Get Mary Shomon's
Bestselling Books

Order from Amazon
or Iherb.com


Order from Amazon
or Iherb.com


Order from Amazon or Iherb.com


Order from Amazon or Iherb.com


Order from Amazon
or Iherb.com

Athens

Sam Frankel, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Athens Professional Plaza, Ste. 8, Athens, AL 35611, 256-233-1650. A reader writes: "I struggled to get an accurate diagnosis for two years. My OB/GYN refused to acknowledge that I was Hypothyroid despite the obvious and numerous symptoms that I presented with regularly. He based this decision solely upon my "normal" TSH. Finally, after losing my job and becoming seriously ill a friend recommended that I see Dr. Frankel. Armed with the information from Mary's website I went to him and told him I believed this was my correct diagnosis. He agreed an explained that I had what was known as "Occult Thyroidism". Occult meaning hidden from view (or hidden from the lab results). He readily diagnosed me and immediately began the Armour that I requested without one hesitation. I almost cried in relief at the ease of getting him to listen and treat me after two years of frustration, referrals to psychiatrist, trying mood stabilizers and getting worse due to the Lithium, etc. He treats patients like real people not lab values!" (Added: June 2004)

Another reader writes:
"Very Real! Must see!" (June 2006)

Birmingham

David DeAtkine, Endocrinology, St. Vincent's Prof. Bldg. #1, 2660 10th Ave. So., Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-313-2650. “Thorough, compassionate, and not pushed for time. I felt a sense of relief after my visit with him. He does do FT3 & FT4 testing and is not opposed at all to T3 addition in the form of Cytomel. He IS NOT an Armour prescriber but realizes the significance of adding T3 meds.”

Another recommendation for Dr. DeAtkine:
David DeAtkine, Endocrinologist, St. Vincent’s Hospital. A reader informs us, “I have been a patient of his for the last three years. When no one else would listen, and put me off as “just being depressed” or having “nonspecific problems” Dr. DeAtkine truly listened! For five years I suffered with weight gain, dry skin, depression, hair falling out in clumps, etc....all the things which point to hypothyroidism. He got to the bottom of it and said I had Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis...my thyroid had shrunk! The most important thing, is that he listened to me and did the right tests, even checking my pituitary for problems. He is wonderful!”

Another recommendation for Dr. DeAtkine:
A reader writes: "I am an RN in Birmingham Alabama and I strongly recommend Dr. David DeAtkine at St. Vincent's Hospital (205) 933-4684, as an Endocrinologist he is excellent."

An update on changes in Dr. DeAtkine’s practice provided by a former patient:
I just wanted to make you aware of changing circumstances concerning a Top Doc endocrinologist Dr. David DeAtkine, Birmingham, Al. I am (was) a patient of his and I received a letter in the mail today concerning major changes in his practice starting January, 2004. At that time he will be affiliated with a program called MDVIP, Inc. which is basically a membership only program. In other words, the maximum of 600 people whom he selects to be his patients will pay a $1,500.00 membership fee yearly and he will become an old-fashioned doctor…taking time with the patients etc. This membership fee is NOT covered by insurance. In his letter he seems primarily interested in his diabetes patients becoming ‘partners’ with him in this endeavor. I thought that you would like to know this because he will no longer easily be available to the general public as a Top Doc. (added 1/04)

Another reader writes:
"I have been a patient of Dr. DeAtkine's for 5 years now. He is the only Dr. Ihave ever encountered who Ifelt actually and honestly cared about me. I no longer live in Alabama and yet I travel across the country once a year for my check up. I see him as a "consult" patient now that he is a member of MDVIP. His Diabetes patients only were required to be a part of this membership program, so he is still available to Thyroid patients. I strongly recommend him!" (Added: June 2004)

Another reader recommends Dr. Deatkine:
“I am a former patient of Dr. DeAtkine before the change in his practice and if you can afford the $1,500 dollar membership fee his services are worth every bit of it . I truly miss my visits with him. He has been here for me thru surgery and complaining and weight gain, hair loss, depression and anything else I didn’t understand about my hypothyroidism/graves disease. I have found anyone else I feel as comfortable with as Dr. Deatkine.” (Added 6/05)

Birmingham

Dr. Robert C. Doekel, Jr. Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama, Inc., 790 Montclair Road Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35213. He treats thyroid patients according to Broda Barnes principles, does a thorough interview and exam, explains things well, uses up-to-date testing, and answers his calls himself when you call back with questions. My preliminary thyroid screens from a family physician showed no abnormalities but he began treatment on the strength of my symptoms, history, and a basal temperature chart. He also sent away an Adrenal Stress Index Test that showed adrenal problems.

