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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.
Aberdeen
Roger Waddell, MD, General Practitioner, Bonnie Brook Road, Aberdeen,
(910) 944-7777. A reader shares the following; "He listens to patients fully, evaluates their symptoms
as well as test results, and is willing to work with the patients when a particular line of treatment doesn’t
seem to give the desired results. He has used T3 treatment as well as Armour Thyroid and Westhroid in
treating my hypothyroidism."
A reader writes:
"He listens, and treats clinically" (Added Apr 06) Arden
Dr. Flechas, Fibromyalgia, Arden, N.C. 828-687-2324. A reader writes:
After first seeing me he noticed I had no body hair and very dry skin. I told him I was sick and he said
yes you are and we will work to get you well. After being told for years nothing was wrong though the
thyroid condition was known and I was on Synthroid nothing was done by the other doctor. I had lumps
in throat and could not swallow Dr. Flechas listen and found the lumps to be the beginning of a goiter
due to severe hypothyroidism. My metabolism was shutting down to lack of T3 and my meds were
changed to Unithroid and T3 and iodine capsules to reduce the nodules in neck. It has worked great and
the T3 gave me my energy back . This doctor really listens." (Added 2/03)
Asheville
David A. Hester endocrinologist, Asheville Endocrinology Consultants,
PA750 Alliance Court Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-6812. A reader tells us, "For several years I was
made to feel like a hypochondriac, even though I have been through a documented case of Graves
disease, radioactive iodine, a 3-year anaphylactic allergic reaction, and diagnosed hypothyroidism. I then
went for my first visit with this doctor and he encouraged me to research as much information as possible
(unlike my family physician), treated me like a human being, never told me how fat I was, sympathized
with me when I mentioned symptoms and pains, and told me that even when I reach "normality" per lab
results if I was still experiencing hypothyroidism symptoms, he would work with me and possibly use
T-3 meds to treat me. I just felt like I was taken seriously and that someone understood how I was feeling
and CARED."
Another reader writes:
"I was very
impressed with Dr. Hester's ability to deal with a patient who has done
research on her disease. He was
not offended at all when, at my last appointment, I brought up the subject of
T3. I was not
feeling better on just Levoxyl. He increased my dose of that medication
and added Cytomel (5mg. 2x's per day) to treat the T3. He is very
empathetic and truly seems to LISTEN to your concerns!" (Added Dec. 04) Asheville
Ronald R. Parks, MD Integrative Medicine and Psychiatry 162 West
Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801 828-298-7638 http://www.macrohealthmedicine.com. A Reader writes:
"He takes the time necessary to look at all the factors contributing to the problems at hand. He uses the
best testing available to get to the roots of problems and offers the appropriate treatments, including T-3
and T-4." (Added 11/02)
Asheville
John L. Wilson, Jr., M.D., F.A.A.E.M. holistic 1312 Patton Avenue,
Asheville, N.C. 28806 phone# 828-252-9833 A reader shares, "In addition to my thyroid he found I had
low B-12 levels and that my adrenals were stressed. He is very patient and willing to listen to what you
have to say. He is also concerned with how you feel not just your lab results. He treats with T4 and T3
thyroid medicine." Asheville
Lewis F. Bissell, Internal Medicine Nutrition, 440 Montford Ave.,
Asheville, N.C. 28801,
828-285-9355. A reader writes: "Dr. Bissell`s approach toward my hypothyroidism, is life saving for me,
after 16 years of Synthroid, and Levoxyl I am finally feeling better and am on the road to a much
healthier life, I`m using Naturethroid." (Added 4/04) Banner Elk
Charles Wiley -- NO LONGER LISTED
Chapel Hill
Dr. David Ontjes -- NO LONGER LISTED
Charlotte
Enrico Belgrave, M.D. Internal Medicine Camryn Valley Pkwy Charlotte,
NC 28211 704-770-3200 http://www.carolinas.org/facilities/cpn/introduction.nos?practice_id=30 A
reader writes: "He takes a holistic approach to patient care. He has treated my hypothyroidism
aggressively. He split my Armour into two dose and increased it until my symptoms were alleviated,
virtually suppressing my TSH." (Added 2/03)
Charlotte
Dr. Gary Rolband, Endocrinologist, Mecklenburg Medical Group, Randolph
Road Office, 704 365 0760. A reader writes: "After 'knowing' that I had a thyroid problem for more
than 3 years, and being treated as a hypochondriac, I saw Dr. Rolband. He listened to all my symptoms,
and did numerous tests to find that I had a B12 deficiency as well as a thyroid disease problem. Six
months later, my Grave's disease was in full flower, and I had RAI therapy soon after. He made a huge
difference by actually listening and saying that, " obviously something was making me feel this bad, and
we were going to work until we figured out what that was."
