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or Iherb.com

Bolivar

Dr. Gregory Zolkowshi, Family Practice, 1100 S. Springfield, Boliver, MO 65613, 417-777-4749 or 1-877-301-9804. A reader writes: "I have been seeing Dr. ‘Z’ for about a year now. From the first office visit, he listened to me about my thyroid and did a complete thyroid panel. He is never too busy to listen to his patients. He will dig for the answers to your problems. I recommend him to any thyroid patient." (Added 10/05)

Another fan:
"I struggled for 2 years and my MD would do nothing different even though I still felt horrible-within 5 weeks Dr. Z took different blood test-dug a little deeper and I am feeling better than I have in 2 years. I feel like I am no longer an observer of life but can be a participant again.I was thrilled to find your web site Mary." (August 2007)

A reader writes:
"Dr. Zolkowski is a rare find in today's world of medicine. He listens to everything you have to say. He goes by symptoms and not just lab values. I highly, highly recommend him to any women with hormonal or thyroid issues. I'm so fortunate to have found him." (March 2009)

Cape Girardeau

Dr. Matthew Schumer, GP, Healing Arts Building, 3250 Gordonville Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573-334-9641, http://www.salv.net/cpga. "After 14 years of no one knowing what was wrong with me, DR. Schumer was right on with the first set of tests he ordered. I had GD. When the only endocrinologist in town only wanted to push RAI, Dr. Schumer stepped up and agreed to help me. He is very open and understanding. Willing to listen to my questions and hear my input. A wonderful, caring doctor, who doesn't think he is beyond learning new things."

Columbia

Catherine Vanvoorn, Internal Medicine, 201 W Broadway, Columbia, Mo. 65201, 573-449-1227. A reader writes: "My daughter had a virus, her senior year of high school, that attacked her immune system and left her with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hearing loss, memory loss, hair loss, weight gain, the list goes on and on. After 5 years and many doctors, including Mayo clinic, one of my co workers suggested Dr. Vanvoorn. We all most did not go because "who needs one more doctor" right? Anyway, we went and it was the best day or our lives. Dr Vanvoorn listened to her story and asked questions then commented that she could help her. By this time her short term memory and fatigue were so bad she had to drop out of college. Dr Vanvoorn ran more thyroid tests than anyone else and was able to diagnosis her and treat her. She believes in treating thyroid symptoms rather than just going by lab tests. So "normal" tests may not indicate everything is fine. My daughter is back in R.N. school and we love Dr Vanvoorn."(Added 1/06)

Another fan:
"Dr. Vanvoorn believes in treating the non traditional ways with Armour instead of with Synthroid. I went to see her after a friend referred me and she immediately took me off of Synthroid. I have Hashimoto’s and I have been battling side affects for a couple years or better." (added 1/04)

Another recommendation:
A reader writes: "Over several years my daughter was having severe health problems and was bounced from one specialist to another. Dr Vanvoorn was recommended to us and she has been a blessing. Later, I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism and she is treating me. I feel sooo much better. She takes the time to listen and has an in depth knowledge of the thyroid and treats the patient by lab work but mostly by how you feel. She asks very insitefull questions. we have recommended her to many others who also have been hepled by her." (June 2006)

Another reader writes:
"Diagnosis is achieved by tests and how the patient feels. Excellent Dr. Listens to the patient. Willing to prescribe T3 or Armour. " (October 2006).

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Columbia

Laurel Walter -- no longer listed (October 2007)

Columbia

Dr. Carol Browne -- no longer listed

Florissant

Dr. Tipu Sultan, Allergist, 11585 W. Florissant Ave., Florissant, MO 63033, Phone-314-921-5600 Fax-314-921-8273, http://www.ehacstl.com. "Dr. Sultan is a wonderful doctor!! After seeing many doctors with no answers to my problems, I found Dr. Sultan. He listens to me and takes the time to get to the bottom of my health problems. He is treating me with Armour and it is definitely helping. He and his entire staff are dedicated to getting to the bottom of the problem and not just medicating. I am so thankful for Dr. Sultan and would highly recommend him to anyone. I live three hours from his office, but he is well worth the drive."

