Dr. Alan Schwartz, MD

Dr. Alan Schwartz, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the 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. Please call (954) 491-0500 to schedule.

Dr. Alan Schwartz, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from State University Of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College Of Medicine in 1968, following this with an internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in 1969. Further specializing in Gastroenterology, he completed fellowship training at Mt Sinai Hospital in 1972. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital and is accepting new patients. Dr. Schwartz offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• 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.
• Hiatal Hernia: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like heartburn or chest pain, are crucial for early detection and management of a hiatal hernia.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Regular screenings and understanding your risk factors—like unhealthy eating habits—are key to early identification and management of diffuse esophageal spasm, thus preventing significant health consequences.
• Gastritis: Managing gastritis effectively, whether through medication or lifestyle changes, helps prevent chronic inflammation and potential long-term damage to your stomach.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Managing risk factors like difficulty swallowing or certain medical conditions can help prevent the formation of an esophageal diverticulum, a pouch that can develop in your food pipe.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be prevented through a healthy diet high in fiber and regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Gastric Ulcer: Regular health monitoring, including endoscopy when indicated, is crucial for preventing serious consequences associated with gastric ulcers.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Many benign digestive growths are asymptomatic, highlighting the significance of preventive screenings to catch them before they cause problems.
• Viral Enteritis: Early detection of viral enteritis symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting allows for prompt rehydration, preventing severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Preventive care includes paying attention to your body. If you have anal or rectal pain, schedule a checkup to identify and address the cause before it worsens.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Protecting your liver involves understanding conditions like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC); early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.

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

• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• 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.
• Injection Therapy: For some digestive issues, injection therapy offers a targeted approach to reduce inflammation and promote healing, preventing more serious complications.

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. Alan Schwartz 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 recognizing early IBS symptoms and working with a gastroenterologist, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and avoided potential long-term complications, leading to a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By following a personalized dietary plan and attending regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of intestinal obstruction, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By attending regular check-ups and addressing symptoms like heartburn, a patient proactively managed their hiatal hernia risk, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

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. Alan Schwartz:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in 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. Schwartz will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing it is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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 contact Dr. Alan Schwartz for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

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

We work in a long-term partnership to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and optimize your quality of life.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

4800 NE 20th Ter Ste 211
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 491-0500

Dr. Alan Schwartz, 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): 1205926433

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. Alan Schwartz 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.