Another reader recommends Dr. Rolband:
"He listens & is truly concerned!! He is willing to research if answers are not immediately clear." (added
1/04)
More praise from a reader for Dr. Rolband:
"I saw Dr. Rolband for a thyroid goiter and hypothyroidism that had been treated poorly in the past by
2 family physicians. Dr. Rolband was wonderful! He is working with me to treat my disease and listens
to you. He doesn't make you feel like a constant complainer. He did numerous tests and spent over an
hour with me. He is great!" (added 1/04)
Another reader writes:
"Dr Rolband has been by doctor for over 10 years. He listens! I have several diseases and he has been
helpful with 90% of them. If he doesn't know the answer he is more than willing to help find a source
that will help. He is always open to questions and new information. He is without a doubt the best
physician I have ever encountered." (Added 6/05) Charlotte
W. T. Geissinger, surgeon, Charlotte Surgical Group. 3535 Randolph Road
Charlotte, NC 28211 704-364-8100. A reader tells us, "Dr. Geissinger is very thorough and explains in
understandable terms his diagnosis and the treatment options, consequences, problems etc. He is very
forthright and caring."
Another reader writes:
"Thorough, Caring, Compassionate" (Added 6/03)
Charlotte
G. Obi Uzomba, Endocrinology, 10512 Park Road #210, Charlotte, NC
28210, 704-540-9182. A reader writes: "He explains thyroid conditions very thoroughly and is on the
lookout for complications (nodules, development of diabetes, etc.) My Hashimoto's Syndrome doesn't
cause me many symptoms, but I feel better knowing that my doctor is looking out for my future health!"
(Added 4/04)
Another fan of Dr. Uzomba:
"He is one of the smartest doctors I have met. He listens attentively and makes good judgments. He is
very empathetic, patient, and understanding." (Added 10/05) Charlotte
Dr. Douglas B. Robinson, Endocrinology, 1001 Blythe Blvd. Suite 500,
Charlotte, NC, 704-355-5100, "Dr. Robinson knows how to correctly use ATDs for Graves'." (Added
Dec. 04)
Charlotte
Norman Jack Kramer, Endocrinology, Mecklenburg Medical Group
Randolph Road, NC, 704.3650760. A reader writes: "Dr. Kramer is extremely thorough, knowledgeable,
and concerned. He did not rush through the exam but listened to my entire 10 year history and symptoms
of Hashimoto's. He is very concerned and caring." (Added 6/05)
A reader writes:
"It great to have a Dr that slows down and takes the time to explain what is going on
in my body. I would highly recommend Dr. Kramer and his great staff!" (Added Apr 06) Durham
Robert E. Taylor Triangle ENT, Duke Street Durham, NC 27704 Tel:
919-220-0691
He is a holistic ENT physician .....he also was the only one out of
a series of other physicians who was able to accurately diagnose thyroid
cancer and problems in me. I diagnosed myself with adrenal problems
recently, and my doctor, when I contacted him, was quick to give me
a Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory Adrenocortex spit kit. Thank God
I've got a good caring physician who responds favorably."
