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.

Brentwood

Morgan Williams, BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, 1301 Chestnut Drive, Brentwood, TN, 615-333-0072, www.hormonephysicians.com. A reader writes: "Living with hypothyroidism and the side effects can be extremely frustrating if you do not have the right doctor for you. Fortunately, I found Dr. Williams who gives 110%, if not more, to her patients. She actually "listens" to me and goes above and beyond the call of duty to care for my needs and the needs of all her patients. She actually calls to check on me! I feel really lucky to have found her. Simply speaking ... she is a warm, caring, compassionate human being/doctor that truly is concerned about the well-being of all." (Added 1/06)

Bristol

Thomas Boeve, M.D., ENT, 1 Medical Park Blvd., Suite 205-E, Bristol, TN 37620, 423-844-7668, Highlands Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgical Group, "Dr. Boeve is amazing. He looks at the whole patient, not just the lab values. I have multi-nodular goiter, but normal TSH. My TSH fluctuates within the normal limit. Thanks to him, I am finally getting a chance at feeling healthy again." (added 1/04)

A reader writes:
"He looks at the whole patient." (Added: June 2004)

Chattanooga

C. Ann Mashchak, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology, Memorial Medical Building East, 725 Glenwood Dr., # E-790, Chattanooga, TN 37404, 423-624-9830. A reader writes: "Dr. Mashchak is as interested as I am in my becoming and remaining euthyroid. In addition, she is willing to look at all research, and approaches all aspects of my care holistically, looking in the end at where I am, symptomatically as the ultimate guide to my "optimal" blood levels. I have gone through 4 prior "specialists" without success, and I am so grateful to have found Dr. Mashchak." (Added 11/02)

Chattanooga

Dianne C. Roland, M.D. Endocrinology Diagnostic Center Chattanooga, TN 37404 (423) 698-2435. A reader writes: "She is a thyroid patient herself, and is open to the use of natural thyroid hormone. She has experienced first-hand the ups and downs of thyroid disease, so her specialty is not only professional, but personal as well." (Added 6/03)

Chattanooga

David M. Huffman, Diabetes and Endocrine, 823 MCcallie Avenue, TN 37403, 423 265-3561. A reader writes: "This is the most caring doctor I have ever met. He found my thyroid problem when other doctors did not have a clue what was wrong with me. He really takes the time to listen to his patients." (Added 6/05)

Cordova

Dr. Kevin Merigian, Wellness Arts, Old Dexter Road, TN 38016, 901-757-4646, www.thestoneinstitute.com. A reader writes: "Dr. Merigian spent over an hour and a half with me, asking questions about everything under the sun. He was truly interested in me . As soon as I got there, my blood pressure was taken and then I was taken in a room and asked by his nurse to draw a picture about how i was feeling. How many doctors have asked you to do that? He immediately came in and put me to ease saying that he could help me. I was crying and he could tell that I was really down and felt awful. He spent so much time with me, asking questions that even I didn't think were relevant. After my hour and a half interview with him, he prescribed Armour thyroid for me and ordered me to come back in two weeks for a test where they measure your body temperature on a hundred different places on your body to detect problems. I am so excited that I have found someone who wants to see the whole picture instead of treating one problem. he said it was important to examine everything going on in my body. I thank God that he let me find this website and dr. merigian. I am so happy right now I could shout!!!!!!!!!! Dr. Merigian is worth driving hours to see!!!!!! I am confident after my visit that he can help everyone!!!!!!" (Added 6/05)

Another fan
"I have never met a doctor who truly cared so much for each individual patient. I had given up hope of finding a doctor who: 1. take my hypothyroid symptoms seriously 2. not simply prescribe antidepressants and send me on my way, 3. who would write me a prescription for Armour. Dr. Merigian not only met my expectations, he continually exceeds them. I live in Mobile, AL and I drive the 8+ hours to see him. It is well worth the trip." (Added 1/06)

Dyersburg

Kashif Latif, Endocrinology 2017 St John Ave Hwy 51 By-Pass Dyersburg, TN 38024 731-285-7999 A reader writes: "After 3 doctors and several years of struggling to get a doctor to actually listen to what I was saying, someone recommended Dr. Latif. He sat down with me, listen to what I was saying. He took his time with me and wasn't looking at his watch every few minutes. Even though my TSH level was in the normal range I was still exhibiting signs of hypothyroidism. Dr. Latif looked deeper and found I wasn't breaking down the drug into a usable hormone. He changed my meds and has listened to how I feel and my symptoms along with lab work. I feel better than I had in years. Some of the weight is gone (none all but I'm still working on it) I am thankful everyday that I took that first trip to Dr. Latif's office. I believe he has given me back my life!!" (Added 11/02)

Chattanooga

Dr Kent Grotefendt, Lakeside Medical Center, Hwy 58, Chattanooga TN, 423-894-9464 "He follows me and I am very complicated case." (Added Dec. 04)

Franklin (South of Nashville)

Michael S. Overfelt -- NO LONGER LISTED

Hendersonville

G. Summers Chaffin, Family Practice, Family Wellness Group, 353 New Shackle Island Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075 615-822-2400. A reader shares, "It took me 4 years to find him. You tell him your symptoms and you can see him thinking. He is an excellent diagnostician with a heart! Prescribes medication based on symptoms. Does lab work as needed."