Another reader writes about Dr. Doekel:
A reader writes: "I looked on the Top Doc page and found Dr. Doekel-because it said he followed the temp. test guy I called and made an appointment. I went today-I took the thyroid symptoms sheet from your page and I also wrote 3 pages of "life history" then got there and filled out about 10 pages of stuff. Mary, this guy spent nearly an hour with me-no phone calls, no talking to the nurse about someone else, nothing-just me! He read everything I brought-I had started doing the temp. thing in the morning when I made the appointment 3 weeks ago so he also had that to look at. (My temps ran 96.2-96.8) After he introduced himself-I told him I wanted to ask him a question-Why was he working with thyroid patients-his main thing is sleep problems- He said that a close family member had developed thyroid problems and they had gone through the mill and still didn't have answers so he decided to take care if it himself! Did research-went and took classes, etc... So, now he tries to help other that have thyroid problems because he knows what they are going through-It was great to finally have someone believe me and take time to understand what has been going on! Can you tell I'm on cloud nine! So, please if you know who recommended him, please let them know that they have saved my life! Maybe now I might really have one! I thank them, my husband thanks them, and so do my children-because I have really been in bad shape. And, again to you thank you for providing the means in which this was able to take place! If you hubby or family thinks you are taking too much time doing this please show them this letter so they will understand what you do is so very important. Dr. Doekel's office is a 3 hour plus drive for us, but it was worth every minute and will continue to be worth every minute in the months to come--Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!"

Another reader writes:
"I am so glad to see Dr. Doekel's name on your list! I have had the fortunate privilege to be Dr. Doekel's patient for 6 years. He first diagnosed me with obstructive sleep apnea after testing me at the referral request of my cardiologist. During one of my follow-up visits shortly after he diagnosed me, I happened to see his credentials concerning his thyroid specialty. Having had mixed treatments for my thyroid condition since the diagnosis of Hashimoto's in 1995, it had become apparent that the most effective drug for me was Armor, but my GP would not prescribe it. Dr. Doekel very readily discussed his method of treatment was not only comprehensive thyroid tests but heavy emphasis on symptomology and family history. He has helped me with adjusting and teaching me the things to look out for in my care, noting that there are those times when leaving off a dose or taking an extra may be needed. I think he is wonderful; conscientious, caring and can't be beat! The thing that tipped me off to his being a wonderful doc before he ever tested anything was his warm introduction, handshake, ever present, tiny feet and hands pins, and last but not least his infamous "BOW TIE"! His type of medicine is that of legends, like the ones who made house calls long after others stopped." (Added Dec. 2006)

NOTE: Some readers report that this doctor may be booked and not taking new patients. Call to check.

Birmingham

Veronica Hemphill Pediatrician UAB 2000 6th Ave South Birmingham, AL 35205 205-934-7579 vlh77@hotmail.com. (Added 11/02)

Birmingham

Christine Heckemeyer, Endocrinology, Cooper Green Clinic 1515 6th Ave South, Birmingham,Al. 35233, 930-3245, A reader writes: "She is the best Endo I have had. She takes time to talk with her patients and is very caring and listens. The clinic is very busy but she takes time. I was treated for Papillary Thyroid cancer and the first doctor I had there left to go up north. I was sent to a General Meds. Doctor who didn't know too much about ThyCa so she sent me to Dr.Heckemeyer. I'm so glad I now have such a wonderful caring Doctor." (Added Apr 06)