Fayetteville
Dr. Nitin Desai, Internal Medicine, 1309 Medical Dr., Fayetteville, NC
28304, 910-437-5130. A reader writes: "He’s very careful, testing every eight weeks or so. He has been
attentive and responsive to my needs as a patient. I am confident that I am being treated correctly and
conscientiously and I would recommend him to any thyroid patient." (Added 10/05) Fletcher
Royce Bailey, Cardiology, 50 Hospital Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732,
828-684-2234. A reader writes: "Dr.
Bailey saved my life. After an episode at work in the OR at Park Ridge Hospital, he told me to make an
appointment with him. I did and that day was the best in a long time. He believed me when I told him
my symptoms and how bad I had felt for years. He gave me back my health with the prescriptions of
Cytomel and Synthroid. Just because some lab in some far off place says you are not hypothyroid doesn't
make it true. Dr. Bailey acknowledged this and listened to me. I am feeling 300%
better, thanks to this great doctor." (Added June 2005) Greensboro
Stephen South, endocrinologist. A patient of Dr. South tells us, "I’ve
seen two endocrinologists in Greensboro. Dr. South listened to what
I said after going on treatment. He believes I should have a TSH level
near 1 when on medication. I went to someone else after insurance changes.
This doctor disagreed and said anything in the normal range was normal
and that the TSH level needn’t be around 1. My level had gotten up to
3.4 and I was feeling symptoms again, tired, constipation, etc. I went
back to Dr. South, he increased my dose of Synthroid. My level went
back to near a 1 and symptoms disappeared."
Greensboro or Asheboro
Dr. Sevier, Greensboro. A reader writes, "I have finally found an
Endocrinologist
who doesn't think I am just a lab value. Dr. Sevier is located in Greensboro,
North Carolina and comes to Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, NC a few
times a month to see patients in case you have any readers in this neck
of the woods. After a bad year of not having my thyroid level stable
or the Dr. saying it was stable but I felt awful, I finally asked to
be referred to an endocrinologist. In the first visit after listening
to me he suggested that I might need another hormone added to my Synthroid.
He added Cytomel 5mcg twice daily. He also requested I take both at
the same time an hour before I ate. I had been having a lot of trouble
sleeping and was taking my meds before bed. He told me to take them
in the morning because they could sometimes cause sleeplessness and
calcium and dairy products could interfere with the absorption of my
Synthroid. I have been on that since 1993 and no Dr. ever told me any
of this. I am glad to say that after 5 weeks of a horrible, hectic schedule
and not enough sleep I feel well. He advised that the Cytomel could
help with some of the depression I may be feeling and with my difficulty
concentrating. All I can say is it is good to be back."
Greenville
Dr. Fiona Cook, Endocrinologist, 1850 Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC
27834, 1-252-752-6101 A reader writes: "Dr. Cook is a very laid-back
kind of doctor, but who listens to everything you say. She responds
to your questions concisely and without sounding like she is talking
to a 5 year old. She will make suggestions re your treatment, but if
you don't agree, will discuss with you. I would highly recommend her."(Added
3/03)
Greenville
Dr. Mark Warren, Physicians East, Memorial Drive. A patient explains,
"I first started seeing him in 1997 when he found that a nodule on the
right of my thyroid was enlarged, and I was put on Levoxyl. My experience
with him is that he's not necessarily a "listening" doctor--if you want
a doctor who's empathetic and makes you feel part of the process, he
might not be for you. He is, however, very professional, very careful,
and, as he's nice and not terse at all, is more pleasant than your average
endo. I recommend him highly to anyone with a thyroid problem."
Hendersonville
Dr. Rosanne Diehl and Jill Hinman, PA, Internal Medicine, Functional
Medicine, 713 Oakland Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791, 828-696-1915,
Paradocs4U@aol.com A reader writes: "I was so excited to learn that
Paraadocs Internal Medicine, whom you recommended in South Carolina,
now has a satellite office in my town of Hendersonville, NC. I went
to see a naturopath, Dr. Frank Trombetta, who is at the above address
in Hendersonville. He is wonderful by the way. He can treat thyroid
nutritionally and using several other modalities. However, when I got
to his office, I found the business cards for Dr. Diehl and Ms. Hinman.
