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.

Ashland

Dr. Shandor Weiss, 233 Fourth St., Ashland, OR 97520, 341-488-1198, doctor@auraclinic.com. A reader writes: "Dr. Weiss has treated thousands of patients for thyroid disorders, and uses holistic and natural methods in his treatments. He is a Naturopathic doctor with over 16 years of experience." (Added 10/05)

Beaverton

Gerald W. Miller Family Practice & Nutritional Medicine 1960 NW 167th Place Suite 103 Beaverton, OR 97006 503.466.1823 503.466.2045 docshar@aol.com A reader writes: "Dr. Miller takes time to really listen and he hears you. He is willing to work with you to try alternative approaches and is even willing to study current research and Internet resources. He worked with me to switch from Synthroid to Armour. He is very knowledgeable about chemistry and supplements." (Added 11/02)

Another recommendation:
"He is willing to listen and is very open. He has a very well-rounded approach to health." (Added 10/05)

Bend

Dr. Allan A. Harris, Naturopathic Medicine, 600 NE Savannah Drive, Suite 1, Bend, OR 97701, 541-617-1195, http://www.circleofhealthclinic.com/ A reader writes: "He really listens to his patients, is thorough, and is not worried about the clock. He is open to all options of treatment, even T3 therapy." (Added 10/05)

Eugene

Dr. Adrienne Borg, Naturopath. 74 E. 18th Ave., Eugene, Oregon 97401 541-686-3330. "She will prescribe Armour thyroid and she returns phone calls in a timely manner."

Another reader recommends Dr. Borg:
"I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Borg. After years of feeling awful and struggling with specialist, I finally feel good. She listened, knew all the latest research information I brought in, and worked on treating the symptoms. I am on Thyrolar now as well as supporting my system with diet and vitamins. What a difference. I followed the recommendation I found here and I would recommend her to everyone. Thanks to your other readers for their helpful suggestion." (added 1/04)

A reader writes:
"Honest. Answers all my questions thoroughly. Prescribes a combination of traditional, as well as a compound thyroid medication that is an exact fit for my body's needs. It took me years to find such a great doctor. I trust her completely." (Added Apr 06)

Eugene

Dr. John E. Gambee, MD, Physician and Surgeon, 66 Club Rd., Suite 140, Eugene, OR 97401, 541-686-2536. "He provides traditional, as well as alternative treatments. He's thorough, a great listener, personable and provides free weekly classes on wellness for his patients. He prescribes Armour thyroid medication and follows up on his patients via phone calls." (Added 6/02).

Another reader recommends Dr. John Gambee:
"He treats his patients with wellness in mind." (Added 11/02)

Eugene

Ray Peat, Ph.D. Physiologist, Hormones, Aging & Nutrition, P.O. Box 5764, Eugene, OR 97405, 1-541-683-4279, http://www.efn.org/~raypeat/index.html. "My osteopath recommends him as one of the best in the world. His website speaks for itself and contains information I haven't found anywhere else." (Added 6/02).

Eugene

Jan H. Stafl, MD, Ob/Gyn, 151 W. 7’th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401, 541-342-8616, holistic.salu.net. "Prescribes Armour thyroid and is board certified in Holistic Medicine and Ob/Gyn." (added 1/04)



Eugene

Dr. Stephanie Wilson, Naturopathic Physician, 1755 Coburg Rd. #6, Eugene, OR 97401, 541-683-9357/541-683-3273. "Very good about returning calls and knows how to treat."



