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.

Broken Arrow/Tulsa

A reader writes: "Dr. Michael Leu 401 E. A Street Jenks, Broken Arrow, OK 74037 918-298-9300. He is the staff Naturopath for Cancer Treatment Center of Tulsa. I am a breast cancer patient there (it's a wonderful place!) His toll free number is 888-611-0140. He is a great fan of Armour for hypothyroid and he is the one who discovered my condition (I was clinically low when tested - both low TSH and FrT4)." (Updated 11/02)

Broken Arrow

Dr. R. Jeff Wright, General Practice, 5050 East Kenosha, Broken Arrow, OK 74014, 918- 355-9492. "I have greatly appreciated Dr. Wright's attentiveness and willingness to take my symptoms seriously. He is willing to run tests that I request free T3 free T4, adrenal functioning etc.- and appreciates the fact that I read about and research my condition even on the internet! I have already recommended him to several others and would like to make an official recommendation on the Top Doc's list."

Another reader writes:
"I live in Missouri and travel to Oklahoma to see Dr. Wright. It is worth every mile I travel. Dr. Wright is the first doctor who really listened to me. He has tested all of my ovarian hormones, adrenals and tests Free T3 and Free T4 along with TSH. He treats me as an individual and has been willing to try different combinations of thyroid replacement therapy. I am currently taking Armour. If my recent tests show I am low in Free T4 he is willing to do a trial period of adding Unithroid to the Armour. He is just fantastic and is so knowledgeable. I highly recommend him to everybody."

Another reader recommends Dr. Wright:
"I found Dr. Wright, after 4 years of Graves Disease, and of feeling like a tired old woman with one foot in the grave.. His office is called the Wright Health and Wellness Center. He is simply a very nice and genuine man who listens to how I feel. He and his entire office are calm, and caring people. Not only is he willing for me to partner in my health care, but he encourages it. He is supportive of the fact that I am working to find the best vitamin and herbal support for optimum wellness also. He is knowledgeable on so many levels, and is open to any and all testing until I feel better. He cannot believe that I have never had a free T3 or T4 drawn, or adrenal testing. Dr. W is committed to help me get my life back.. I am soon to have weight loss surgery, and he is totally supportive in that area also. I have no doubts that I am in skilled hands. I feel very fortunate to have found him." (Added 11/02)

Duncan

Dr. Greg Hyde, M.D. Ph.D., ENT, 1401 Duncan Regional Loop, P.O. Box 750303, Duncan, OK 73575 800-890-1340, mentsw@simplynet.net. "I went to see Dr. Hyde based on another friend's recommendation. I had been on thyroid meds for about 7 years previous, but never felt well, and was getting worse. Dr. Hyde treats many thyroid patients who have been to several other doctors as well. He really bases his diagnosis and recommendations on symptoms much more than just blood tests, and uses a holistic approach to health. He made diet recommendations, and put me on a regimen of vitamins, and a more natural thyroid product, and 8 months later I have lost 20 pounds, and feel like a whole different person!! I highly recommend Dr. Hyde to other patients in the area. We drive over an hour to reach him, but it has definitely been worth it!" (added 1/04)

Edmond

Dr. Terrill Hulson, Family Practice, Westbrook Family Physicians, 1208 SW 15th, Edmond, OK 73013, 405-340-2100; appointments 405-640-8893. A reader writes: "Although traditionally trained, Dr. Hulson knows his stuff on thyroid. At my initial appointment, he agreed to test my thyroid (TSH) based on a family history of thyroid and the symptoms I was experiencing. At my follow-up visit, 6 weeks later (not a year!), I had prepared a list of questions and tests to request. Before I could even ask, *he* suggested the TPO, Free-T3, and Free-T4 tests! He told me he wanted to see my TSH down to 1 or 2, and my symptoms gone. The only thing I had to ask about was Armour - and while he doesn't usually prescribe it, he is open to trying it if I wish, and/or if the Synthroid stops working for me. His office gets patients back quickly, and he doesn't seem rushed when you talk with him. The nurses are friendly as well. They can take your blood in-house, and usually get the test results back within a week." (Added 1/06)

Midwest City

Dr. Timothy Moser, Family Practice, 1212 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, OK 73130, Phone: 736-6811, A reader writes: "This man listens to your symptoms and doesn't like to let thyroid levels get high. When my TSH went from 1.50 to 4.9, he immediately increased my dosage, being concerned that my TSH was on the rise." (Added: Dec. 04)

Norman

A reader writes: "My M.D. is wonderful! He is a family physician that specializes in allergy treatment. He uses alternative medicine to complement his practice, including acupuncture, chiropractic, chelation, nutrition and nutritional supplements. Dr. Hagglund treats by how you feel, not just by the numbers and prefers "Westhroid" for hypothyroidism. He has a daily radio program where he offers nutritional advice and often closes it by saying that he's "trying to talk himself out of a job" by helping people to know how to improve their health. He is: Howard E. Hagglund, M.D., 1818 W. Lindsey, Suite C-100, Norman, OK 73069, (405)329-4457."

Another reader likes Dr. Hagglund:
"He goes by more than lab values. He can tell by looking at you if you are having problems."

