Dr. Amber Shepard, DO

Dr. Amber Shepard, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Lake Wales, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to embark on this proactive health journey. Call (863) 676-8237 to schedule.

As a Board Certified in Family Practice physician by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Shepard, a family medicine specialist, listens to her patients' concerns and forms a care plan to help them take control of their health. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and believes that spending time getting to know her patients and teaching them how to be healthy are the cornerstones of being a doctor. Dr. Shepard's fondness for children has inspired her to include primary care for children as well as adults in her training and practice. She is excited to be back in her home town of Lake Wales practicing medicine and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a warning sign of potential osteoporosis, a severe bone disease; addressing osteopenia through diet, exercise, and medication can prevent more serious bone loss and fractures.
• Acute Sinusitis: Catching sinusitis early can prevent it from turning into a more serious infection, saving you discomfort and potential complications down the line.
• Hypothyroidism: Early detection of hypothyroidism is crucial for preventing heart disease, weight gain, and other complications through timely treatment.
• Overweight: Regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your weight and discuss healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent or manage weight-related health issues.
• Otitis Media: Understanding the risk factors for ear infections, such as allergies and exposure to sick individuals, empowers you to take steps towards prevention.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Protecting yourself from STDs through safe sex practices and regular check-ups is an important part of comprehensive preventive healthcare.
• Cough: A persistent cough could be a sign of a developing respiratory issue, so addressing it early can help prevent more serious problems.
• Acute Bronchitis: Even though many cases of acute bronchitis clear up on their own, seeking timely medical advice allows for early diagnosis and appropriate management, reducing the chances of complications.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, a common joint disease, can be managed through early detection and lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise to prevent further joint damage and pain.
• Influenza (Flu): Early diagnosis of the flu can help prevent serious complications like pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups.
• Polyneuropathy: Regular checkups can help detect polyneuropathy early, a condition causing nerve damage that can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness – early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Managing sebaceous cysts through preventative self-care and seeking professional advice when needed helps avoid unnecessary discomfort and potential scarring.

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

• Drug Allergy Testing: Take control of your health by undergoing drug allergy testing to prevent serious or life-threatening reactions to medications.
• Cancer Screening: Take charge of your health by scheduling recommended cancer screenings; early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Skin Screenings: Regular skin screenings help your doctor detect skin cancer early, when it's most treatable.
• Dyslexia Assessment: Ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive academically by scheduling a dyslexia assessment; early detection can prevent future learning challenges.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Don't wait for symptoms; proactive Hepatitis B screening allows for early diagnosis and treatment, maximizing your chances of a full recovery.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Taking proactive steps for your health includes getting an oral glucose tolerance test, a screening that can detect potential diabetes problems before they cause serious health issues.
• Pre-Operative Evaluation: Ensure a safer and more effective surgery by scheduling a pre-operative evaluation; it's designed to detect any potential health concerns that could impact your outcome.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Get a personalized understanding of your heart health risks with HeartAware, empowering you to make informed decisions and prevent future issues.
• Blood Allergy Testing: Proactive allergy management starts with blood allergy testing, which provides a detailed profile of your sensitivities, enabling personalized avoidance strategies.
• Bone Density Scan: Early detection of bone loss is key to preventing osteoporosis. A bone density scan is a simple, effective way to monitor your bone health and make informed decisions about your care.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: Ensure your child's mental health journey starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, enabling early diagnosis and access to appropriate support if needed.
• Diabetes Screening: Take charge of your health with a diabetes screening; it's a simple test that can identify prediabetes or type 2 diabetes before symptoms appear.

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. Amber Shepard 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 focusing on a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and incorporating weight-bearing exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing osteoporosis, gaining peace of mind about their bone health.
• By understanding the early warning signs of sinusitis and following a proactive treatment plan, a family avoided a more serious infection and experienced significant relief from discomfort.

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. Amber Shepard:

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

Dr. Shepard and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. We focus on preventative care and coordinating all aspects of your family's health needs, from newborns to seniors. We treat the whole person, not just a specific condition.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Shepard is a key opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about 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. Shepard establishes a long-term relationship for your health. This baseline knowledge of your history allows for faster, more personalized care if you become unwell, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain good health.

How does Dr. Amber Shepard approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Shepard understands that mental health is essential to overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns, offers initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to therapists or specialists as needed.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Shepard will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Shepard and our team are experienced in treating 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 rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Shepard acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, she will make the referral and coordinate care with the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration of all aspects of your treatment.

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

Dr. Shepard works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

1255 State Road 60 E Ste 500
Lake Wales FL 33853
Phone: (863) 676-8237

Dr. Amber Shepard, DO 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): 1033563580

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. Amber Shepard 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.