Autumn Walker, APRN

Autumn Walker, APRN is a Gastroenterology nurse practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. She is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. Dr. Autumn APRN is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 303-3081 to schedule.

Dr. Autumn APRN, an AANP certified adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner with extensive experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. With more than seven years of clinical nursing experience, including roles as a preceptor and relief charge nurse in a Transplant ICU, she is deeply committed to preventative medicine. She understands the importance of educating patients to foster a strong partnership in their health journey. She serves all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Autumn APRN earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Nursing from the University of Central Florida, and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida. She is a proud native Central Floridian and a valued member of the AdventHealth Medical Group's gastroenterology and hepatology practice in Altamonte Springs, FL.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Autumn APRN is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Autumn APRN can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Autumn APRN provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Esophageal Diverticulum: An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that can form in your esophagus, and while often harmless, early detection through regular checkups helps prevent complications like infection or difficulty swallowing.
• Zenker's Diverticulum: Regular health screenings can help identify Zenker's diverticulum early, minimizing the need for extensive treatment and improving your quality of life by preventing complications.
• Lynch Syndrome I: Lynch syndrome I increases your risk of several types of cancer; therefore, understanding your family history and implementing recommended preventive screenings is critical for protecting your health.
• Anorectal Stenosis: By recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly, you can reduce the severity of anorectal stenosis and avoid long-term digestive problems.
• Distal Colorectal Cancer: While distal colorectal cancer can't always be avoided, early intervention through preventive screenings and a healthy lifestyle can prevent it from becoming a life-threatening illness.
• MSI-H Colorectal Cancer: MSI-H colorectal cancer, while still serious, often responds well to certain treatments if caught early, highlighting the significant benefit of proactive colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
• Portal Vein Thrombosis: Managing conditions like cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease can help prevent portal vein thrombosis, a dangerous blood clot that affects your liver and digestive system.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Autumn APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Gastroparesis Therapy: Take control of your digestive health by exploring gastroparesis therapy options to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Interventional Endoscopy: Interventional endoscopy allows doctors to directly visualize and treat problems in your digestive system, helping prevent complications and ensuring better health outcomes.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: For improved digestive function and the prevention of blockages, a transendoscopic stent can help restore normal flow in your digestive tract, improving your overall health.
• Intestinal Biopsy: An intestinal biopsy is a key diagnostic tool in identifying the cause of chronic digestive problems, helping ensure you receive appropriate and timely treatment.
• Rigid Sigmoidoscopy: A rigid sigmoidoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer through early detection.
• Anal Cauterization: If you experience rectal bleeding associated with hemorrhoids, anal cauterization offers a targeted solution for symptom relief and improved anal health.
• Varices Banding: Varices banding is a procedure that helps prevent serious bleeding from enlarged veins in your esophagus by placing small rubber bands around them.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Autumn APRN is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling routine checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of esophageal diverticulum complications, fostering peace of mind.
• By attending regular health screenings, a patient proactively identified Zenker's diverticulum early, minimizing the need for extensive treatment and ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed for a more comfortable and confident life.
• By proactively scheduling regular screenings and genetic counseling, a family significantly reduced their risk of Lynch Syndrome I-related cancers, fostering a sense of peace and empowerment in their health journey.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Autumn APRN:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Autumn APRN and our team are gastroenterologists, specializing in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, as well as performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Autumn APRN will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Autumn APRN can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, along with dietary guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, as it requires a formal diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Autumn APRN before a gluten-free diet is started.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Autumn APRN for a thorough evaluation.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

661 E Altamonte Dr Ste 222
Altamonte Springs FL 32701
Phone: (407) 303-3081

Autumn Walker, APRN is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1609496629

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Autumn APRN are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.