They are seeing patients in Hendersonville, NC too. I couldn't believe
it. Apparently they have worked with Dr. Trombetta for many years, and
are just beginning to get set up in Hendersonville. So I got to see
all three practitioners. These folks are all the best. I highly recommend
them all. They are kind, professional, high tech with old fashioned
integrity. Thank you for recommending them in SC. I was willing to drive
there to see them! Thanks for your superb job in helping us al to find
help. I got a complete physical exam, and I mean COMPLETE from head
to toe, at a low cost. I have never had such a thorough examination.
I left feeling empowered, informed, and well-heard." (Added 3/03)
Hendersonville
Dr. Flechas, M.D., M.P.H., Flechas Family Practice, Hendersonville,
NC 828-684-3233 www.fibromyhelp.com/meetdrflechas.html A reader writes,
"Dr. Flechas was the only doctor willing to give me "time- released
T3." My endocrinologists in Asheville, NC told me that it did not exist.
He also said that I would have a greater chance of having a heart attack
if I took T3. At the time, I was on Synthroid, and feeling horrible.
I insisted on having Armour or anything with T3. He totally rejected
any information that I brought to him from the Internet and his nurse
cautioned me about finding things on line. I continued to insist on
getting better treatment and finally they recommended that I see Dr.
Flechas in Hendersonville, NC. This was the only good thing the endocrinologist
did for me and I am very grateful for the recommendation. I have been
on T3 for about one week now. I can already feel the difference." This
doctor received a second recommendation from a reader, with no comment.
Another reader writes:
"He listens, he thinks, he works and he expects patient to do the same.
Now I have hope for a normal life." (Added 6/03)
Jamestown
Dr. Monica Doerr, Endo, 604 W Main St, NC 27282, 336-802-2015. A
reader writes: "Very easy to talk to, open to suggestions, let me remain on my current med dosages
(Unithroid & Cytomel) even though my tsh is suppressed because my free numbers are fine. Did not act
like I was crazy when I mentioned having a hard time finding a good endo. Did free tests on first visit.
Ask her about being added to this list and she was fine with it. I think she is great." (Added 6/05)
Another reader writes:
"Dr. Monica Doerr is one of the first endocrinologists I have been to that really takes the time to listen
to her patients. She remembers what you say from visit to visit and you feel like a real person and not
just a number. She does not just look at a chart and tell you where you need to be, she listens to your
symptoms and concerns and adjusts the medication to fit each patient. I feel better and have more
confidence in her than any other doctor I have been to. She also considers other medical conditions you
have and takes the entire picture into consideration. She takes the time to answer every question you
have. She cares about her patients and it SHOWS." (Added 6/05) Lewisville
Dr. Gray Erlacher, Family Practice, Shallowford Rd., Lewisville,
NC, 336-945-2525. A reader writes: "Dr. Erlacher is a progressive
practitioner who uses saliva testing, natural hormones and Armour thyroid
for his patients. He refutes the "tyranny of the TSH test, "
treating the whole patient with a holistic approach. Easy to talk to
with an open-minded manner, Dr. E. also trained in China as an acupuncturist.
" (Added: June 2004)
Lexington
Robert Teasdall, orthopedist, nc, 89898, 777-7755. A reader writes: "He
is the best anyone has seen or will see." (Added 6/05)
Matthews
Dr. Clarence Norris, Alternative Care, 13024-F Idlewild Road, Matthews,
NC 28105, 704-846-6071; 704-846-4800. A reader writes: "I had gone to several doctors,
suspecting that I had hypothyroidism, although my lab results were within
normal range. I had a goiter for more than 20 years, a strong family
history of thyroid disease, and was having most of the classic symptoms.
