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.

Boliver

Dr. Gregory Zolkowshi, Family Practice, 1100 S. Springfield, Boliver, MO 65613, 417-777-4749 or 1-877-301-9804. A reader writes: "I have been seeing Dr. ‘Z’ for about a year now. From the first office visit, he listened to me about my thyroid and did a complete thyroid panel. He is never too busy to listen to his patients. He will dig for the answers to your problems. I recommend him to any thyroid patient." (Added 10/05)

Cape Girardeau

Dr. Matthew Schumer, GP, Healing Arts Building, 3250 Gordonville Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573-334-9641, http://www.salv.net/cpga. "After 14 years of no one knowing what was wrong with me, DR. Schumer was right on with the first set of tests he ordered. I had GD. When the only endocrinologist in town only wanted to push RAI, Dr. Schumer stepped up and agreed to help me. He is very open and understanding. Willing to listen to my questions and hear my input. A wonderful, caring doctor, who doesn't think he is beyond learning new things."

Columbia

Dr. Laurel Walter, general practice, 1511 Chapel Hill Road, 573-445-0100. A reader shares, "Dr. Walter and I are learning together. She is open-minded and has not had any problem with my bringing in information from the internet and journals. I cherish that about her. She has let me suggest my own therapies, and so far, so good. We are still working together to fine-tune my hypothyroid medication as well as supplements for low estrogens and progesterone."

Columbia

Dr. Carol Browne, Family Practice/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, 1511 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-445-0100. "Dr. Browne has recently joined a Top Doc and has turned out to be one herself. I went into the office VERY apprehensive about requesting Armour because I felt OK (but not terrific), and my labs didn't necessarily support a change. But when I told her that I knew I could feel better even though my labs didn't support a change, she said to me, "We tend to treat patients symptomatically instead of by lab values." I thought I was going to burst with joy! THIS is the way medicine should be practiced!"

Columbia

Catherine Vanvoorn, Internal Medicine, 201 W Broadway, Columbia, Mo. 65201, 573-449-1227. A reader writes: "My daughter had a virus, her senior year of high school, that attacked her immune system and left her with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hearing loss, memory loss, hair loss, weight gain, the list goes on and on. After 5 years and many doctors, including Mayo clinic, one of my co workers suggested Dr. Vanvoorn. We all most did not go because "who needs one more doctor" right? Anyway, we went and it was the best day or our lives. Dr Vanvoorn listened to her story and asked questions then commented that she could help her. By this time her short term memory and fatigue were so bad she had to drop out of college. Dr Vanvoorn ran more thyroid tests than anyone else and was able to diagnosis her and treat her. She believes in treating thyroid symptoms rather than just going by lab tests. So "normal" tests may not indicate everything is fine. My daughter is back in R.N. school and we love Dr Vanvoorn."(Added 1/06)

Columbia

Dr. Catherine Vanvoorn, Internal Medicine, 201 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, 573-449-1227. "Dr. Vanvoorn believes in treating the non traditional ways with Armour instead of with Synthroid. I went to see her after a friend referred me and she immediately took me off of Synthroid. I have Hashimoto’s and I have been battling side affects for a couple years or better." (added 1/04)

Florissant

Dr. Tipu Sultan, Allergist, 11585 W. Florissant Ave., Florissant, MO 63033, Phone-314-921-5600 Fax-314-921-8273, http://www.ehacstl.com. "Dr. Sultan is a wonderful doctor!! After seeing many doctors with no answers to my problems, I found Dr. Sultan. He listens to me and takes the time to get to the bottom of my health problems. He is treating me with Armour and it is definitely helping. He and his entire staff are dedicated to getting to the bottom of the problem and not just medicating. I am so thankful for Dr. Sultan and would highly recommend him to anyone. I live three hours from his office, but he is well worth the drive."

Jefferson City

Dr. Michael Simmons, Ear/Nose/Throat, & Plastic Surgery, 3527 West Truman Blvd., Suite 200, Jefferson City 573 635-7901. A reader writes: "After 3 years of "watching" nodules and an ultrasound by other physicians in this field, Dr. Simmons ordered surgery. During the surgery pathology indicated that both nodules were malignant along with one of my parathyroid glands. My whole thyroid was removed along with the affected parathyroid. Dr. Simmons is exceptionally open and receptive to questions; both he and Dr. Douglas J. Howland practice together here in Jefferson City, Missouri. I feel he literally saved my life. I am not in the care of Peter Boyer, Endocrinologist, and will have my first treatment, a one-time radioactive iodine treatment this coming week. I will have to take synthroid for the rest of my life and be monitored by Dr. Boyer." (Added 1/06)

Joplin

Dr. Karen Porte -- NO LONGER LISTED

Joplin

Dr. Christina Bratcher, Endocrinology, Joplin, MO. "I had her in Tulsa, OK but she has moved to Joplin." (added 1/04)

Kansas City

Robert K Clendenin, M.D. Age Management Medicine 4620 J C Nichols Parkway Kansas City, MO 64112 877-282-5500 drc@clendeninmd.com A reader writes: "Dr. Clendenin is very caring. He knows all about the right tests and medications." (Added 2/03)

Kansas City

Dr. William Isley, endocrinologist, Saint Lukes Hospital. A reader shares, "Dr. Isley is very thorough. He got me through hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease, and Hashimoto’s in a very caring manner. I experienced no pain after I started seeing this doctor."