Eugene

Tina Kaczor, ND, Cancer, 247 West Charnelton Road, Eugene, OR 97401, 541-338-9494, www.clinicofnaturalmed.com, "Understands and explains the underlying cause of my health problems. Takes the time and cares enough to explain her recommendations." (Added 4/04)



Forest Grove/Hillsboro

Arcoma Gonzalez Lambert ND, Naturopathic Physician, Blossoming Health, 1911 Mt. View Ln. Suite 300, Forest Grove, OR 97123, Phone: 503-357-2826, drarcoma@blossominghealth.com

A reader writes:
"Dr. Lambert diagnosed me correctly, treated me aggressively, and reversed my symptoms into wellness." (Added 10/05)

Gresham

Ernest Talley M.D., Family practice-Diplomate, 501 N.E. Hood suite 340, Gresham, Or 97030, 503 661 7159. A patient writes: "Doc Talley is very interested in thyroid problems and has no problem with armour thyroid, does not mind me bringing in articles from the about website or Dr Lowe website or British Medical Journal website. He listens, takes whatever time is needed, and is slowly helping me to improve. I feel better now then for years, and as he carefully adjusts my armour dosage, he checks to make sure I am not going hyper. He knows the old ways of diagnostic (preTSH) as well as the new, and depends more on the patient and symptoms presented then the discredited TSH test. On top of being a good doc and a diplomate, he's a nice guy. I am 52 and have not felt this good for decades. What a shame and a waste of my life to have dragged through the many years on half phase. Be your own best friend and advocate and find the right Doc!" (Added 1/06)

Another fan:
"Doc Talley is the first doc who really listens to me, takes whatever time is needed, goes by symptoms, and does not depend on the discredited TSH test. He is not insulted when I bring in info from the 'about' or other valid websites. He has been working with me, slowly but carefully, to get the correct dosage. I am 52 and my diagnosis was sub-clinical.He is not only a diplomate by training, but a nice guy. I get mad when I think of the time wasted with docs who don't care or keep up to date. This guy is a keeper." (Added 1/06)

Gresham

Dr. Ana M. Squellatio, Comprehensive Holistic Medicine, 130 NW Miller St., Gresham, OR 97030, 503l.665.2344; fax 503.665.2337, A reader writes: "This doctor really takes time to listen to her patients and help to resolve imbalances by connecting all the dots. She's not just a bandaid approach type of doc." (Added Apr 06)

Klamath Falls

Dr. Robert Beaman -- NO LONGER LISTED

Klamath Falls

Ramona Pungan, internal & endocrinology, 2631 Crosby Avenue, Klamath Falls OR, 97603, 541-880-2751. A reader writes: "Just very thorough with her patients" (Added: June 2004)

Milwaukee

Dr. Robert Sklovsky ND, Thyroid/ImmuneSystem/Allergies, 6910 SE Lake Rd, Milwaukee, OR 97267, 503 654-3938. A reader writes: "Dr. Robert Sklovsky treats the symptoms along with the complete thyroid panel. His knowledge of hypothyroid symptoms is one of the most expertise in the alternative treatments. I have been with Dr. Bob for 15 years now as his patient and assistant, and he is the only Dr. that was able to help me, when 17 other Dr. including a Neurologist could not. I know longer suffer from the cold hands/feet, black outs, fatigue etc. In the 15 years I have worked for Dr. Bob I have seen many patients improve where other doctors ignored their symptoms. His knowledge and understanding of how the thyroid should function, what the proper treatment to help the thyroid function with complete thyroid panel, basil temps, and then the right dosage along with selenium, iosol, adrenals when proper for the patient. He has helped so many with their hypothyroid symptoms and problems. Dr. Bob is one of the experts when it come to thyroid problems, immune system, and allergy related problems as well with his alternative/naturopathic methods." (Updated 11/02)

Portland

Donald Bouma, Endocrinology, Thyroid, 16463 SW Boones Ferry Rd., Lake Oswego, OR, 503-635-6256. A patient in the Portland, Oregon area, wants folks to know, "I have a GREAT endocrinologist, who is very informative, patient, and will even call you PERSONALLY, (not his nurse) and talk to you extensively until all your questions are answered. His name is Donald Bouma."

Another reader writes:
"I noticed someone else's comments about Dr. Bouma. He was the doctor who diagnosed my thyroid condition over 15 years ago, when 5 other doctors had missed it (or not done all the blood tests), and as a result, after two years under his care I lost all the weight I had gained and was able to work without being constantly fatigued."