Birmingham

Malek Karassi -- No longer listed

Fairhope

Dr, Richard Snellgrove, internal medicene, Thomas Hospital, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, 251-990-1770. A reader writes: "Worked hard to get my thyroid condition to the right level."(June 2006)

Hoover

Vicki Moore, Family Medicine. 120 Cahaba Pkwy., Hoover, AL 35124, 205-733-1130. "Even though Dr. Moore is a family physician/surgeon, she tells me that she checks for thyroid disorders in almost all of her patients because she has found a very high percentage of people have thyroid disorders and don't know it. Even though I had complained of symptoms in my ob/gyn doctor, it was Dr. Moore who listened to me and tested and found I had a problem. The bottom line is that if you think you have a thyroid problem, she will test you and she listens to patients. She isn't a corporation either, which I like a lot. She is the first doctor I've ever ha who really listens to me and does something about it. Since she believes a lot more people have thyroid problems than is generally recognized, I think she is an excellent doctor to start with for thyroid problems." (Added Dec. 04)

Birmingham

Glenn E. Peters, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1505 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham Alabama 35233-6889 , (205) 934-9766, A reader writes: "Just two days ago I underwent Thyroid surgery with Dr. Peters! He is just outstanding as well as the UAB staff. If you want the best care/doctor from within the best facilities UAB simply stands above them all! The facilities are very very big but throughout all parts of the process I was made to feel as though I was in small private care, they really go the extra mile to be kind and friendly." (Added Apr 06)

Huntsville

Brendella Fore, Family Practice, 600 St. Clair Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. 256-533-2866. “I took my children to her as their pediatrician, and on one of my daughters visits, she asked me why I was shaking, I said I don’t know that it had started about 6 months before and 2 other DR's had commented about it but did nothing to find out what was wrong with me. She immediately asked if I had a family history of thyroid disease, and I didn’t and still don’t, she took bloodwork and within 2 weeks I found out I was hyperthyroid/graves, and sent me to the local endo. Needless to say I am going back to her for my thyroid care. If it wasn’t for her I probably would have gone on for years without knowing what was wrong with me. She sits and listens, asks questions, she is caring and compassionate. My husband likes her too and sees her when he is sick. I couldn’t ask for a better doctor. When the Tapazole stopped working she put me on PTU, when my endo said RAI she said no don’t do it. Thanks Dr Fore for giving me my life back!”

Madison

Dr. Sharon McKelvy -- no longer listed

Montgomery

Scott A. Bell, Internal Medicine, 7020 Sydney Curve, Montgomery, AL 36117, Montgomery, AL, 334-279-5700. A reader writes: "I found Dr. Bell through the ACAM website; Dr. Bell tests frees along with TSH, but his treatment relies strongly on how you feel. He also diagnosed me with Insulin Resistance after trying to get other dr's to look at this for two years; accepts insurance, which was also a huge plus for me. He prescribes T3 in combination with T4." (June 2006)

NOTE: This doctor has reportedly instituted an mandatory annual "membership" fee of more than $1000 per year for anyone who wants to be his patient. (October 2007)

Montgomery

Bruce Trippe -- no longer listed (October 2007)

WHEN YOU NEED PERSONALIZED HELP FROM A MEDICAL EXPERT... Richard Shames MD, author of THYROID POWER and the best-selling book FEELING FAT, FUZZY, OR FRAZZLED?, offers personalized telephone coaching sessions focused on optimizing your 'Energy Triad' -- the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. In your Personalized Coaching Session, Dr. Shames will help you... Assess your risks Get properly tested/diagnosed by your doctor Know the pros/cons of your options Find out which prescription drugs might be best for you Explore foods and supplements that help Create an individualized wellness plan just for you Dr. Shames is a Harvard and University of Pennsylvania-educated practicing physician, who has specialized for the last 20 years in optimal hormone balancing, and individualized thyroid solutions. His new book, FEELING FAT, FUZZY, OR FRAZZLED? presents an endo-type approach to thyroid, adrenal, and sex gland balance. Order the book directly from Amazon now, or find out more online.

Latest Thyroid News From Mary Shomon