Anupam Kotwal, M.B.B.S is currently serving on the Patient Engagement Committee. Dr. Kotwal is an Assistant Professor and Endocrinologist in the department of Internal Medicine, division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
The Thyroid gland is my favorite. Thyroid hormone is essential for multiple functions in the body. The thyroid gland itself can be affected by disorders including cancer with complex pathophysiology. I personally have autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s) so another reason why Thyroid is my favorite!
To me, patient education is a two-way street, where the medical experts inform patients of evidence-based health measures, but at the same time learn from patients about their attitude, perceptions, and beliefs. This generates evidence-based shared-decision making for patient care.
The Patient Engagement Committee provides a platform to meet the patient’s needs not only in the clinic, but at a larger scale through increasing awareness and getting the community involved, with the aim to improve the health of patients with endocrine disorders. I have also used educational materials created by the committee in my own practice, and my patients have found them very helpful.
I wished patients knew that endocrinologists are extensively trained in the field of endocrine hormone disorders. Endocrinologists consider the general health and wellbeing of the patient when evaluating their hormones to provide holistic endocrine care. Some of us have specific niches within endocrinology to go more in-depth into specific areas.
Our physician referral directory is comprised of over 6,500 members of the Society. The referral is updated daily with clinicians who are accepting new patients.