Another recommendation:
"Dr. Bouma is an excellent doctor and spends a great deal of time with his patients, answering questions, etc. He is the doctor who found my thyroid cancer after multiple doctors missed it. However, if you are interested in natural/armour type medication, he is pretty committed to drugs like Synthroid." (Added Dec. 04)

A reader writes:
"Dr. Bouma is such a patient and kind doctor. He listens to patients and he's knowledgeable. Thanks to Dr.Bouma, now I can walk and go to work again." (Added Apr 06)

Portland

Dr. Charles Kaluza, DO, ENT, DO, Certified Otorhinolaryngology & Orofacial Plastic Surgery. 2816 SE Steele St. Portland, OR 97202 Ph#503/233-5548. A reader tells us, "He is very knowledgeable about thyroid disease and has made it a specialty. He used to do many thyroidectomies and did my husband’s, and people can't believe he had any surgery because there is no scar. He has developed some arthritic problems and so has brought in another Dr to help him. His Name is Dr. Roberts and I have seen him also. Dr. Kaluza will work with you on your meds and if you wish to try t3 or Armour he will help you. He explains his diagnoses and wants you to understand what and where he is coming from but will listen to you and your symptoms."

Portland

Rick Marinelli, ND Naturopathic Physician/Acupuncturist 1600 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Portland, OR 97225 (503)644-4446. A reader tells us, "Dr. Marinelli is very knowledgeable about thyroid disorders (as well as many other specialties). He does extensive laboratory testing but goes more by clinical assessment. He has diagnosed many people with autoimmune and hypothyroid conditions that were missed by other doctors and effectively treated them. As a Naturopathic Physician you would expect him to be biased towards using natural Armour thyroid (he is), but he also uses T3 (if necessary) and synthetic T4 if there are pork sensitivities. He listens well, is an astute clinician, and has many naturopathic approaches, in addition to hormone replacement, in his medicine bag."

Another recommendation:
"Dr. M listens to you, and does a thorough exam to find out exactly what is going with you. And he gives you answers...doesn't just mail you "results" that you can't read anyway. Very good bedside manners as well, with a good sense of humor." (Added 6/02).

Portland

Martin Milner, N.D. drmilner@hotmail.com http://www.cnm-inc.com President & Medical Director, Center for Natural Medicine Professor, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Medicine, NCNM, Bastyr University & SW College of Naturopathic Medicine Medical Editor, Health Sciences Institute Publications Center for Natural Medicine, Inc. (CNM) 1330 SE 39th. Ave., Portland, Oregon 97214 PHONE 503-232-1100 FAX 503-232-7751 A top doc in Portland Oregon is Dr. Martin Milner. He specializes in thyroid dysfunction, and is expert in this area. He is a naturopath. With him, you will never get the run-around treatment like we all have gone through with MD's and endos. He has hundreds of patients with this problem of having normal TSH, but still having symptoms of hypothyroidism. Also, if you have been diagnosed with FMS or CFS, go see him. Personally, I think these are bogus diagnoses and in most cases can be cured or managed well with thyroid and/or adrenal treatment. He also teaches at the Naturopathic College.

Another fan:
"He is extremely well versed in compounded medications for thyroid. I would highly recommend him." (Added 10/05)

Portland

Pavel Nyvlt, Naturopathic physician, 833 SW 11th, Suite 717, Portland, OR 97205, 503-294-7070. drnyvlt@hotmail.com. http://www.holistichealth.cz. A reader writes: "I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism about eight years ago. I was using prescription Synthroid, and the strength was being gradually increased by my MD. Yet, I was gaining weight, and I felt sluggish. Then, about two years ago, I visited Pavel Nyvlt, ND in Portland. He started me on a combination of iodine and vitamin B supplements, and over the next four months (or so), I was gradually decreasing the Synthroid. After this period, I stopped taking the hormone completely, and under Dr. Nyvlt's supervision, I started using just mineral supplements and vitamins that boost proper thyroid function. Now, at his point, my thyroid works just fine, and I am not taking any synthetic hormones. I lost the extra weight, and I have enough energy to last all day. Dr. Nyvlt's approach to health problems is fundamental: let's find and deal with the cause, and the symptoms will disappear. With my thyroid, the problem was lack of proper nutrition. with a change of diet and a few natural supplements, the cause and the symptoms are both gone." (Added 11/02)

