Hi again,
If it makes you feel any better, I didn't shop around for endocrinologists either. I was assigned to the first one (and the youngest) in the practice my PCP referred me to who had an appointment, and as I said, even that took 4 months. I never had a chance to ask about his skill level. What I loved about him was his bedside manner and his compassionate approach to care. When he told me he'd be doing the biopsy RIGHT THEN, I didn't have time to worry about the procedure. He took 5 different samples, presumably so that at least one or two would be in the right places to get the best sample from the nodule. That's why they use ultrasound during the FNA, to guide where the needles are placed. I don't think there's a high risk of side effects from an FNA. I think the most important thing is zeroing in on the right areas to get the samples.

As for surgeons, I have read that one of the best predictors of a good outcome from a lobectomy or thyroidectomy is the volume of these procedures a surgeon does in a year. I had a general surgeon who supposedly did a high volume of thyroidectomies. So when it comes to choosing a surgeon, it's quite reasonable to ask about the volume of procedures done in the practice. Because thyroid tumors are usually slow growing, I personally would wait for the most highly recommended surgeon(s).

I totally understand where you're coming from. I've always been in great health too, and this threw me for a loop!
Good luck tomorrow!