Another reader recommends Howard E. Hagglund:
"I actually travel out of state to see Dr. Hagglund. He is wonderful. His office staff is very caring and always willing to answer any questions. My first appointment with Dr. Hagglund after being diagnosed was over an hour just with him! He explained everything in detail and answered all of my questions. He also helps you with losing the weight you have gained. I just wish I could hear his radio show." (Added 2/03)

Oklahoma City

Dr. G. M. Steelman, Bariatric Medicine, 13301 Meridian/Bldg. 400, Oklahoma City, OK 73120, 405.755.4600, http://www.drsteelman.com. A reader writes: "Caring, knowledgeable, and open-minded, Dr. Steelman listens to his patients and believes their input and experience is as important in managing their hypothyroidism as are the results of their lab tests. Even though we now live over 800 miles away, he continues to provide support and guidance to our efforts to find effective therapies for my daughter's condition, sending us literature (including the recommendation for your "Living Well with Hypothyroidism") and consulting with our local physicians who, prior to his intervention, simply refused to believe that Synthroid was not working for her since her lab work "looked so good". His calm, considerate nature, combined with his commitment to helping a patient find the answer that "works" for her/him, makes him a superb physician in this area . . . and his specialty in helping people safely and effectively manage their thyroid problem." (Added 4/04)

Oklahoma City

Modhi Gude, MD, MRCP (UK), FACP, FACE, Endocrine, Diabetes, and Thyroid, 1522 SW 44th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73119, 405-681-1100 or Fax 405-681-1140, "Dr. Gude was very confident and immediately did an ultrasound which no other doctor before him had thought of. The ultrasound showed a nodule and inflammation of the thyroid which was a shock and I was very scared. Dr. Gude reassured me we would do whatever it took to find out exactly what was going on. He started treating me with Cytomel immediately and my TSH has gradually improved. He started out slowly and did not try to push too much too quickly on me. He is very careful to be informed about all other medications you be taking. He is a very kind man and listens to what you say. He takes things seriously and wants to know exactly what is going on. His staff is friendly and takes your health very seriously." (Added 4/04)

A reader writes:
"Dr. Gude is very thorough in his initial exam (over three years ago) and discovered nodules/abnormalities that had gone unnoticed by other doctors. In fact, my primary-care manager had been assuring me for quite some time that my thyroid was normal. Dr. Gude performed an ultrasound right away that disclosed several nodules in both sides and a fluid filled cyst on the left side. After conducting some initial testing, he started me on conservative therapy with synthroid. After several months treatment the desired response was not achieved and I was referred to an "Experienced" head and neck surgeon for further treatment. As it turned out there was a small (papillary) cancerous growth and a sub-total thyroidectomy was performed. Dr. Gude has continued to treat me ( 3 years post) an he takes time to listen, is very thorough, knowledgeable, and considerate. He doesn't brush aside questions and concerns, but takes time to explain treatment options and expectations. I'm currently taking a combination of Synthroid and Compounded Armour Thyroid with good results. Anyone (in the OKC area) looking for a doctor who will listen and respond to concerns and questions, who explain things well, should consult with him. It's rare to find a doctor who doesn't rush patients in and out so fast you wonder what happened. He's the BEST! " (Added: Dec. 04)

Sand Springs

Harleen Grewal, MD, Internal Medicine, Omni Medical Clinic, 402 W. Morrow Road, Sand Springs, OK 74063, 918/245-1328. "Willing to prescribe Amour Thyroid, and listens to your symptoms, rather than the lab values." (Added 6/02).

Sapulpa

Dianna Willis D.O., Family Practice Board Certified, 615A South Mission, Sapulpa, OK 74066, 918-224-9555/918-224-9558, A reader writes:"Caring thorough physician who knows about thyroid conditions, will test, and will treat. Very thorough. Great support staff. After one bad doc after moving due to retirement, I have been truly blessed to find her." (Added Apr 06)

A reader writes:
"Fortunate to have found her. Will treat the symptoms. Thorough Exam and labs. Armour Top Doc Too." (Added Apr 06)

Tulsa

Ruth Miller, DO General 6135 S. 90th E. Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74133, 918 742 1996 / fax 918 742 5995. A reader offers this testimonial, "She believes people when they say they are tired or whatever. She recommends compounds of T3 and T4 rather than brand name drugs."

A reader writes:
"She was the first doctor to prescribe medicine based on symptom management, not on plain lab values or brand name drugs. She prescribed a combination T3 T4 at a compounding pharmacy that is specific to my body and needs. When I still felt tired in the mornings she split the dose to two times a day and it has made a difference for me. She listens to the patient while keeping in mind the lab values, but those don't determine your treatment with her." (Added Apr 06)

Tulsa

Dr. Shirley Welden M.D, Internist, Welfit Medical Clinic, Inc, 2140 S. Harvard, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918-744-5620. "I have finally found a doctor that cares. She takes as long as necessary to listen. And she is patient. She is challenging about all facets of this disease. She is an excellent physician and doesn't hesitate to recommend another when it is out of her range of expertise. An all around care doctor and staff. Easy to talk to and able to help quickly. Her recommendations have been outstanding doctors in the community."

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.