Portland

Edward S. Phinney, M.D., Thyroid Surgeon, 9155 SW Barnes Rd, Suite 217, Portland, OR 97225, 503-297-1548. "He performed my second thyroid surgery to remove the last 10% of my thyroid and 4 lymph nodes. He was highly recommended from several doctors I contacted as being one of the best surgeons in the area. I found him to be very supportive, friendly and willing to answer all my crazy questions. In contrast, my first surgeon was kind of anti-social. Best of all, the results are fantastic. No parathyroid problems, no voice damage and a scar that looks like it should hang in a museum (my first doctor gave me a lasting scar that made me look like Frankenstein and I had slight upper-range vocal damage that eventually healed). The recovery has also been dramatically faster as well. The staff in the hospital described him as a perfectionist. Dr. Phinney is traditional in that he isn't pro-Armour but that wasn't a problem for me since he's just my surgeon. He has a good heart and I highly recommend him."

Portland

Dr. Ravinder Sahni, Naturopathic Doctor, 503-641-8503, Portland, Oregon area. The idea that I might have a thyroid problem was first suggested to me by a medical doctor - who tested me and then said I was normal. I started doing my own research and found a naturopath (not Dr. Sahni) who agreed to put me on Armour. My panic attacks and most of the depression disappeared. I still had erratic periods and was too tired to exercise; but my naturopath did not feel I should increase my dose. I found Dr. Sahni after an early term miscarriage. After finding out I was already on Armour he increased my dosage and I am cooking with gas now. I have been working out, I feel really positive about my fertility chances, and my digestive issues have disappeared (he has also worked with me on diet and has prescribed some other herbs/supplements, etc).

Portland

Dr. Kim Webster Functional Medicine 2525 NW Lovejoy #408 Portland, OR 97210 503-973-5545 A reader writes: "Dr. Webster is willing to listen He prescribes Armour and Thyrolar, but specializes in "functional medicine" where he looks for the causes of autoimmune problem and addresses the problems with supplements and lifestyle changes. He is a great doctor! Give him a try." (Added 11/02)

Another fan:
"I just wanted to echo the previous endorsement for Kim Webster. He is incredibly knowledgeable, understands endocrine, neurotransmitter, and autoimmune issues extremely well, and takes a full hour in the first consultation to ask questions, examine your body, and get to the core issues affecting your health. After a single visit, I am feeling better than I have ever felt in my entire life!" (Added 1/06)

A reader writes:
"I agree with the other comments about Dr. Webster. He i= s very thorough and takes the time to listen. He figured out things that 3 other doctors in 3 years couldn't figure out in a 1 hour session. I feel SOOO= much better than I used to in just 1 visit. He knows the right question= s to ask and the right tests to do. I was tired of feeling like I was crazy and it is so nice to know that a doctor finally believes you and understands as he has thyroid issues as well. I had lost all hope of feeling well, but Dr. Webster has changed my life. My kids tell me I = am a whole new mom now. I have more energy to do things with my kids and husband than I have had in over 3 years." (Added Apr 06)

Portland

Dr. Susan Allen, womens meds, Thyroid, natural and homeopathic medicine, 26th and N.E. Glisan, Portland, Oregon, 503-232-1948, A reader writes:"Great understanding of Thyroid." (Added Apr 06)

Springfield

Dr. Kathleen Hirtz M.D., GP, 1717 Centennial Blvd., Springfield, Oregon 97477 541-726-1865. A reader writes that Dr. Hirtz "listens and is open minded. Dr. Hirtz prescribes Armour on a regular basis and understands the problems with relying on TSH tests. I did not have to request a Free T3 test, she routinely checks for this. She treats many Fibromyalgia patients and understands the thyroid connection."

NOTE: This doctor does not treat anyone under 17.

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.