In this podcast episode, a healthcare professional, likely a physician assistant (PA) or doctor, shares their personal journey with thyroid dysfunction and the founding principles of the Modern Thyroid Clinic. This blog post delves into the key themes and methodologies discussed in the episode, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for individuals struggling with thyroid issues.
The Modern Thyroid Clinic was born out of the speaker's own struggles with thyroid issues. At the age of 27, while working as a practicing PA in neurosurgery, the speaker experienced a severe thyroid crisis. Despite being on Synthroid, they found themselves exhausted, bedbound, and unable to function in daily life. This experience was compounded by weight gain, depression, hair loss, and a lack of libido.
In search of help, the speaker approached their doctor, who only ran a TSH test and suggested reducing their medication, which led to feelings of despair. The speaker advocated for a full thyroid panel, but their request was dismissed. This experience highlighted the limitations of traditional thyroid care, which often relies on a narrow set of lab results and a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.
Determined to find a solution, the speaker sought out another clinician who was willing to run the necessary tests and provide a more comprehensive treatment plan. This clinician changed their medication to Armor Thyroid, which included active thyroid hormones, and within months, the speaker began to regain their health. This transformative experience inspired the speaker to ensure that no other patient would have to endure the same struggles they faced.
The Modern Thyroid Clinic differentiates itself through several key methodologies:
Unlike traditional practices that rely on standard lab ranges, the clinic has developed its own unique optimal lab ranges based on extensive data analysis of their patients. This approach allows for a more precise understanding of what constitutes optimal thyroid function, rather than simply relying on what is deemed "normal."
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The clinic conducts full thyroid panels for every patient, ensuring that all aspects of thyroid health are monitored and addressed. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying underlying issues that might be missed with a limited set of tests.
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The clinic primarily prescribes medications that contain active thyroid hormones, as many patients struggle to convert inactive hormones like T4 into the active form (T3). This focus on active medications helps patients achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life.
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The clinic employs a meticulous approach to medication titration, allowing for slow and controlled adjustments based on lab results. This method contrasts with the traditional "wait and see" approach, enabling patients to experience improvements more quickly.
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The clinic takes a holistic view of thyroid health, addressing not only thyroid function but also related hormonal and metabolic issues. This includes managing conditions like adrenal dysfunction and autoimmune thyroid diseases, with the goal of reducing antibody levels and achieving remission when possible.
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The speaker emphasizes the clinic's unwavering commitment to patient safety. They highlight the dangers of overmedication, which has become increasingly prevalent in some practices. The Modern Thyroid Clinic prioritizes careful monitoring and appropriate medication levels to prevent adverse effects.
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The speaker explains that the clinic operates with the philosophy of working for the patient, not the insurance company. They emphasize that the goal is to empower patients to take charge of their health, rather than being constrained by the limitations often imposed by insurance providers.
The speaker provides a financial perspective on why the clinic cannot accept insurance. They explain that if they were to bill insurance for a comprehensive, hour-long appointment, they would receive a reimbursement of only $38 to $68. This amount is not sustainable for the clinic, as it would require seeing multiple patients each day at a low reimbursement rate, making it impossible to maintain operations while providing high-quality care.
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The speaker also discusses the clinic's approach to lab testing. They note that many patients have experienced frustration when their doctors refuse to run a full thyroid panel due to insurance limitations. In contrast, the Modern Thyroid Clinic conducts full thyroid panels every three months, ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive testing they need to monitor their health effectively.
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The speaker outlines the clinic's patient care philosophy, which focuses on individualized treatment plans and regular follow-ups. Patients typically see clinicians every three and a half months until they achieve their health goals. The speaker explains that during the initial visit, patients are asked to identify their top three symptoms they would like to address. This personalized approach allows the clinic to tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs.
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The Modern Thyroid Clinic was established to provide a better standard of care for patients with thyroid conditions, drawing from the speaker's personal experiences and frustrations with traditional medical practices. Through its unique methodologies, commitment to patient safety, and holistic approach, the clinic aims to empower patients on their journey to reclaiming their health and well-being.
If you are struggling with thyroid issues and have not found success with traditional thyroid care, consider exploring the comprehensive and individualized approach offered by the Modern Thyroid Clinic. Visit their website for more information and to become a patient. Share this post with friends and engage with the clinic on social media to foster a community of support and education around thyroid health.