Hermann

Laurel Walter-Baumstark -- no longer listed (October 2007)

Jefferson City

Dr. Michael Simmons, Ear/Nose/Throat, & Plastic Surgery, 3527 West Truman Blvd., Suite 200, Jefferson City 573 635-7901. A reader writes: "After 3 years of "watching" nodules and an ultrasound by other physicians in this field, Dr. Simmons ordered surgery. During the surgery pathology indicated that both nodules were malignant along with one of my parathyroid glands. My whole thyroid was removed along with the affected parathyroid. Dr. Simmons is exceptionally open and receptive to questions; both he and Dr. Douglas J. Howland practice together here in Jefferson City, Missouri. I feel he literally saved my life. I am not in the care of Peter Boyer, Endocrinologist, and will have my first treatment, a one-time radioactive iodine treatment this coming week. I will have to take synthroid for the rest of my life and be monitored by Dr. Boyer." (Added 1/06)

Jefferson City / Westphalia (was previously in Kingman, Arizona)

David Berkenbile, Osteopath/DO, St. MaryĆs Westphalia Clinic, 1875 Highway 63, Jefferson City (Westphalia), MO, Ph/Fax: 573-455-9838. A reader writes: “This is the only doctor I have gone to in 5 years that I really think can help me. He suspects I have Wilson’s Syndrome, which I have suspected as well because of not responding fully to just T4 therapies. This is a man who understands and truly cares.” (Added 4/04)

Another reader writes:
"Dr. Berkenbile focuses on bioidentical hormones of all types estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, thyroid hormones and others. Dr Berkenbile uses an holistic approach to medicine." (Added: June 2004)

Another reader writes:
"Finally a doctor that actually listens. I've been so frustrated with doctors that just guess and prescribe and don't take the time to really find out the problem. He really knows about thyroid problems because he's lived it himself. HE IS A TOP DOC!!!!" (Added: June 2004)

Another fan:
"I am so thankful I got pointed in his direction. He is the first doctor in the 14 years that I have had my thyroid out that does the whole blood work instead of just the simple test,. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for putting him in my life. He is great. He does all he can to find out what is the matter with you!!!!!! " (Added: Dec. 04)

Yet another reader recommends Dr. Berkenbile:
"This doctor turned my daughter's life around with thyroid treatment! For the first time in many years, I was losing weight, too. Then he moved from Illinois to AZ. My sister-in-law is in AZ for 2 days and I have recommended that she make an appt. with him. And I'm going to go from Illinois to AZ to see him soon because I haven't been had a doctor since he left who understands CFIDS and thyroid problems like he did. He is a kind, knowledgeable and compassionate doctor." (Added 6/05)

Another reader recommends Dr. Berkenbile:
"Compassionate, wonderful doctor who seems almost intuitive to the disease process" (Added 10/05)

Another fan of Dr. Berkenbile:
"He is very knowledgeable about all thyroid problems and knows what labs to order. He switched me to Armour right away and has advised me to look into bioidentical hormones instead of birth control pills. He also accepts insurance, and usually has appointments available within the week you call. I would definitely recommend traveling to go to his office; he is well worth the price of gas! " (Added 10/05)

Another reader writes:
I would like to express my appreciation for Dr. David Berkenbile for the excellent care he has given me when he was in Kingman Arizona. He was my doctor before he left Kingman. He is very knowledgeable about thyroid problems and is concerned for his patients. He actually listens to you. He uses Armour Thyroid and Bio-Identical Hormones. I recommend him to anyone who has problems with their thyroid." (May 2008)

More praise:
"Dr. Berkenbile gave me my life back. I was practically bedridden thanks to many other doctors in Sullivan, MO area. He gave me Armor thyroid and Bioidentical hormones and I now have a life. He is very attentive and caring. He is the best!!!!!!" (June 2008)

Joplin

Dr. Karen Porte -- NO LONGER LISTED

Joplin

Dr. Christina Bratcher, Endocrinology, Joplin, MO. "I had her in Tulsa, OK but she has moved to Joplin." (added 1/04)

