For fans of detective fiction, reading the story often becomes a race with the book’s main character. The winner, of course, is the one who successfully solves the mystery using the uncovered clues. From literary legends such as Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan to modern-day sleuths seen on shows such as “Monk” and “CSI,” these detectives are adept at solving the most challenging mysteries with the tiniest of clues.
One wouldn’t normally think of an endocrinologist as a detective, but according to Dr. Simona Scumpia, founder of Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology, the description is most fitting. “Like a detective, we use the clues we discover in the patient’s body to help identify and solve the mystery as to what’s ailing them, such as hormone disorders, thyroid disease [and] diabetes.”
While growing up in a family of lawyers, Scumpia confesses that it was a desire to be involved in the care of others combined with a passion for hormones that drove her to practice medicine. “Hormones force you to think globally, not locally,” according to Scumpia. “There is no computer in the world that can mimic the complexity of the endocrine system.”
Twice recognized as a Texas Super Doctor by Texas Monthly (in 2004 and 2005), Scumpia started her medical training halfway around the world. After graduating at the top of her medical school class in her native Bucharest, Romania, Scumpia served her residency in Edmonton, Canada. Two fellowships brought her to the United States – first to San Antonio, and then to Pittsburgh – before she made her permanent home in Austin.
“Austin is a wonderful community, and has a very welcoming medical community,” Scumpia shares. “I may not have been born in Texas, but like the saying goes, I got here as fast as I could.”
Given the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent assertion that one in three Americans could have diabetes by 2050, it is no surprise that Scumpia’s passionate about fighting the disease.
“We need to be much more aggressive in the identification of pre-diabetic patients. Not enough is being done,” Scumpia says. And while diabetes tends to get more publicity, Scumpia says many of her patients suffer from thyroid disease. “One in seven people I treat suffers from thyroid disease, which is often a leading cause of fatigue and malaise, and most concerning: Half of them don’t know they have the disease.”
Scumpia is one of a handful of thyroidologists in the United States, and is also board certified in endocrinology and metabolism, lipidology (the study of fat in the blood) and internal medicine. In fact, Scumpia has so dedicated herself to fighting these diseases that she founded Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology in an effort to create a comprehensive treatment vessel for her patients.
“In 2002, I opened this office as a means of providing treatment that is both cost-effective and easily accessible for my patients,” Scumpia says. “This is a vertical integration of medicine with everything under one roof to make treatment easier for the patients and their families.”
While many professionals can single out a particular individual who helped shape their career, Scumpia acknowledges her luck in having had several outstanding mentors, and is quick to single out one in particular during her residency in Edmonton: Dr. Edwards. “He taught me to always listen to the patient and attempt to formulate a diagnosis based on my conversation with the patient before seeing results from any tests or labs,” Scumpia explains. “Throughout my training in Europe, Canada and the United States, I learned to sharpen my instincts by making my diagnosis based on my observations without relying on labs or tests to make the prognosis for me. While important, those tests should be used to validate the diagnosis, not do your job for you.”
Scumpia’s advice for future students of medicine is simple: “Go for it!” Scumpia explains, “Nothing can compare to the sense of satisfaction you derive from that moment in the examining room where the patient and doctor connect. There is nothing like it.” Scumpia also wants others to know that the American dream is alive and well, and always within reach if you are willing to work hard. “I came to this country with only $25 in my pocket, but I worked hard, stayed on top of my studies and dedicated myself to being the best doctor I could be,” she says.
Scumpia credits her success with her love of education, and is a strong proponent of classical education. She also shares her love of classical music and the pursuit of intellectual arts with her husband of 25 years and her two grown children – at least one of whom looks to follow their mother’s footsteps into medicine. This notion brings great joy to Scumpia. “I have a true love of the medical profession,” she says, “and always encourage young people to pursue their dreams.” From her humble start as a medical student in Romania to her outstanding career and lengthy list of professional accomplishments, Scumpia acknowledges that there is still work to be done ahead of her. Given the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Central Texas, she knows she is in the right place at the right time. She is a medical detective ready to uncover the next set of clues and help save the day.
Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology is located at 2200 Park Bend Drive, Building 3, Ste. 300, in the Post Oak Centre North. To make an appointment, please call 512-467-2727.
Along with his passion for writing, Aaron Seaman serves as director of business development in the Employee Benefits Consulting and Insurance Services Divisions of SWBC. He may be reached at aseaman@swbc.com.
