my problem was being female. He is down t earth & knows hot to listen and treat the whole person, not just the symptom." (Added 6/02).

Another reader recommends Dr. Wand:
"He gave me my life back. He was the first doctor who listened to me. I had been chronically tired for many years and also chronically ached. I had been misdiagnosed and labeled with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. After a thorough medical history review and thyroid blood testing, Dr. Wand prescribed Armour Thyroid. I can get out of bed now. I don't ache anymore. I have my life back- all thanks to Dr. Wand. He really is a good doctor and a good person too." (added 1/04)

Another fan:
"I have had my second visit with Dr. Wand where he found allergies to also be a part of my puzzle, not just thyroid alone. I found him to be very supportive of the patient, not dismissive and willing to do extensive testing and research to explore the cause of your symptoms if you are not getting better solely on thyroid support. He will not bill insurance, but was far more thorough than any doctor I've seen probably in my life. He does prescribe armour, but is 'not sold on solely one method for all'. He is highly recommended for the MPS/St. Paul area." (Added Dec. 04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Wand is so thorough. Dr. Wand gets right to the nuts and bolts of your WHOLE health and how it all effects each other. He changed me from synthetic thyroid to Armour and I have felt so much better I almost don't even know how to start to tell you. He also noted I had allergies and I was recommend to a Dr. Kroker in LaCrosse (another fantastic Dr) who did find I have some severe allergies going on that were also affecting my overall well-being. I am on my way to recovery. Check these Dr.'s out if you are frustrated with your chasing your tail in the mainstream realm of care." (Added 6/05)

Another reader writes:
"In 1995 I spent 8 days in Fairview Ridges with a Sepsis/Toxic Shock. Its origin was unknown but the effects were devastating to my physical and mental health. After I left the hospital, surviving the ordeal, my recovery was slow and problematic. I was referred to Dr. Wand at Park Nocillet and began a Holistic approach to recovering my cognitive and physical skills. Using vitamin and mineral supplements my memory improved, my digestion came back on line, and I was able to return to my business in less time than projected. He never prescribed any drugs yet was able to help me adjust my lifestyle to maintain a strong immune system. Dr,. Wand was genuinely focused on my recovery and through his guidance brought me back from a dreary state to thrive, eat healthier, and be better informed." (Added 1/06)

Another reader writes:
"I was diagnosed as hypothyroid in 2000 and have been on various doses of Synthroid since then but have never felt like I was 100% healthy again because various symptoms persisted. I have been to a number of doctors but Dr. Wand was the first doctor to ever do a full-panel thyroid test. The results were that my thyroid antibodies were too high which could eventually lead to thyroid cancer, and that I needed to take Cytomel in addition to Synthroid. I'm not quite 100% yet, but very close! I really appreciate that he doesn't just treat symptoms, he looks for the cause(s) and fixes that. I had a droopy eyelid problem and after 1 1/2 years of seeing all sorts of eye doctors, I was told the only way to fix it was to have surgery. Dr. Wand thought I wasn't getting enough magnesium (very important in muscle function) and started me on calcium/magnesium supplements. Within two weeks my eye was completely normal again! He suggested I see Dr. George Kroker to work on allergies. Great success there as well!" (Added Apr 06)

Crookston

Dr. Debra Bell, Family Medicine, Riverview Family Practice and Integrative Medicine, 323 South Minnesota Street, MN 56716, 218-281-9519. A reader writes: "Dr. Bell listens to you and includes you in the treatment process. She is willing to look at several options and invites your input. That's hard to find in a doctor. She looks at various approaches to treating your hypothyroidism. We are very lucky to have her in this area." (Added 6/05)

Edina

Dr. Bradley Doeden, Endocrinology, 6363 France Ave. South #600, Edina, MN 55435, 952-927-7810. "He is very knowledgeable and personable. He is very comprehensive and willing to sit down with a patient if there is a question. He will respond to questions from patients to relieve anxiety." (added 1/04)

Edina

Dr. Leebaw, Endocrinology, Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis P.A., 6363 France Ave. So #600 Edina, MN 55435 952-927-7810 A reader writes: "Dr. Leebaw will spend extra time if needed with his patient. He listens to his patients while uncovering what is needed to give the proper medical care. He is friendly and understanding. He does not show impatience even when he is behind schedule." (Added 11/02)