Kansas City

Robert K Clendenin, M.D. Age Management Medicine 4620 J C Nichols Parkway Kansas City, MO 64112 877-282-5500 drc@clendeninmd.com A reader writes: "Dr. Clendenin is very caring. He knows all about the right tests and medications." (Added 2/03)

Kansas City

Dr. William Isley -- no longer listed / deceased (May 2008)

Kansas City

William L. White, M.D., Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Associates, The Medical Mall at St. Joseph Health Center, 1004 Carondelet Drive, Suite 405, Kansas City, MO 64114, Phone 816-943-1123, Fax 816-943-1250. A reader writes: "Dr. White performed orbital decompressions and 3 eyelid surgeries on me. He was very informative, responsive, and kind throughout. He followed up with me by phone at home after I was released from the hospital. He continues to monitor my eyes very closely. I am very pleased with the results of surgery."

Kansas City

Dr. Charles Rudolph, General, 2800 A Kendallwood Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64119, 816-453-5940, drrudolph2@aol.com A reader writes: "His biochemistry background gives a complete approach. He is a pioneer in EDTA chelation therapy as well as thorough blood diagnostics." (Added 10/05)

Kansas City

Dr. Bruce Henson -- moving

Lee's Summitt

Johnny O. Johnson, D.O., General practice/internist/primary care, Kansas City Internal Medicine group, Lee's Summitt, MO

"Excellent, caring physician. Despite trend in the Kansas City area toward seeing patients exclusively in the medical office and then handing them off to a "hospitalist" once they are admitted for a hospital stay, Dr. Johnson continues to make hospital rounds each day for his in-hospital patients. His approach to medicine comports with an integrative style and he is especially attentive "special needs" patients. Now a member of the Kansas City Internal Medicine group, Dr. Johnson holds privileges at St. Luke's Hospital East, HCA's Lee's Summit Hospital and Research Medical Center." (May 2008)

Licking

Eugene Honeywell, D.O., Family Practice, Main & Myers, TCMH Family Clinic, Licking, MO 65542, 573-674-3011. "I have been working with this doc for two years, after I wanted to switch from synthetic hormones. He has always had some patients on Armour thyroid and he was willing to work with me, I have improved on the Armour, and he will always listen to my concerns and run the appropriate tests." (Added 6/02).

Prairie Village (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri)

Robert E. Battmer, MD, 3700 W. 83, Suite 202, Prairie Village, KS 66208, Phone (913) 341-0201, www.naturalhormoneclinic.com. A reader tells us, "I have found a "Top Doc" in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He treats patients, not lab values. Although he is an OB/GYN and his primary focus is on natural hormone replacement therapy for post menopausal women, he also treats men and women for hypothyroidism. If you have the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, he will treat you for this condition based on your signs and symptoms and how you feel, and NOT based on your lab values. This makes him a "Top Doc" in my opinion."

Reeds Spring

Diane Barnes , CNM RN Director of Midwifery Services, WOMANCARE FAMILYCARE Hwy 13, 6 Spring St. P.O. Box 235 Reeds Spring MO 65737 417-272-8845 "I was under the care of Lenore Lampert but she has since left that facility and now I have Diane as my doctor. Diane knew with one visit that I needed to be off Synthroid after 11 years and give Armour a try. After almost two months on the Armour I feel better than since I had Grave's Disease and began taking Synthroid. She is very intuitive and caring as a healthcare practitioner and she deserves kudos."

Reed's Springs

Lenore Lampert, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Care Clinic Highway 13 P.O. Box 235 Reed’s Springs, MO 65737 (417)272-8845. A reader informs us, "I began going to this clinic to when I was pregnant with my first child. This practitioner is extremely caring and open to symptoms, not just lab results. She treats the person, not the numbers. She was willing to treat me with Armour. She also runs the tests I request (free T3 and free T4, not just the typical TSH and total T4). I HIGHLY recommend Lenore and the Family Care Clinic. (My husband even sees her for his diabetes treatment.) She only treats hypothyroid patients, not hyperthyroid. She feels she is unqualified to treat hyper."

