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

Dr Quentin, GP Camphill Medical Practice Myrtle Estate North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen 01224- 868935 Dr Quentin was willing to listen to me and help me despite having a TSH level in the normal range. He accepts that the normal range is not always a guide to being well. He is also has a holistic approach which includes homeopathy. I have being working with him to lower my TSH is sub 2 levels but more importantly to make me feel better. He is on the NHS.

Ascot

Dr Scott, Consultant. Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot. This reader "saw a request for Windsor area GP. My consultant at Heatherwood was excellent. My GP in the area referred me as soon as he knew I had been diagnosed with Grave’s Saw Dr Scott on NHS - he was very patient and friendly Although treatment on the NHS was not lightning fast my disease was methodically controlled."

Bedfordshire

Dr N Finer, Endocrinologist, Luton Dunstable Hospital, Dunstable Road, Luton, A reader writes: "Kind, caring and very experienced in his field. Keeps a keen interest in what is going on in the world - lectures and appears on many TV programmes to educate the public.

Birmingham/London/Sway/Scotland

Dr. Gordon RB Skinner, M.D., 22 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8BE phone/fax 01214498895. Dr. Skinner is a private practitioner in the UK, with particular interest in patients with thyroid problems - here is a link to a letter he submitted to the British Medical Journal. He holds clinics in Birmingham, London, Sway and Scotland (plus maybe others I don't know of). There are also names of supporting GPs on the BMJ article if people can't afford to pay privately. "I think he is a Top Doc because one of the first things he said to me was "Patient first, blood test results later," said one patient.

Another reader on Dr. Skinner:
A reader recommends Dr G.R.B.Skinner, GP/virologist, 22 Alcester Road-- Moseley-- Birmingham B13 8BE Tel 0121 449 8895. "Gordon Skinner is the author of BMJ article in one of Mary's links which is how I found him -- Bless you-- Mary. He is very kind and knowledgeable -- watch wicked sense of humour! And takes a common sense approach to treatment with synthetic thyroxine and Armour if necessary. Although based in Birmingham he holds clinic around the UL inc. Scotland."

Another reader writes of Dr. Skinner:
"After 27 years of an undiagnosed overactive thyroid I finally had it treated with radio iodine. When I started to feel ill again quite soon after treatment I was dismissed as 'cured' with a 'normal' T4 reading. My husband then became ill and was diagnosed with depression-- although he had severe physical symptoms he had no feeling of depression. After we both battled for several years with our GP's we heard about Dr. Skinner. He listened-- and he gave us hope. In my husband's case he was diagnosed immediately as having an underactive thyroid and put on a course of thyroxine. In my case he explained that it could be my parathyroid had been damaged during treatment-- or following breast cancer and a thyroid disorder-- maybe I have a problem with my adrenal glands. Whatever-- I was made aware that no stone would be left unturned until he found out what was wrong with me. I was so impressed that on my second visit I asked him to see my son who has not been fit for quite a few years. Although he had been tested and found to have thyroid antibodies-- his GP would not treat him for his symptoms because he blood test levels were within the normal reference range. Well he too is now on a T4 -T3 thyroxine supplement and doing well. Dr. Skinner has turned this family around 2 out of 3 are now fit and well-- and I have great hopes of being well as soon as my problems are found out.

Another fan for Dr. Skinner:
"My GP told me that the reason for my extreme fatigue was because I had 2 young children. My thyroid test (which I had to ask for) came back 'normal'. I asked to be referred to Dr Skinner because a friend of mine was seeing him and he changed my life. I have energy again!!! My GP is still sticking to the blood tests and says that I am now overactive. I would rather listen to a doctor who is not afraid to go by the patients' symptoms instead of sticking to a broad band blood test no matter what."

Yet more praise for Dr. Skinner:
"Excellent practitioner. He listens!!! He is reassuring and very knowledgeable. He puts you at complete ease .He recognises the patients needs first and foremost. A life saver. One warning -beware of the wicked sense of humour." (added 1/04)

A reader writes:
"Dr Skinner is a wonderful Dr and one of the few that really understands hypothyroidism. I was bloated, overweight and looked 20 years older than my 42 years until Dr Skinner sorted out my thyroid . He listens to the patient." (Added: June 2004)

Yet another reader writes:
"I believe that Dr Skinner has actually saved my life. He was the first specialist to listen to me and not rip me off. He observed me and interviewed me for close to two hours and in the end told me to not give up my hopes of getting better. Despite the opinions of other doctors, thanks to him, I as yet have no need of a hysterectomy." (Added 6/05)