Another reader recommends Drs. Leebaw and Ruegemer:
"I had thyroid cancer back in '00 and have been under the care of both Ruegemer and Leebaw. Both are very patient and have a great bedside manner. Even when on-call, both doctors are very informative and make you feel good about making that call, even if it was after hours. I highly recommend this clinic and these two very find doctors." (added 1/04)

A reader writes:
"I see Dr Leebaw for my thyroid. He is a wonderful, caring and very patient Dr. He has always done what is best for me based on where I am at in my life and has never treated me like just a patient. Dr Leebaw is very knowledgeable yet explains things in terms any "layman" can understand. I highly recommend seeing Dr Leebaw." (Added Apr 06)

Edina

Dr. Ruegemer, Endocrinologist 6363 France Avenue South Suite 600 Edina MN 55435 (612) 927-7810. A reader writes, "He will take into account what I feel like and what my test looks like. He always makes adjustments when I feel like I need it. We have a GREAT relationship & I trust him with my life!! I’ve suggested him to people in my area & they are also very pleased."

Edina

Thomas Laedtke, Endocrinology, 6363 France Ave So #600, MN 55435, 952-927-7810. A reader writes: "Dr. Laedtke is very patient and thorough. A good listener who treats comprehensively with compassion." (Added 6/05)

Edina

Dr. Rebecca Mattison, Endocrinology, Endocrinology Clinic of Mpls., 6363 France Ave S # 5, Edina, MN 55434, 952-927-7810. A reader writes: "Dr. Mattison really took the time to meet with me for over an hour. She was very thorough in answering my questions. She is very professional. Dr. Mattison listens to your concerns and takes them into consideration when choosing a treatment. She is very personable and easy to talk to. She also provides several suggestions for treatment." (Added 10/05)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Mattison really took the time to meet with me for over an hour to discuss my Hypothyroid as well as concerns about Diabetes. She was very thorough in answering questions, explaining the importance of different tests and was willing to do Free &/or Total T3 and T4 along with TSH for the whole picture. Very Professional, she had no problems with my current medications combining Synthroid with Armour. Dr. Mattison is very personable, easy to talk with and an listens to your concerns then takes that into consideration when choosing a treatment. She also provided several suggestions for treatment." (Added Apr 06)

Minneapolis/St. Paul

A reader writes: "In response to the person looking for a Dr. in Minneapolis/St. Paul area who will prescribe Armour. Dr. Roberta Midwinter in Chanhassen will use Armour to treat a thyroid problem. She is a M.D. family practice Dr. I felt she really listened to me."

Minneapolis

Dr. Lynn Burmeister, Endocrinology -- NO LONGER LISTED

Minneapolis/Oakdale/Plymouth

Dr. Mark Stesin, endocrinologist, Minneapolis. 612-520-5876. 3366 Oakdale Ave N Ste 408, Oakdale, Minnesota 55422, 763.520.5876. 2855 Campus Drive, Suite 650, Plymouth MN 55441, 28763. A reader tells us, "Dr. Stesin is a great doctor, he listens to everything I have to say and we work out a treatment plan based on how I feel and how WE think I should be treated."

Another fan:
"Dr. Stesin does thorough testing and does not make diagnoses based solely on TSH. He takes the whole patient into account and listens to patient feedback regarding treatment options. I have immense respect for his medical knowledge and I appreciate that he is up-to-date on the latest thyroid news.

Another recommendation:
"He can listen to how I'm feeling and the results of my tests and make a decision for the better of the both. He always remembers who I am." (Added Dec. 04)

Rochester/Mayo

Ian Hay, Endocrinologist Mayo Clinic Dr. Ian Hay is perhaps THE top thyroid doctor anywhere. He has helps thousands and thousands of thyroid cancer patients. His specialty is Papillary thyroid cancer but he sees all types of thyroid patients. Patients come to him from all over the world!

Rochester/Mayo

Dr. Brian McIver Endocrinologist "Brian McIver was my endocrinologist specialist in Edinburgh. I miss him. He is Kind, professional, caring, and simply the very best. I wish he were in Scotland now as my daughter has Graves."