Yet I couldn't get anyone to treat me for hypothyroidism. Fortunately
I found Dr. Norris, who listened to my complaints, spent at least an
hour with me, was very compassionate and caring, and immediately started
me on Armour. After a short-lived improvement, he realized there could be some adrenal involvement
and added Cortef to my treatment, which proved to be what I needed. He never rushes and always
listens and is open to a variety of treatments rather than trying to
solve everything with a pill. I highly recommend Dr. Norris." (Added:
June 2004)
Mooresville
Anthony J. Castiglia, M.D. Advanced Integrative Medicine 570 Williamson
Road Suite C Mooresville, NC 28117 704-799-9740
http://www.yourmenopausetype.com/physicians/northcarolina.html
A reader writes: "Takes holistic (whole person) approach...extremely
thorough: Medical Doctor, Hormonal Therapy, Nutritional Therapy, Herbal
Therapy..." (Added 11/02)
Morehead City
Mary Katherine Lawrence, M.D., Endocrinology & Metabolism, 306
Medical Park Court, Morehead City, NC 28557, Phone: 252-247-2013/252-247-7299, N/A, A patient
writes: "Dr. Lawrence has received many awards and recognitions in her community and in NC for
compassionate, total commitment to patients and their overall well being.She is sensitive to the total
patient's needs clinically and is committed to determining the best course of treatment and the most
economic path for the patient. Dr. Lawrence is an excellent communicator and teacher and takes time to
listen and explain diagnosis and related treatment options." (Added: Dec. 04) Raleigh
Beverly Goode-Kanawati, DO, Family Practice-Holistic Medicine, 6511
Creedmoor Rd., Suite 101, Raleigh, NC, 919-844-4552. http://www.beverlymedicalcenter.com
"Dr. B. Goode is an exceptional doctor who takes time with her patients. She will take
on difficult health issues that most doctors refer to as "all in your
head" or treat with a cocktail of drugs with more harmful side effects
than cure." (added 1/04)
Another fan:
"Dr. Goode is the best. I was diagnosed
with Hashimoto's in
1996 and had been hypothyroid until spring/summer of this year when I went
into a hyperthyroid state and was over medicated. My former doctor
completely missed the boat. Dr. Goode not only ascertained what was going
on, but brought in other experts as well for their opinion. She continues
to monitor me closely and is very interested in helping to treat the root
cause of the problem and ultimately, in how I'm feeling. She is the best
and I can not believe more physicians don't subscribe to her methods or
ask for her help and expertise. Dr. Goode is a hypothyroid sufferer
herself, so she knows the ins and outs of thyroid problems." (Added Dec. 04)
Another reader writes:
"Dr. Goode genuinely cares about her patients. She is very knowledgeable so knows what labs to order
to find out what the problem is. I had been diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1999. After the first couple
of years of treatment, things gradually got worse. I went to four doctors in my town to find help in
diagnosing my current health problem. All of them said I was depressed and prescribed anti-depressants
(never ran any lab work, either). A friend recommended Dr Goode. My friend told me that if anyone
could find out what was wrong with me, it would be Dr Goode. She was right. Dr Goode had extensive
labwork done and diagnosed me with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I have been sick for such a long time,
progress is slow and steady. It is wonderful to have a doctor that knows what she is doing and genuinely
cares about her patients. It was a great relief to be properly diagnosed. With Dr Goode's guidance, I
know I will eventually be healthy again. I would recommend her to anyone (doesn't have to be a thyroid
problem)." (Added 6/05)
Another fan of Dr. Goode-Kanawati:
"She really listens and investigates to find the proper treatment." (Added 10/05) Raleigh
Dr. John Pittman Holistic M.D. (919) 571-4391. 4505 Fairmeadow Lane,
Suite 111 Raleigh, NC 27607-6449. A reader shares, "He’s extremely knowledgeable
about treating the whole body at a cellular level with supplements,
diet, IV treatments, and medications. He started me on Cytomel then
switched me to Armour. He really listens. He also gets really excited
about what he does and goes into lengthy explanations about what he
wants you to do and how it helps."