More fans:
"I found Dr Skinner through the UK Thyroid support Group nearly 6 years ago after 10 years of misery feeling so very poorly - I had blood tests several times over the years before I met him and they all appeared 'normal' by my GP and several consultants. I was told I had a stressful job - needed a diet - needed a hobby and on it went - I was absolutely at my lowest. My first consultation identified my hypothyroidism and Dr Skinner told me I had been hypothyroid for years. I wept with the relief. He is so compassionate and understands the wretchedness of this silent disease as so many fail to get diagnosed. I see him regularly either in Scunthorpe or wakefield as he has clinics all over the UK. I know the battle he has with mainstream endocrinologists who will only be guided by out of date and simplistic blood tests. I am treated with Armour Thyroid as I respond better." (Added June 2005)

Another fan:
Really listens and understands put me on T3 after years of feeling unwell l feel like a light has gone on and l no longer need antidepressants and am know looking for work. He is the only person who has not treated me as if l was a ranting female. My endocrinologist did not listen although money was wasted on sending me for tests for ME and Fibromyalgia. He is not expensive and well worth a visit and funny too.

Dr. Skinner needs his own page
"I have had years of feeling so tired and run down - always attributable to stress or lifestyle. Blood tests always showed as 'normal', but actually were at the low end of the scale. I saw Dr Skinner in late August 2005 and can not begin to explain how different I now feel. I have more energy and enthusiasm for life. I no longer feel that I can't get out of bed in the morning. He does have a 'wicked' sense of humour. But more importantly he listened to what I said and responded. I am so glad that I took the courage to call for the appointment and see him." (Added Apr 06)

A reader writes:
"When my TSH blood test results came back as 'normal' and after undergoing sleep tests etc in hospital under a consultant because I couldn't keep awake, and also had numerous signs & symptoms of an underactive thyroid condition which were ignored and told I probably had ME and to live with it with the help of anti depressants. 3 years ago I found Dr G Skinner and travelled to Birmingham from Blackpool to his surgery. It was such a relief to have a Dr that actually understood and could treat me. I started to feel the difference after a week although its taken 3 years to regain full health. If I had not found a Doctor who was prepared to listen and treat me I know I wouldn't have been here today as life wasn't worth living. I am now able walk again able to get up and go to work. Thank God for Dr Skinners medical knowledge and why can't other doctors follow the same practices?" (Added Apr 06)

Cambridge

Dr. Angus Stewart GP, Trumpington St. Medical Practice, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, 01223 361611. "Dr. Stewart listens. He has always been prepared to prescribe me the things I need when he his able, especially when I've given him research from the internet to back up my ideas. A truly helpful GP who works with me to improve my health. Highly recommended." (Added 6/02).

Cranleigh

Dr. Clarke, General Practitioner, Cranleigh Health Centre, Cranleigh, Surrey UK. "After 5 years on antidepressants under another doctor, and missing out on most of my university years due to illness, he diagnosed me on my second visit and was a wealth of information as well as being open to questions and new ideas" (Added 6/02).

Dublin, Ireland (Periodically London, England)

Dr. Patrick Magovern, MB, MICGP, D OBST(RCPI), CAFCI GP/Integrative Medicine 41 Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland, and (several times a year, in London at 126 Harley St, London, England), Phone: 01 210 8855, Fax: 01 278 8219, www.integrativemedonline.com. A reader shares, "Dr. Magovern is a private practitioner of Integrative Medicine based in Dublin, who holds regular surgeries in London. He is a wonderful doctor and healer. His approach is a complementary one, using conventional as well as alternative methods, including nutritional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and identification of food intolerances. The great thing about him is that HE LISTENS TO YOU WHEN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SYMPTOMS and does something about the cause of them. He is knowledgeable about thyroid problems (and is pro-T3). He will treat you himself (or suggest further specialist treatment if necessary). He is not "protectionist" and is concerned with getting you better, whatever that takes. The emphasis is on treating the root cause of a patient’s symptoms, not merely suppressing the symptoms, and he is enthusiastic about trying to help the patient who has "been everywhere" with his or her problem. I went to Dr. Magovern with an already-diagnosed hypothyroid condition which I felt had not been properly addressed for five years, as well as other symptoms, including lack of energy, depression and migraine. He has helped me tremendously with the thyroid problem and the other symptoms and has helped me to regain some of my confidence and general vitality through a combination of conventional and natural remedies. My husband went to him on my recommendation with irritable bowel syndrome and other stomach disorders from which he had not felt well for many years. He is a new man thanks to Dr. Magovern. We cant recommend him highly enough. Please consult his website as it will give you a good idea of what he has to offer."

Exeter

Dr A Midgley, General Practise, 6 Homefield Road, Heavitree, Exeter, Devon, EX1 2QS, 01392 214151, admin@homefieldsurgery.freeserve.co.uk. "Still early days with this GP, but he seems knowledgeable about thyroids, answers queries by e-mail (Rare in the NHS), and intelligence. I've yet to figure out why he is still able to take on new patients, perhaps it is the no appointment policy (turn up and wait) putting people off?"

