In treating endocrine disorders, I believe that the best outcomes arise from a balance between evidence-based medicine and truly personalized care. Evidence-based medicine provides the foundation of proven scientific guidelines and research-backed protocols, while personalized care recognizes that every patient has a unique health story—each with its own nuances, lifestyle factors, and personal goals. In my practice, I bring these two elements together by staying on top of the latest clinical data while taking the time to thoroughly understand each patient’s medical history, lab results, and, most importantly, their individual preferences and needs. This means creating a treatment plan that isn’t just scientifically sound—it’s also deeply personal and tailored to fit into the patient’s life in a meaningful way. Take the management of Type 2 diabetes, for example. The evidence supports using medications like metformin or GLP-1 agonists, but the right treatment plan is never one-size-fits-all. Each patient comes to me with a different set of challenges, whether it's insulin resistance, co-existing conditions, their daily routine, or even how they’re coping emotionally. For some, focusing on intensive lifestyle changes, such as plant-based nutrition and exercise, might be the most effective path. For others, the right answer might be a more pharmacological approach. By integrating continuous glucose monitoring, nutritional counseling, and evidence-based therapies, I help ensure that my patients' treatment plans are not only effective but also sustainable in the context of their daily lives. This approach isn’t just about numbers on a lab result—it’s about empowering patients to actively participate in their own health journey. When patients understand their condition and feel like a partner in their care, they gain more control, which leads to better outcomes and a higher quality of life. Seeing my patients feel heard, supported, and able to thrive is what makes this work so rewarding for me.
I am not an endocrinologist, but as an oculofacial plastic surgeon, I see many patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). I work closely with their endocrinologists to manage the different aspects of their disease. One of the newest treatments for TED is Tepezza. Although we now have five years of data since its availability, there is still much to learn. Evidence-based medicine and FDA approval show that Tepezza works for both active and inactive TED. However, there are numerous side effects, some of which can be serious. With each patient, we have a thorough discussion about the risks and benefits. For mild cases, I never start with Tepezza. It can often be a great option for patients with moderate or severe TED, but each case needs to be individualized. I had one patient who was experiencing a great response but suffered from severe nausea and vomiting for several days with each infusion. One option was to stop the medication, but I was able to collaborate with her and her insurance company to infuse a reduced dose. She maintained her TED benefits from the medication but tolerated the infusions better.