Another reader loves Dr. Chaffin:
"I have been struggling with hypothyroidism for at least 10 years. I have sought out and been examined by so many different types of doctors to no avail until I began to have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and couldn’t even hold dishes, I made an appt with a doc for this problem and then happened to read an issue of Prevention magazine that listed the symptoms of hypothyroid. I had EVERY symptom! I tried a new doctor, requested a TSH level, and there it was! This was the beginning of getting better--6 years ago. I have still struggled with depression and brain fog, I was on Levothroid, and it took all this time until I found Dr. Chaffin. I just told him how I felt, he listened intently, ordered many blood tests, changed my thyroid medicine, increased my hormone drug level, and placed me on an antidepressant. FINALLY!! I feel like my old self again after 10 years of struggling! There aren’t enough words to express how wonderful it is to have the right doctor. I want to share him with all those who need help in Tennessee."

Another reader writes:
"This is a wonderful doctor. I've been going to him since Jan. 2002. He is very caring and listens to your problems. Can't say enough about his mannerism and the way he makes you feel like you are his only patient. Other doctors at the Wellness Group are also good. The ladies up front are very nice and patient with you." (Added 6/02)

Note from Mary, 4/04 -- some patients have written to indicate that this doctor is very much a "by the TSH" practitioner, and will not prescribe T3 or T3 products. Be sure you are clear ahead of time what sort of diagnosis and treatment approach you prefer.

Hendersonville

Dr. Raymond Fuller, D.O., Internal Medicine, 353 New Shackle Island Road, Suite C245, Hendersonville, TN 37075, 615-826-2265, "Dr. Fuller certainly understands how to treat thyroid disease. His philosophy is to watch FT3 and FT4, but above all, to be guided by symptoms. His goal for TSH is about 2.5, plus or minus your symptoms. He recognizes the full range of symptoms, even those that people have but are not on the ‘official’ list. He is the most wonderful doctor I have ever gone to. He was open to my suggestions about different medications and doses, and works with you to try different things until your symptoms are gone. My first appointment with him was like talking to a friend, with equal exchange—him listening to me and me listening to him. Very highly recommended!" (Added 4/04)

Jasper

Rena Azar, Ob/Gyn, 980 hwy 28, Jasper, TN 37347, Phone: 423-942-1444, A reader writes: "Locally, she is the only dr who listened to my persistent symptoms and sent me for additional testing. I had Hashimoto's and after removal of gland found cancer encapsulated within thyroid nodule. She is still treating me." (Added: Dec. 04)

Johnson City

Alan Peiris, Endocrinologist / Metabolism, 423-461-7280. A reader writes: "He is very knowledgeable in thyroid problems, willing to listen and take time with his patients."

Knoxville

Sr. Thomas C. Prince Jr., Thyroid, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, 522-5101. A reader writes: "He has been my doctor for over 23 years. I know how caring he is and so do all who go to him. He is the best thyroid doctor in Tennessee. He is the best doctor one could see, if they have thyroid problems. My grandaughter is under his care at the preset time for thyroid problems. She has done so well, since she has been seeing Doctor Prince." (Added: June 2004)

Knoxville

Dr. Janet McNiel, Family Practice, 5917 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924, 865-525-2121, "After approaching both my family doctor and my endocrinologist about changing from Levoxyl to Armour, I was very discouraged that they wouldn't even consider that I still did not feel well. Dr. McNiel and her staff ordered more thorough thyroid tests than I had ever had before, measuring not just the TSH, she put me on Armour and just two months later, I am feeling so much better! She has also recommended I do another test, a complete female hormone profile and I am still considering that. Her nurse practitioner Elizabeth Tedford also deserves acknowledgement, as she is who is working directly with me." (Added Dec. 04)

