Dr Shawa is an excellent doctor. He is very thorough, knowledgeable and compassionate. He explains everything very well. He is top notch

I have Nf1 and osteomalacia I have been going to VARIES doctor appointment after appointment to seek treatment because I have bones that are brittle and easily break . I have had surgery after surgery because of all the fractures ,long story short DR.Shawa took his time to actually research what was going on with me because my case is so complicated. He then put me on some new medication and it worked .. I just wanna thank him for his sincere caring , his kindness and the difference he have made in my life.he was always so encouraging and professional he was easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOUND TO HELP ME .. I am so glad I have you as my doctor you are SUPERRRRRRR SKILLED At what you do...

I was referred to Dr. Shawa primarily due to some thyroid nodules that were discovered. Two of which were enlarged, one of which described as highly suspicious. My t4 level was 6.1 and TSH 3.050 (both considered normal)I initially saw my primary care physician for lethargy,digestive issues, hairloss, and puffy swollen eyelids. While I was there we discussed that my breast surgeon had felt an enlargement on the right side of my neck. Upon examination she thought there was an enlargement on the left side of my thyroid. Bloodwork and ultrasound of my thyroid were ordered and my journey began.When I arrived at Albany med Endocrinology all staff were very professional and kind. I filled out an intake survey listing all of my symptoms and family history. Dr. Shawa did his own ultrasound of my neck and after consideration told me that he suspected Hashimotos disease. When I asked him if there was any treatment for this he said no. There is not any treatment until you have low thyroid hormone levels, at which you are then put on levothyroxine supplementation. I asked him if it could be at all related to the cystic tissue that I had biopsied in my left breast and he said no. He ordered bloodwork to confirm Hashimotos which included a test for thyroid antibodies. (I am not sure if this was TPOAb, TgAb, or both) I left the office feeling worried and helpless.He called and left a message on my voicemail 2 days later. He said antibodies were indeed found and the diagnosis was Hashimotos thyroiditis. He said to call back if I had any questions, otherwise I would see him in a year to have my thyroid levels rechecked.I discussed my diagnosis with co-workers and my husband. A Veterinarian whom I work with has a sister with Hashimotos and she was placed on Synthroid even though her thyroid levels are normal. A technician that I work with has a good friend with Hashimotos who is mostly controlling symptoms through her diet.I called the office back 4 days later letting reception know that I had been researching my diagnosis and that I had some questions for Dr. Shawa. They had his assistant call me back to take down specific questions. I told the her that I had been reading a lot on the internet and that I was really hoping for some guidance from a doctor. I found through reading that an anti-inflammatory diet was recommended and that one should especially avoid milk because it was a trigger for a Hashimotos episode. I also read that Hashimotos can be secondary to another autoimmune disease, adrenal dysfunction, or high levels of estrogen. I wanted to know what he thought about this and if we should perdue other testing to rule out another autoimmune disease. I also expressed that I used to be a really active person and being so lethargic was really getting to me. She said to keep my chin up and she would speak with Dr. Shawa.Dr. Shawa called me back 20 minutes later with an attitude. He said that he thought we had gone over everything but he would repeat himself. There is no diet, there is no treatment. My thyroid levels are normal so I should not go on a hormone supplement. Going on a supplement would be harmful at this point. I interrupted and told him not to misunderstand, I was not looking to go on synthroid necessarily, that I just wanted to feel better. He said that these symptoms were news to him? When did I first experience them? (I guess he didnt read the intake survey or get any info from my GP?) He said I thought you just came because of the thyroid nodules. He said there was nothing he could do for me further and that I would need to follow up with my GP. He would see me in a year to test my thyroid levels. (I guess this endocrinologist doesnt test adrenal function or hormone levels?)Ive decided that I wont be going back to him. I got the feeling I was being dismissed because he didnt want to do anymore. Hopefully I will find a doctor that gives more guidence and doesnt just brush me off the way that Dr. Hassan Shawa did.