St. Louis Park

Dr. Lisa Fish, Endocrinology, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416, 952-993-3123, Website. "She is very personable, knowledgeable and willing to try T3 (Cytomel) in addition to Synthroid." (added 1/04)

St. Louis Park

Dr. Michael Dola, Family Practice, Dakota Medical Clinic 3408 Dakota Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, 952-924-1053, www.dakotamc.com A reader writes: "Dr. Dole treats the whole person. Dr. Dole is a family practice doctor who also has training in complementary therapies and uses this to his patient’s advantage. He is perfectly comfortable prescribing Armour Thyroid and cytomel. At each visit, I was treated with the utmost respect." (Added 10/05)

St. Paul

Dr. Frank Fleming III internist and Geriatrics Regions Hospital 640 Jackson Street St. Paul, MN 651-254-2827 A reader writes: "Who knows where I would be today -- doctors before Dr. Fleming wanted to put me on Prozac and telling me that it was all in my head, etc., but I knew better and Dr. Fleming searched until he found out why - and discovered Hypothyroid/Hashimoto's Disease. He is the best - cares just like the doctors years ago and takes time with you - and treats you as a human being, not a number." (Added 11/02)

St. Paul

Dr. William Ogden, Internist, He's not an endo but his practice is limited to thyroid conditions. "He treats the whole of you not just a number. He is caring and never dismissive and takes a thorough exam," a reader notes.

Sartell

Dr. Thomas Sult, M.D., Family Practice, 100 Second Street South, Sartell, MN, 56377, 320-251-2600, www.icareclinics.com, A reader writes: "Dr. Sult listens to the patient - 2 of my friends are now also being treated by Dr. Sult and each of our treatment plans is specialized for us. He uses natural thyroid (Armour), Cytomel and Levothyroxine when needed depending on the condition. He also actively encourages holistic wellness through supplements, nutrition, mindfulness. He treats the whole person not just the condition. I was diagnosed by Dr. Keith Sehnert (now deceased) at the age of 18 and was under the long term care of Dr. Charles M Carpenter (natural endocrinologist before he retired.) All was fine until the pregnancy and birth of my daughter on 2004. My life and body turned upside down and I had to fight with my doctors to even retest the Hashimoto's antibodies. After months of agony and meeting with inept and narrow-minded physicians I was referred by a friend to see Dr. Sult." (Added June 2005)

Walker

Dr. Rae Keashly -- NO LONGER LISTED

Warren

Eric S. Langer, D.O., Endocrinology, 14049 13 Mile Road, MI 48088, 586-294-4820; fax: 586-294-7881. A reader writes: "Prescribes Armour as well as synthetic thyroid hormones. Dr. Langer is very responsive to patient complaints/concerns." (Added 6/05)

Warren

Timothy Gammons, 30827 Hoover Road (at 13 Mile), Warren, MI 48088, 586-751-0088. (added 1/04)

Woodbury

Dr. Luciano Kolodny, Endocrinology, Health Partners-Season's Parkway, Woodbury, MN 55125, 952-967-7616, "I was diagnosed with Graves in 1997 and had been under the care of a regular MD. I slowly started to feel worse and worse. I finally decided to see an Endocrinologist. I was scared thinking he would tell me my TSH and T4 levels were high, but within normal range. Doctor Kolodny was WONDERFUL! He treats the whole patient based on how you feel, not just what your 'labs' say! He immediately prescribed Cytomel, 12.5 mg. I felt 100% better within a few days! He is excellent with follow-ups and really CARES how I feel!" (Added Dec. 04)

Another fan:
"I was diagnosed with Hashimotos about 4 months ago. My regular doctor missed that bulls eye on that one even though her own test 3 yrs prior showed that I had elevated TSH levels. I was finally properly diagnosed by a nurse when I went to another clinic for another issue. She advised me to find an endocrinologist. So I did I found (through this website) Dr Kolodny. He spent 45 minutes with me on my first visit! He seemed genuinely interested in getting me well again. He answered all my questions, and devised a game plan to address all my issues. He ordered a battery of test that my other doctors never even considered. At the end of my first visit I knew I've finally found the right doctor for me." (Added 1/06)

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.