Kansas City

William L. White, M.D., Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Associates, The Medical Mall at St. Joseph Health Center, 1004 Carondelet Drive, Suite 405, Kansas City, MO 64114, Phone 816-943-1123, Fax 816-943-1250. A reader writes: "Dr. White performed orbital decompressions and 3 eyelid surgeries on me. He was very informative, responsive, and kind throughout. He followed up with me by phone at home after I was released from the hospital. He continues to monitor my eyes very closely. I am very pleased with the results of surgery."

Kansas City

Dr. Charles Rudolph, General, 2800 A Kendallwood Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64119, 816-453-5940, drrudolph2@aol.com A reader writes: "His biochemistry background gives a complete approach. He is a pioneer in EDTA chelation therapy as well as thorough blood diagnostics." (Added 10/05)

Licking

Eugene Honeywell, D.O., Family Practice, Main & Myers, TCMH Family Clinic, Licking, MO 65542, 573-674-3011. "I have been working with this doc for two years, after I wanted to switch from synthetic hormones. He has always had some patients on Armour thyroid and he was willing to work with me, I have improved on the Armour, and he will always listen to my concerns and run the appropriate tests." (Added 6/02).

Prairie Village (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri)

Robert E. Battmer, MD, 3700 W. 83, Suite 202, Prairie Village, KS 66208, Phone (913) 341-0201, www.naturalhormoneclinic.com. A reader tells us, "I have found a "Top Doc" in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He treats patients, not lab values. Although he is an OB/GYN and his primary focus is on natural hormone replacement therapy for post menopausal women, he also treats men and women for hypothyroidism. If you have the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, he will treat you for this condition based on your signs and symptoms and how you feel, and NOT based on your lab values. This makes him a "Top Doc" in my opinion."

Reeds Spring

Diane Barnes , CNM RN Director of Midwifery Services, WOMANCARE FAMILYCARE Hwy 13, 6 Spring St. P.O. Box 235 Reeds Spring MO 65737 417-272-8845 "I was under the care of Lenore Lampert but she has since left that facility and now I have Diane as my doctor. Diane knew with one visit that I needed to be off Synthroid after 11 years and give Armour a try. After almost two months on the Armour I feel better than since I had Grave's Disease and began taking Synthroid. She is very intuitive and caring as a healthcare practitioner and she deserves kudos."

Reed's Springs

Lenore Lampert, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Care Clinic Highway 13 P.O. Box 235 Reed’s Springs, MO 65737 (417)272-8845. A reader informs us, "I began going to this clinic to when I was pregnant with my first child. This practitioner is extremely caring and open to symptoms, not just lab results. She treats the person, not the numbers. She was willing to treat me with Armour. She also runs the tests I request (free T3 and free T4, not just the typical TSH and total T4). I HIGHLY recommend Lenore and the Family Care Clinic. (My husband even sees her for his diabetes treatment.) She only treats hypothyroid patients, not hyperthyroid. She feels she is unqualified to treat hyper."

Rolla

Dr. Judyann Krenning, ENT, 600 Blues Lake Parkway, Rolla, MO 65401, 573-364-8822. http://www.bondclinicinc.com. A reader writes: "Good thyroid surgeon" (Added: June 2004)

Springfield

Julie Pennick, P.A, fibromyalgia, Ozark Medical Surgical, 3800 S. Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804, 417-881-8818. A reader writes: "She is motivated to help you feel better; listens to the patient, uses traditional & alternative methods" (Added: June 2004)

Springfield

Dr. Daniel Lyons, Endocrinology, 1443 N. Robberson, Springfield, MO 65802, 417-267-4450 A reader writes: "Dr. Lyons takes the time to ask many questions and check on your physical symptoms during each appointment. He does not act like he is in a hurry and he is a very "hands on" kind of doctor. He types his notes on the computer right in front of you and reads them back to you to make certain he has it correct. He is very thorough, kind and attentive. I highly recommend him. He performed the tests I requested without hesitation." (Added: June 2004)

St. Louis

E.J. Cunningham Endocrinologist 1585 Woodlake St. Louis, MO 63017 314-434-3322. A reader writes: "I have struggled with my weight and just feeling as if I were only half alive for 30 yrs. I had been to several Drs. over the yrs. none of them would listen or take the time to test me properly beyond a simple TSH. Which came out low, but normal. Meanwhile my weight and lethargy skyrocketed. Until I felt utterly hopeless. Since being under Dr. Cunningham's care, I have lost over 50 lbs. something I never thought I would be able to do. I feel alive with the energy to do the things I not only need to do but want to do. In the past I would have to make sure I didn't over do things one day, because it could take me days to recover enough to force myself through life. He use Cytomel to treat my hypothyroidism, it has really worked. Not only for me but for several of my friends and family. I thank Dr. Cunningham for giving me my life back." (Added 6/03)