Rolla

Dr. Judyann Krenning, ENT, 600 Blues Lake Parkway, Rolla, MO 65401, 573-364-8822. http://www.bondclinicinc.com. A reader writes: "Good thyroid surgeon" (Added: June 2004)

Springfield

Julie Pennick, P.A, fibromyalgia, Ozark Medical Surgical, 3800 S. Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804, 417-881-8818. A reader writes: "She is motivated to help you feel better; listens to the patient, uses traditional & alternative methods" (Added: June 2004)

Springfield

Dr. Daniel Lyons, Endocrinology, 1443 N. Robberson, Springfield, MO 65802, 417-267-4450 A reader writes: "Dr. Lyons takes the time to ask many questions and check on your physical symptoms during each appointment. He does not act like he is in a hurry and he is a very "hands on" kind of doctor. He types his notes on the computer right in front of you and reads them back to you to make certain he has it correct. He is very thorough, kind and attentive. I highly recommend him. He performed the tests I requested without hesitation." (Added: June 2004)

St. Louis

E.J. Cunningham -- NO LONGER LISTED (December 2006)

St. Louis

Dr. Irini Veronikis at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis.

Note: This doctor will not prescribe Armour thyroid under any conditions. (March 2009)

A reader writes: "I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Aug of 1997. Even though my antibody level was 319, my endo(s) would not treat me because my TSH was still in the "normal" lab range. No surprise there. Well, I finally found an endo who has agreed to treat my hypo symptoms with medication so that I feel better. She believes that Hashimoto patients will eventually top out of the lab range and, if the patient also has hypo symptoms and a goiter, she believes in treating with medication."

Another reader writes:
I have been seeing Dr. Veronikis since 2001 following a partial thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. (Which would have been a total thyroidectomy if I had seen her before my surgery). Dr. Veronikis listens to 'how I am feeling' before she looks at my lab results, she had guided my therapy through RAI doses to ablate my thyroid remnant, and we have celebrated my CLEAN scan. She keeps current in thyroid cancer and always reviews your case with you at each visit and gladly gives you a copy of your labwork or her notes. Her past experience included thyroid cancer research with east coast physicians and knows the thyroid cancer tops physicians and researchers. I strongly recommend her for thyroid cancer treatment and the life-long follow-up." (May 2008)

St. Louis

Dr. Christy Richardson, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, 11155 Dunn Rd. Suite 108N, St. Louis, MO 63136, Phone: ph: 314-355-6779 FX: 314-355-4209, A reader writes: "Dr. Richardson is great. She makes sure all you thyroid levels are at the best level to loose weight and to feel great." (Added: Dec. 04)

St Louis

Dr. Glennon Fox, Family Practice, 777 So. New Ballas Rd., Ste. 231E, St. Louis, MO 63141, Phone: 314-414-2273, familydoctorscare@earthlink.net, A patient writes: "After being bounced around from doctor to doctor for months with hurried 10 minute visits, it is such a relief and pleasure to find a doctor who is able to spend the time to listen to my history and symptoms and to really determine what is wrong and how best to treat it. This kind of care is essential if you are like me and have "normal" test results and doctors who don't have the time or inclination to do the detective work to help you get well again. After many years of hurried visits because of insurance constraints, Dr, Fox has started a new kind of practice that does not use insurance for his visits (although I still use my insurance for lab work, tests, and specialists). The monthly amount I pay is well worth the extra time and attention. My first visit was almost 2 hours and follow-up visits are an hour long. It is so nice to finally have a doctor who has the three things I am looking for, knowledge, compassion, AND enough time to help me. I cannot recommend him more highly! " (Added: Dec. 04)

St Louis

Rudee Suwannasri, Endocrinologist, St Louis Medical Clinic, Mo, (314)432-1111. A reader writes: "The most caring doctor I have ever met. My tsh was @ 150 when I was diagonosed with hashimotos disease. Dr. Rudee got me to "normal" because she goes beyond lab results. She is so into her work, calling me on a Friday night at 8:00 from her office. She is the best ever!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Added 6/05)