Great Missenden

Andrew McLaren, Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Chiltern Hospital, Great Missenden, Bucks, UK, 01844 274755, www.bucksendocrine.com, mclaren@doctors.org.uk "Mr. McLaren provides state of the art endocrine surgery in Southern England including minimal access techniques for parathyroid surgery." (Added Dec. 04)

A patient writes:
"Caring attitude and modern approach to thyroid surgery. He only wants to operate when absolutely necessary." (Added: Dec. 04)

High Wycombe

Dr Ian W Gallen MD FRCP, Endocrinologist, Shelburne Hospital, High Wycombe, BUCKS HP11 2TR, 01494 888700. "For my own Hypothyroid condition Dr Gallen believes in treating with thyroxine until Free T4 in upper half or range, and then adding T3 in small increments until patient feels better."

Another reader writes:
"Dr Gallen co-runs runs a special antenatal clinic for women with problems such as diabetes and thyroid problems. He always explained what he was checking for, why and treatment very clearly. After I was admitted to the hospital for an unrelated pregnancy problem he regularly visited the ante-natal ward after his clinic to check me. I would recommend anyone in the Berkshire, Bucks and Oxfordshire region ask for him by name. Pregnant women with thyroid problems living close to High Wycombe but out of that catchment area for ante-natal care should seriously consider registering to have their babies at High Wycombe and getting a referral to attend his clinic (generally the ante-natal care in High Wycombe is good)." (Added 6/05)

Hull

Dr Stephen Atkin, Endocrinologist. The Michael White Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, HS Brocklehurst Building, 220-236 Canlaby Road, Hull HU3 2RW 01482 885365. A reader writes, "He listened. He examined me. He took me seriously. He did a wide range of tests. He sent a letter to start my medication before my next visit. I'll keep you posted on how it continues."

Leeds

Dr Paul Belchetz, General Physician and Endocrinologist, Clarendon Wing,Leeds General Infirmary, also private practice at Nuffield Hospital, Leeds, BUPA Leeds, 0113 3882000, 0113 269 3939 (both private hospitals). A reader writes: "Although my gynecologist picked up on my thyroid problem, he referred me onto Dr Belchetz. He believes in looking beyond lab values and keeps a close eye on his patients. Over the first few months of diagnosis I had numerous visits until he as happy that the level of thyroxibe I was on was appropriate. He is very approachable and has co-written many text books on hormone disorders." (Added 6/05)

London

Dr. Gregory P Sadler, Endocrine Surgeon, 10 Harley Street, London W1N 1AA Tel# 020 74678373 e mail gregsadler@endocrinesurgery.co.uk

London

A reader recommends Professor Ariel Lant, Professor of Therapeutics / Endocrinology, 61Wimpole Street, London WIM 7DE 0171 486 1800 FAX 0171 486 0990. "He is by far the most caring and considerate but highly approachable doctor. It’s been my privilege to meet him. Others give up where he starts."

London

Mr WJB Smellie, Endocrine surgery, Lister Hospital, Lower Sloane Street, London 0207 350 0881, james.smellie@btopenworld.com. "Specializes only in endocrine surgery."

London

Professor Ashley Grossman -- NO LONGER LISTED

Manchester

Professor J R Davies, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester UK 0161 276 1234. "For a top guy," this reader tells us, "he was willing to listen to what would probably be considered a run-of-the-mill thyroid tale (hyperthyroid and later iatrogenically hypothyroid). Having been treated by my local hospital really quite badly, it made a refreshing change when I transferred to the Manchester Royal Infirmary. There is also an Endocrinology Nurse Specialist attached to his department, Mr. Tim Drowley, who is knowledgeable and easy to get hold of if you need any advice between appointments. The junior docs attached to Professor Davies' team are also helpful and keen to monitor you."

Stoke on Trent

Dr Shabbir Ahmed, Family physician, Somerset Surgery, Somerset Rd, Hanley, Stoke on Trent Staffs UK, 01782212192. Email: shabbirdr@msn.com. A reader writes: "He undertakes alternative, complementary treatments and practises Integrated medicine.He has to see u in surgery though!He runs his own integrated med forum on the closed doctors net-educating docs as much as he is able to re- other therapies.Listens to patients not results of investigations." (Added: June 2004)

Surrey / West London, United Kingdom

A reader recommends Dr. Kevin Shotliffe, Consultant Endocrinologist, Contact New Victoria Hospital, Coombe Lane West, Kingston, Surrey. "He is very understanding. There is no pressure to take the course of Radioactive Iodine -- I am Hyper and prepared to work in harmony with a holistic approach."

Surrey - Chertsey

Dr Baxter, Private Endocrinologist The Runnymede Hospital, Chertsey, Surrey. A reader writes, "This doctor is helping me with subclinical hypothyroidism despite lab values. He was very caring in explaining the thyroid and through in his examination."

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.