Lebanon

Brenda McFarlin, Hurse Practitioner, 1420 West Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087, 615-449-3102, "I moved from Illinois to Tennessee looking for a health practitioner who would listen to my thyroid problems. As luck would have it, I hit the jackpot. Brenda listened to everything I had to say and I knew she believed me. She ran tests and found that my T3 and T4, among other things, were very low. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease. She recommended I go to Pharmcare in Mt. Juliet and talk to Rhonda, one of the pharmacists. Between the three of us we found the right doses of natural T3 and T4 that was right for my body and now I feel like a new person." (Added 4/04)

Memphis/Cordova

Kevin Merigian, general practice and holistic. The Stone Institute, Inc. The Center for Wellness Arts 8200 Old Dexter Road, Suite 103 Cordova, TN 38018 (901) 757-4646 Fax: (901) 757-4546 Board certified in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Forensic Medicine, Emergency Medicine & Integrative (Alternative) Medicine. This reader gushes, "On my first visit Dr. Merigian spent over an hour with me, (you read correctly, an HOUR) taking a careful history and asking questions about the most successful thyroid treatment I have received, as I have lived in several states. He does not place great value on lab values, and treats based on the patient’s symptoms. He routinely prescribes Armour and put me back on Armour much to my relief. In fact I brought my bottles of Synthroid and Cytomel and placed them on the counter. He took one look at them and said, "I don’t like those drugs." I knew I was in the right office! Nearly three weeks later, I brought my son in for a sick visit. Dr. Merigian was walking down the hall and saw me seated, waiting for the nurse to weigh my son. He immediately recognized me and asked how I was feeling now that I was back on the Armour. He wanted to know if I had relief from my symptoms, and offered to increase my dose. In the end we decided that, since I felt better than I did before I came to see him, I will call him in two weeks to let him know if I think I need to change my dose. He doesn’t believe in monthly lab work, in fact, he said I only have to come in every six months, unless there is a problem in which case I am to call him. He treated me with respect and dignity and even acknowledged, "You know more about your body, and your disease than I do because you have lived with (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) for six years, and I haven’t." When was the last time you had an experience like that at the doctor’s office?! Dr. Merigian is kind and has his patient’s best interest at heart. He has been shunned by some of his peers for doing things like prescribing Armour and thinking outside the box, but I thank God for finding this doctor for me who cares how I feel and not what my TSH says. Another note: Dr. Merigian will be starting his own practice, moving to Cordova, within a few months. The new location is approximately 12-14 miles from the existing office he shares with a conventional medical group."

Another reader recommends Dr. Merigian:
"Dr. Merigian via this web site on October 30,2002. I had begun to feel 100 year old at age 44. I was in constant pain in my joints, suffering chronic Candida yeast infections, insomnia, dizziness, and more symptoms. I had been seeking help with different health care providers for 15 years and was being treated for symptoms. I was on Prozac, Mecclizine, Nexium, hormone replacement therapy and more. Dr. Merigian saw me and spent an hour going over my medical history. He then ordered some tests to be done that were performed in his clinic by his nurse, Linda. I went back for a follow-up visit after my tests and spent another hour discussing my problems and treatment. My major problems were thyroid inactivity and Candida. After two and a half months of treatment with includes both conventional and herbal remedies I feel like a new person. My energy levels are great, I am pain free, sleeping seven hours nightly, and no longer on any of the previous medications I was on. Dr. Merigian knows medicine and he believes in healing the ailment rather than treating symptoms. The reason I contacted him was the referral on this website said that he "thinks outside the box". This is so true. I am amazed that he has turned my health around with strict diet and mostly natural treatments in such a short period of time. His credentials are impressive also. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Dr. Merigian and the Stone Institute. The clinic is a place that is a pleasure to go to as his staff is super nice." (Added 2/03)

(Note from Mary: This doctor can be expensive, and does not take insurance, so discuss fees in advance of your appointment. Jan 04)

Memphis

Kashif Latif, Endocrinology, 6005 Park Ave., Suite 902, Memphis, TN 38119, 901-821-0025/fax-901-821-9509. "Dr. Latif is the top doc in my book because i believe he saved my son's life. He is a caring person, truly interested in the patients input about his or her condition. He is always kind and patient plus gives each individual his time and attention. He is very thorough in his explanations and answers all questions a patient might have, this is something we can really appreciate, I dislike doctors that talk down to their patients, and make them feel insignificant. Dr. Latif is the best, and we appreciate him more than words can tell...trust means a lot, and we do have faith in him, God bless ya doc - and thank you!!" (added 1/04)

Memphis

Dr. Judy Specer Endocrinology 176 S Bellvue Memphis, TN 38104 901-276-7000. She is a very knowledgeable doctor who truly shows that she cares. She always takes time to explain things and doesn't make me feel rushed." (Added 6/03)

