Dr. Alfredo Mendoza, MD

Dr. Alfredo Mendoza, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. 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. Call (813) 920-8882 to schedule.

Dr. Mendoza is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Transplant Hepatology, with over 20 years of experience. He completed his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in Hematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK. He holds a Master's Degree in Health Evaluation Sciences from Penn State University, and earned his medical degree from the Colombian School of Medicine in Bogota. His extensive background, including residency training in Gastroenterology at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, and fellowship training at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, UK, has equipped him with a deep understanding of a wide range of Gastrointestinal and Liver diseases. Dr. Mendoza is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Transplant Hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He joined Westchase Gastroenterology and Gastro Florida from Tampa General Hospital and offers consultations in Spanish. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients actively participate in their long-term health.

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

• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Understanding your family history for FAP is key to proactive healthcare; early detection and management of this inherited condition prevents the development of colorectal cancer and improves your long-term health.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Regular testing for Hepatitis B antibodies helps determine the strength of your immune response and allows for early intervention if needed, protecting your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Non-neonatal jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, can signal underlying liver or gallbladder issues, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Megacolon: Preventing complications from megacolon involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent constipation or abdominal discomfort, enabling early intervention and better health outcomes.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing gallstones to reduce your risk of this serious condition.
• Colon Cancer: Early detection of colon cancer is crucial. Regular colonoscopies and understanding your risk factors allow for timely intervention and improve your chances of long-term health.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a difficulty digesting dairy, can be managed through dietary changes to prevent discomfort and maintain digestive health.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers damage to the small intestine, and early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet can prevent long-term health problems.
• Congenital Achalasia: Managing congenital achalasia effectively through early identification minimizes the risk of esophageal damage, ensuring healthier eating habits and improving quality of life.
• Esophageal Varices: Preventing esophageal varices involves managing underlying liver conditions like cirrhosis, as these swollen veins in your esophagus can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.
• Indigestion: Preventing indigestion through dietary adjustments and stress management is crucial for maintaining the overall health and functionality of your stomach and intestines.
• Proctoptosis: Proctoptosis, or rectal prolapse, is a condition where part of the rectum protrudes from the anus, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent complications like infections and bowel dysfunction.

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

• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: Protecting your digestive system starts with early detection. EUS uses ultrasound waves to visualize your digestive tract's inner lining and nearby organs, assisting in the early diagnosis of cancers and other diseases.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: To improve your quality of life and prevent ongoing issues, hemorrhoidectomy or anal tag excision surgically removes these problematic tissues.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.

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. Alfredo Mendoza 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 understanding their family history of FAP and adhering to a proactive screening plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of colorectal cancer, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By diligently following a proactive testing schedule for Hepatitis B antibodies, a patient ensured early detection of any potential issues, maintaining optimal liver health and peace of mind. Regular monitoring allowed for prompt intervention and ensured the patient's digestive system remained protected.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential liver or gallbladder issues early, significantly reducing their risk of complications from non-neonatal jaundice.

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. Alfredo Mendoza:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Mendoza is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Mendoza will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating without the presence of inflammation or damage to the digestive system.

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

We work in a long-term partnership with patients to achieve and maintain remission. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, and nutritional guidance and regular monitoring help prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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 identify any abnormalities.

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.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer, preventing the disease.

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. Alfredo Mendoza for a thorough evaluation.

11912 Sheldon Rd
Tampa FL 33626
Phone: (813) 920-8882

Dr. Alfredo Mendoza, 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): 1649273871

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. Alfredo Mendoza 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.