Another reader recommends Dr. Cunningham:
"Dr. Cunningham takes the time to listen and explain things in a way that is rare these days. I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone!" (Added 10/05)

Another fan of Dr. Cunningham:
"I made an appointment with Dr. Cunningham and my life changed immediately. I love Dr. Cunningham for being so open to everything!" (Added 10/05)

More praise for Dr. Cunningham:
"I have to second the earlier post. I was amazed that I finally went to a doctor and didn’t hear ‘it’s just a numbers game!’" (Added 10/05)

St. Louis

Dr. Tipu Sultan MD Allergist 314-921-5600 I am a Ph.D. biochemist who has had a low body temperature for at least 30 years. I have always been told that I did NOT have a thyroid problem. Dr. Sultan was the first to recommend body temperature and Armour thyroid medication. He is a good doctor that goes for results. He told me the difference between Synthroid and Armour Thyroid is night and day.

St. Louis

Dr. Irini Veronikis at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. A reader writes: "I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Aug of 1997. Even though my antibody level was 319, my endo(s) would not treat me because my TSH was still in the "normal" lab range. No surprise there. Well, I finally found an endo who has agreed to treat my hypo symptoms with medication so that I feel better. She believes that Hashimoto patients will eventually top out of the lab range and, if the patient also has hypo symptoms and a goiter, she believes in treating with medication."

St. Louis

Dr. Christy Richardson, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, 11155 Dunn Rd. Suite 108N, St. Louis, MO 63136, Phone: ph: 314-355-6779 FX: 314-355-4209, A reader writes: "Dr. Richardson is great. She makes sure all you thyroid levels are at the best level to loose weight and to feel great." (Added: Dec. 04)

St Louis

Dr. Glennon Fox, Family Practice, 777 So. New Ballas Rd., Ste. 231E, St. Louis, MO 63141, Phone: 314-414-2273, familydoctorscare@earthlink.net, A patient writes: "After being bounced around from doctor to doctor for months with hurried 10 minute visits, it is such a relief and pleasure to find a doctor who is able to spend the time to listen to my history and symptoms and to really determine what is wrong and how best to treat it. This kind of care is essential if you are like me and have "normal" test results and doctors who don't have the time or inclination to do the detective work to help you get well again. After many years of hurried visits because of insurance constraints, Dr, Fox has started a new kind of practice that does not use insurance for his visits (although I still use my insurance for lab work, tests, and specialists). The monthly amount I pay is well worth the extra time and attention. My first visit was almost 2 hours and follow-up visits are an hour long. It is so nice to finally have a doctor who has the three things I am looking for, knowledge, compassion, AND enough time to help me. I cannot recommend him more highly! " (Added: Dec. 04)

St Louis

Rudee Suwannasri, Endocrinologist, St Louis Medical Clinic, Mo, (314)432-1111. A reader writes: "The most caring doctor I have ever met. My tsh was @ 150 when I was diagonosed with hashimotos disease. Dr. Rudee got me to "normal" because she goes beyond lab results. She is so into her work, calling me on a Friday night at 8:00 from her office. She is the best ever!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Added 6/05)

St Louis

Dr. Faisal Qureshi, Endocrinology, 11155 Dunn Rd. Suite 108, MO 63136, 314-355-6779. A reader writes: "Dr. Qureshi is a very caring doctor. He calls me after he receives my test results and explains everything to me. Along with the phone call he sends a letter again explaining the results again. He's always there to answer your questions." (Added 6/05)

Thayer

Glenette Haney, FNP, Hwy 63 North Thayer Medical Clinic, Thayer, MO 65791, 417-264-7136 A reader writes: "I had gone to several different dr.'s and a specialist and she has been the only one who treats me by how I feel and not by just my tests. I swilling to try anything that may help me feel better." (Added: June 2004)

Webster Grove

Dr. Christian Wessling, Family Practice, Heritage Building, 23 North Gore, Suite 209, Webster Grove, Missouri 63119, 314-968-1655, cwesslingmd@hotmail.com. Email: websterfamilyphysicians@hotmail.com.  "After seeing several endocrinologists about my thyroid condition (I had a total thyroidectomy), Dr. Wessling was the only one who listened to me and believed my fatigue was not "in my head." He is a very caring, compassionate, and competent physician, and I highly recommend him." (Added 6/02).

Another reader writes:
"I found Dr. Wessling after having no success with two other doctors for treatment for my Hashimoto's disease. Not only does he prescribe Armour thyroid, he actually spoke to me the words so many maltreated hypoT patients would give their eye teeth to hear ~ "Most doctors would look at your lab results and say they are 'normal'. I want them to be 'optimal'." Even though my lab results were well within the normal range, he increased my dose in order to reach that "optimal" result. Trust in doctors doesn't come easily to me, so the fact that I'm recommending this competent and caring man says a lot." (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.

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.