Memphis

Dr. Bruce Wilson, Cardiology, 188 S. Bellevue, Memphis TN 38104, 901-725-4400. "Dr. Wilson is a caring physician who listens to your concerns even the tiny bits of information that most physicians dismiss. He listened and answered my questions and immediately requested tests that would give the whole picture. He called me at home to give me my results and the treatment plan once the tests were in and referred me to an endocrinologist for management of my problems. He is a wonderful person and a caring physician who stays abreast of current information." (added 1/04)

Nashville

Dr. Julie Hendrix, Endocrinologist, Midstate Endo and Assoc, 615-329-5029. A reader tells us that Dr. Hendrix, "makes herself available by e-mail and answers me very promptly no matter how strange the question. She always goes by the way I'm feeling. She has been a great help since my 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and is now treating her too. I had thyroid Cancer and she really helped me through it medically and emotionally. she is very caring and interested in her patients."

A reader writes:
"She is a very caring doctor & she answers your questions promptly. I no longer in the state but she is such an excellent doctor that I travel back to see her." (Added Apr 06)

Nashville

Dr. Terri Jerkins -- NO LONGER LISTED

Nashville

Dr. Brian J. Foley, 5702 Nolensville PIke, Nashville, TN 37211, Phone: 615-333-0021, A reader writes: "Dr. Foley informed me more about my thyroid problem than any other doctor previously had done. He explained to me why people sometimes have normal blood thyroid level readings and still exhibit thyroid-related symptoms. He does not only rely on prescription medicine, but also natural remedies. He tells you foods to avoid that interfere with thyroid. He also has simple tests, other than just the blood thyroid test that are indicators of thyroid problems. He does a free seminar at night once a month in which he does a very informative talk about thyroid and how it affects the entire body. Attending this seminar, whether you go to Dr. Foley or not, really is helpful and I recommend it to anyone." (Added: Dec. 04)

Nashville

Shubhada M. Jagasia, Endochronology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, 615-322-4752. A reader writes: "She actually LISTENS to you. She was recommended and she took the time and did not watch her watch." (Added 6/05)

Nashville

Dr. Craig Wierum, Endocrinology, 222 22nd Avenue North #502, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-342-1204, CWierum@heritagemedical.com, A reader writes: "Dr. Wierum is a great human being and practices unlimited diagnosis in finding the correct treatment continuing procedures. I look forward to my appointments because I enjoy being in his presence." (Added Apr 06)

Nashville

W. Thomas Patten Jr. M.D, Family Practice, 22nd Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-324-2154. A reader writes: "Dr. Patten is the most wonderful and caring doctor. He listen to everything I had to say and was very open to information that I had brought with me about Armour thyroid, he thought it was great that I was taking steps to be informed about my own health. He prescribed Armour thyroid for me. And I feel better than I have in years. I just can't say enough about how great he is." (Added Apr 06)

Oak Ridge

Safwan Hamwi, MD, Internal Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology, 200 New York Ave., #310, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, Phone:(865)482-9565/Fax:(865)482-5750, Website. "Our insurance changed after a total thyroidectomy for which pathology reports confirmed cancer. I was in the middle of treatment and due for a follow up scan. Dr. Hamwi stepped in without missing a beat and is one of the most personable doctors I've ever met. He was aggressive in ablating my remaining thyroid tissue and felt that my thyroid replacement therapy dosage would depend on how I was feeling and not just my blood work levels. Dr. Hamwi always took time to answer all of my questions thoroughly without making my visits feel rushed. He and his staff are friendly and caring, and I never had to wait long to be seen. The office was also very willing to request TSH boosting injections to allow me to remain on my thyroid hormone prior to my full body scan." (Added Dec. 04)

Oak Ridge

Dr. Jeff Grabenstein, Internist, 653 Briarcliff Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, Phone: 865-482-6080, A reader writes: "I have been hypothyroid for 12 years, but Dr. Grabenstein was the only doctor I've seen that tested my entire thyroid panel and give the medicines my body needed. I am a NEW person because of him. He takes his time with you, listens to all your symptoms, and follows up with you at home. Without him (base on my first test results he ordered) I would have been in the hospital undergoing multiple tests. With the right dosage of thyroid medicine, I no longer need BP medicine and no longer have palpitations, I have so much more energy, more hair, better skin, better GI results, better memory, and all around a better wife and mom! God Bless Dr. Grabenstein!!! " (Added: Dec. 04)

Oak Ridge

Dr. Elaine Bunick, Endocrinology, 200 New York Ave, Suite 340, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-483-5639. A reader writes: "She looks at the whole patient. She tunes into T3 and T4 also. She believes in seasonal variation of thyroid problems. She listens to patients and works in partnership with her patients. She is always very thorough every visit." (Added 10/05)

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.