Dr. Ajmal Hameed, MD

Dr. Ajmal Hameed, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Digestive Disease Consultants in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is a registered physician 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 414-6432 to schedule.

Dr. Ajmal Hameed, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL, with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease, Esophageal Disorders, and Liver Disease. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Hameed earned his medical degree from Punjab University and, following medical school, undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Lutheran Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in University Of Kentucky Medical Center, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His care philosophy is centered on partnering with patients to provide quality care that focuses on individual needs. Dr. Hameed provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hepatitis B: Protecting yourself from Hepatitis B through vaccination is a key step in maintaining the overall health of your liver and digestive system.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Regular check-ups and paying attention to symptoms like persistent heartburn can help detect reflux esophagitis early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the line.
• Visceroptosis: Proactive lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition and exercise, can significantly reduce your risk of developing visceroptosis and its associated digestive complications.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation in your digestive tract, and early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for IBS and adopting proactive strategies, such as dietary adjustments and stress management, can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Lactose Intolerance: Prevent uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas by identifying and addressing your lactose intolerance, improving your digestive comfort.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Protecting your liver starts with understanding NAFLD – a condition caused by excess fat accumulating in the liver, often preventable through healthy eating and exercise habits.
• Neurogenic Bowel: Neurogenic bowel refers to bowel problems caused by nerve damage, and early diagnosis through regular checkups with your doctor can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
• Gastritis: Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, can be prevented by managing stress, avoiding excessive alcohol, and making healthy food choices to protect your digestive system's lining.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Regular checkups and awareness of symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss can be crucial in the early detection of upper digestive tract cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Preventing intestinal obstruction starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle, and early detection through regular checkups can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Many gastrointestinal cancers develop gradually, offering opportunities for prevention through diet, exercise, and screenings designed to detect abnormalities early.

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

• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.

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. Ajmal Hameed 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 proactively getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing they were protecting their liver health and overall well-being.
• By attending regular check-ups and diligently managing symptoms like heartburn, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing reflux esophagitis, ensuring a healthier future.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of visceroptosis and its potential digestive issues, achieving improved overall well-being. They felt empowered to take control of their health proactively.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Ajmal Hameed:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is expertly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and also perform preventive screenings, such as 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Hameed will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

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. Ajmal Hameed for a thorough evaluation.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) might indicate a problem like GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues. Dr. Hameed can diagnose the cause and create a tailored treatment plan.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to detect and remove these polyps, preventing the development of cancer.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. The images are then reviewed to diagnose any issues.

Digestive Disease Consultants
3627 University Blvd S Ste 430
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 414-6432

Dr. Ajmal Hameed, MD 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): 1285628388

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. Ajmal Hameed 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.