Raleigh
Dr. Shawnee Weir, Raleigh Endocrine Associates, Raleigh Endocrine
Associates
3410 Executive Dr. 919-876-7692 "Dr. Weir is the first doctor to really
devote time to listening and asking questions. She invites her patients
to take part in managing their own healthcare. After being treated as
a lab value for almost 20 years she is the first doctor to say "I care
about how YOU FEEL not what your labs say." Within 5 days of my first
visit with her I was feeling better. Cytomel is doing the trick."
Another reader recommends Dr. Weir:
"I have been seeing Dr. Weir for several months. She does a TSH, free
T4 and free T3 periodically. She is gradually switching me from Synthroid
to Armour. The change in my energy level is dramatic. Dr. Weir listens
well and doesn't appear to rush. She is available by phone to change
the dosage, if needed, between visits. Seeing her is a positive experience
for me." (Added 2/03)
More praise from a reader for Dr. Weir:
"Dr. Weir is the first doctor that was willing to work with me and my
natural approach to hypothyroidism. She actually listens when you speak
to her. She is letting me take part in managing my own 'therapy'. I
am now taking Synthroid and Cytomel, and the combination is working
great for me. She knows how important it is to feel well, not just better,
and is willing to work with your knowledge and symptoms. She's a keeper
:)" (added 1/04)
Another reader recommends Dr. Weir:
"This doctor really listens to you and cares about your feelings as
well as symptoms. She discusses treatment options with you and does
not talk down to you. She changed my medication at my request - I had
been wanting to try some Cytomel because I believed that it would make
me feel better as well as control some of my symptoms that the Synthroid
was not helping. She also did some of the most complete blood work that
I have ever had done. I highly recommend this doctor!" (added 1/04)
Another reader writes:
"Like the past 2 people have mentioned Dr. Wier listens to what you
have to say and you’re not just a lab report. I get whatever lab tests
I want run. She doesn't rush me out the door and I believe she might
even like the fact I know a lot about Graves Disease and that I'm willing
to win the fight without RAI." (added 1/04)
Yet another reader recommends Dr. Weir:
"I have longstanding hypothyroid problem. Getting my regular MD so get
me started on the Armour thyroid was a battle years ago. The last few
months I have been complaining to my MD that I did not feel right and
thought that a thyroid adjustment was in order. (I had been on the smallest
dose made for about 12 years) He was uncomfortable doing so as my lab
values were within "normal ranges" even though the TSH had gone up.
His partner was even more opposed- "I don't know about Armour, and your
labs are fine, and the only med that is safe to take is the synthetic".
I then saw Shawnee. The results: she really listens, I do have an enlarged
thyroid, the changes in my lab values were significant, how I felt was
important, (even though still in "normal" ranges),and the dose I was
on doubled, with a recheck in 6 weeks, and "call me anytime if needed".
I feel optimistic about the whole treatment plan and that she is really
interested in my feeling better and human again. She is "doctoring the
patient, not the lab"." (added 1/04)
Another recommendation:
"I cannot begin to tell you how much better I feel after seeing Dr.
Weir!! She is awesome! She is willing to listen to every detail about
how you are feeling and considers the whole picture (including labs)
to treat your symptoms. She is willing to try T4 and a small amount
of T3 twice daily. I appreciate her knowledge and her wonderful bedside
manner. She is amazing!!" (Added 4/04)
A reader writes:
"Dr. Weir makes her diagnosis not only on the basis of lab tests, but by evaluating physical
symptoms and by LISTENING to her patient and how they feel. She has worked with me and is open
to natural and alternative treatments. I love her! " (Added: Dec. 04)
A reader writes:
"I discovered Dr. Weir's name on this website and decided to
check her out. I had been followed by my OB/GYN MD for over a year.