A reader writes:
"After suffering with hashimoto's for 7 years and many different doctors.. i finally found one who listens to you and your symptoms along with blood work.. dr. rudee changed my life... and i thank her from the bottom of my thyroid...." (Added October 2007)

Another fan:
"The best doctor ever.... Thyroid problem = Dr Rudee. Unbeliveable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Added October 2007)

St Louis

Dr. Faisal Qureshi, Endocrinology, 11155 Dunn Rd. Suite 108, MO 63136, 314-355-6779. A reader writes: "Dr. Qureshi is a very caring doctor. He calls me after he receives my test results and explains everything to me. Along with the phone call he sends a letter again explaining the results again. He's always there to answer your questions." (Added 6/05)

A reader writes: "I found Dr. Qureshi from your web site and saw him in his Edwardsville IL office. I have many physicians ranging from neurosurgeons to pain management and Dr. Qureshi is among the finest doctors I have ever seen. He is caring, compassionate and even got on the phone with my insurance company to help get my non generic medications approved. I can not say enough about him. This is what a doctor should be. After being on Thyroid medications for almost 20 years within 4 months I feel amazingly better because he took the time to understand me and changed my medications to help meet what I was looking for. I feel blessed that I found him. I would encourage anyone looking for a Thyroid specialist to see this man." (October 2006).

St. Louis

Dr. GayathrI Raman, General practice/internist/primary care, MissourI Baptist Diagnostic Center 3009 N. Ballas Rd. Ste. 100B, St. Louis, MO, 63131, Ph/Fax: 314-432-1111. http://www.stlmedclinic.com. A reader writes: "Dr. Raman is hypothyroid herself, so she's very sympathetic to her thyroid patients and knows what you are going through. She tends to treat not just by test results, but also by how you are feeling. She works in the same office as another top doc - Dr. Rudee, so she has excellent endo assistance if needed." (Added Dec. 2006)

St. Louis

Dr. Bruce Haughey, Other, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. "Dr. Haughey is an excellent Surgeon. He performed my thyroidectomy and removed 19 lymph nodes less than 10 months ago. My scares are barely noticeable. His honest approached pleased both of my family members during and after surgery." (August 2007)

St Louis

Cindy Willbrand, Naturopathic Doctor, 7979 Big Bend, St Louis 63119, phone: 314-961-4796 fax: 314-961-6631 , http://websterfp.com/contact.htm / Email: Office@WebsterFP.com

"Cindy Willbrand is very up to date on the latest studies involving thyroid disease. She understands how to read labs and knows that not everyone feels their best between .5 and 5.0 TSH or even .3 and 3.0, as the American College of Endocrinologist suggests is the proper lab value. She knows that hypothyroidism affects TSH and that someone with Graves' can also have Hashimotos. She insists on antibody testing, which is difficult to get from most endos. I have seen three different endocrinologists in the St. Louis area and their knowledge of the autoimmune aspect of Graves' disease was dismal. Going from a doctor out in the county to one affiliated with Barnes gave me no confidence whatsoever that an endo in St. Louis had the tools needed to be an effective doctor. I had an actual thyroid specialist in Norfolk, VA, who ONLY treated thyroid patients, so I know the difference. Cindy was extremely well-informed. In fact, she knows more than I do about the ins and outs of thyroid disease, and that's saying a lot since, I can assure you, the endos did not. She's more interested in getting her patients to optimal health than pushing Synthroid. She put me on Armor three weeks ago, and already I feel better than I have in many months. She is also testing me for adrenal fatigue which I could not get done through a myriad of doctors I have tried to get to look at it." (May 2008)

St. Louis

Varsha Rathod, General practice/internist/primary care, Holistic/complementary/alternative MD,1977 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146, 314-997-5403, www.preventivemedicinestl.com

A reader writes:
"Dr. Rathod is a wonderful doctor. She really gets to the root of the problem. She does certain tests and treatments that most doctors would not think of to do. I recommend her to ANYONE!" (July 2008)

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Latest Thyroid News From Mary Shomon