Derek J. Stocker, MD

Nuclear Medicine Doctor

A nuclear medicine specialist employs the properties of radioactive atoms and molecules in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and in research. Radiation detection and imaging instrument systems are used to detect disease as it changes the function and metabolism of normal cells, tissues and organs. A wide variety of diseases can be found in this way, usually before the structure of the organ involved by the disease can be seen to be abnormal by any other techniques. Early detection of coronary artery disease (including acute heart attack), early cancer detection and evaluation of the effect of tumor treatment, diagnosis of infection and inflammation anywhere in the body and early detection of blood clot in the lungs are all possible with these techniques. Unique forms of radioactive molecules can attack and kill cancer cells (e.g., lymphoma, thyroid cancer) or can relieve the severe pain of cancer that has spread to bone

Endocrinologist / Diabetes & Metabolism Doctor

Dr. Derek J. Stocker is an Endocrinologist / Diabetes & Metabolism Doctor in Bethesda, MD with special training and skill in maintaining and treating the endocrine system (the network of glands and hormones that regulates human metabolism, growth, musculature, and sexual and reproductive function). As an Endocrinologist / Diabetes & Metabolism Doctor, Derek J. Stocker, MD performs diagnostic and treatment procedures to identify and treat hormonal metabolic dysfunctions. Endocrinology / Diabetes & Metabolism Medicine is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine and metabolic dysfunctions to achieve patients' healthy hormone balance. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Endocrinologist / Diabetes & Metabolism Doctors include hormone imbalance, hypo and hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, goiters, diabetes, pituitary gland tumors, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, hypogonadism, and Cushing's syndrome. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Endocrinologist / Diabetes & Metabolism Doctors include blood, saliva, and urine hormone level testing, insulin management, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, CT scans, thyroid biopsies, and endocrine tumor radiation or surgery.

An internist who concentrates on disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. This specialist also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, obesity, pituitary diseases and menstrual and sexual problems.