About
2 months of that, I felt good. When my TSH was 2.5 and I still felt
horrible, the MD's nurse insisted everything was fine and I just needed an antidepressant. I went to see
Dr. Weir. She is easy to talk to, doesn't
make you feel psycho. She tweaked a few things, put me on Cytomel, and
I
am feeling 100% again. I have already referred a friend of mine that has
gotten poor reception from her ENT about how bad she feels. I drive two
hours to see her and it is worth every mile!" (Added Apr 06) Raleigh
Dr. Stall, Endocrine system/thyroid, 3410 Executive Dr Suite 205, Raleigh,
NC, 919 876 7692. A reader writes: "He has good bedside manner, and discusses the patients problems
with them, rather than at them. I have
been misdiagnosed by a general practitioner AND an ENT as having acid reflux, but Dr. Stall
immediately recognized that my thyroid was enlarged. I've been searching three years now for a doctor
this competent, and was pleasantly surprised to find one that is compassionate as well." (Added 1/06)
Raleigh
Dr. Becker, Endocrinology and Metabolism, 3410 Executive Dr. Suite 205,
Raleigh NC 27609, 919-876-7692. A reader writes: "He listened to me from the minute he walked into
the room, until he left. He welcomed all of my
questions and even commented favorably about how knowledgeable I was already. He mirrored my
concerns back to me and told me they were legitimate. When I told him how happy I was that he was
listening to me and not talking over me or pushing me out the door like most doctors, he said that he has
a simple philosophy. It is to listen to his patients because when a doctor listens, it takes a lot of the guess
work away from the doctor and that the patients information leads to the answers most of the time. I am
very happy to have found him! I have been sent to neurologists, GI doctors, ENTs, other endos, and only
now do I feel like I am getting somewhere. Symptoms that other doctors disregarded, he told me can be
from my thyroid (Hashimotos). If you have the opportunity, and are searching for a doctor to really
listen, who won't be aggravated by your own research and questions, go to him." (Added 1/06) Sanford
Robert W. Patterson, MD, Family Practice, 1503 Elm Street Suite E, NC
27330, 919-776-3750/776-3760, rdoctorp@aol.com. A reader writes: "Compassionate. Kind. The
greatest! He is tuned into all forms of treatment and medical care. He truly cares. He listens. His staff
is superb. They take as much time as I need." (Added 6/05) Wilmington
Dr. Ghobad Azizi -- NO LONGER LISTED Wilmington
Dr. John Irvine, 7110 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite B4, NC 28403, ( 910 )
256 – 2877. A reader writes: "For the past 10 years, I have been going to doctors complaining of the
same symptoms; fatigue, weight gain, and depression. All of the doctors said, "Oh, just exercise and
diet." I finally decided to visit Dr. John Irvine just for a check-up. The first thing he asked me was,
"Have you ever had your thyroid tested?" Of course no one else had ever tested my thyroid in the past,
as they all thought I just needed to change my lifestyle. After doing a thorough testing, we found that my
thyroid was so low that I was given a call on the same day that my results were in. They saw me the next
day and immediately started me on Synthroid. They have followed me for 2 years now and are so
aggressive in ensuring that my thyroid is maintained at an optimal level. I can't begin to tell you how
thankful I am that I found Dr. Irvine. He is an excellent physician and I would recommend him to
anyone. He recently diagnosed my mother with hypothyroidism as well." (Added 6/05) Winston-Salem
Enrico Piva Alternative Medicine, General Practice, Allergy
1411 B Plaza West Rd, Winston-Salem, NC27106, 336-7600240 "Does Barnes tests, puts you on natural
thyroid, then checks thyroid function."
Winston-Salem
Dr. Graham Erlacher, Shallowford Family Medical Center,
Thyroid/hormones, 3641 Westgate Center Circle #B,NC 27103, 336-336-659-4646. A reader writes: "Dr.
Erlacher spent time listening to my symptoms and my research. He suggested several options and we
started with compounded my thyroid med to get just the right dose of T4/T3. I had spent a year and a
half on Armour that ended up being a little too high in T3 for me and I couldn't get the exact right
grams. He is now also helping me with my hormones. He's very personable and open." (Added
6/05)
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.
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