Catherine Santos, APRN

Catherine Santos, APRN is a Family Medicine provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health, focused on crafting personalized plans for optimal wellness. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, fostering a supportive and understanding environment for each patient.

Dr. Catherine APRN's commitment to preventative care stems from her extensive training and experience. Holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Further, her national certification as a Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) underscores her specialized skills. She is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (407) 303-3820 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Catherine APRN offers consultations in Tagalog.

Dr. Catherine APRN's approach to patient care is rooted in a philosophy of holistic well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health. This holistic perspective guides her in providing personalized care tailored to individual needs. Her commitment to empowering patients, coupled with her extensive training and experience, makes her a trusted and valuable partner in your health journey. Catherine Santos, MSN, APRN, received her undergraduate degrees from De La Salle University and Philippine Women’s University in Manila, Philippines, and completed her graduate studies in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Catherine 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. Catherine 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. Catherine 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:

• Crystalline Arthritis: Crystalline arthritis, like gout, is a type of arthritis that can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes such as diet and weight management to reduce your risk and prevent debilitating joint pain.
• Abnormal Heart Beat: An abnormal heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be detected early through regular checkups, helping prevent serious heart problems later in life.
• Spondylarthritis: Because spondylarthritis is a chronic condition, proactive discussions with your family doctor about preventative strategies like exercise and medication can help you manage your symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Heart Murmur: Heart murmurs, sometimes harmless, can sometimes indicate underlying heart conditions; preventive care includes regular screenings to catch and manage them effectively.
• Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious liver damage if left untreated, so regular testing and preventative measures are crucial for early detection and management.
• Knee Arthritis: Managing knee arthritis effectively, through strategies like weight control and targeted exercise, helps prevent further joint deterioration and preserves mobility as you age.
• Patellar Tendonitis: Preventing patellar tendonitis involves understanding your risk factors, like overuse and improper footwear, so you can proactively take steps to protect your knees.

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. Catherine APRN offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC): Planning a VBAC is a proactive step to explore your options for a natural childbirth after a previous Cesarean section.
• Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor check for infections, inflammation, or other issues in your joints, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term damage.
• Minimally Invasive Cystocele and Rectocele Repair: Invest in your long-term well-being by considering minimally invasive surgery to correct cystocele and rectocele, restoring pelvic floor support and function.
• Cryosurgery for Skin Lesions: As a proactive step in maintaining your well-being, cryosurgery helps eliminate abnormal skin growths, reducing your risk of skin cancer.
• Splenectomy and Splenorrhaphy: As part of your comprehensive health plan, discuss with your doctor whether a splenectomy or splenorrhaphy is appropriate for managing specific conditions affecting your spleen.
• Skin Excision for Hidradenitis: This procedure removes affected skin areas to address hidradenitis, potentially preventing future flare-ups and scarring.
• Repair Vaginal and-or Cervical Lacerations: Protecting your reproductive health involves addressing any injuries, such as vaginal or cervical lacerations, to reduce the risk of future problems.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Catherine APRN is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 modifying their diet and achieving a healthy weight, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing crystalline arthritis, gaining peace of mind about their joint health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing family history, a patient proactively identified potential arrhythmia risk factors, significantly reducing their chances of future heart issues. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and empowered them to make informed health decisions.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Catherine APRN:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Catherine APRN and our practice are family physicians, meaning we are primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for people of all ages. We focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of your care, from prevention to treatment.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Catherine APRN is a great opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Catherine APRN, even when you're healthy, is a valuable investment in your well-being. Establishing a relationship allows Dr. Catherine APRN to know your health history, providing faster, more personalized care if needed. This also ensures you stay on track with preventive care to maintain optimal health.

How does Dr. Catherine APRN approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Catherine APRN understands that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing anxiety or depression, conducts initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to therapists or psychiatrists as needed.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Catherine APRN works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This plan includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life, fostering a long-term partnership.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flus, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Catherine APRN, for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. We can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the ER.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Catherine APRN and her team provide comprehensive men's health services. We discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and also manage other men's health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Catherine APRN and our team can treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include recommendations for rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

AdventHealth Medical Group Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery at Celebration
410 Celebration Pl Ste 401A
Celebration FL 34747
Phone: (407) 303-3820

Catherine Santos, 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): 1174188098

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Catherine 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.