Dr. Ariel Sims, MD

Dr. Ariel Sims, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Gastro Health in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in your lifelong digestive health. 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (305) 596-9966 to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Ariel Sims, a compassionate and knowledgeable gastroenterologist, brings over five years of experience in comprehensive GI care to her practice. She earned her medical degree from The University of Toledo, College of Medicine in 2018 and completed her Internal Medicine residency at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in 2019, followed by a Gastroenterology fellowship at The University of Chicago in 2024. Dr. Sims is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. This rigorous training, combined with her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from The College of William and Mary and her Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, provides a strong foundation for her commitment to patient-centered care. With a focus on prevention and a deep understanding of the complexities of the digestive system, she is equipped to provide the highest quality care for patients of all ages. She prioritizes patient education, ensuring her patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, and extends the same compassion and consideration to each patient that she would offer her own family. Dr. Sims provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Heartburn: Heartburn, that burning sensation in your chest, can be a sign of GERD and if left unmanaged, could lead to more serious esophageal problems, so it's important to address it early.
• Dysphagia: Experiencing difficulty swallowing? Don't ignore it. Early identification of dysphagia allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of long-term digestive complications.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are vital for digestive well-being; preventing constipation proactively safeguards your overall health.
• Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in your digestive tract, is often preventable through a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, reducing your risk of complications like infections and blockages.
• Esophagitis: Managing chronic conditions like GERD that may lead to esophagitis is key to preventing long-term damage and maintaining the overall health of your digestive system.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Protecting your digestive system starts with understanding GERD: early detection and management can help avoid long-term health issues.
• Indigestion: Preventing indigestion through dietary adjustments and stress management is crucial for maintaining the overall health and functionality of your stomach and intestines.
• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is a common concern, but consistent management prevents it from escalating into more serious digestive health issues like ulcers or esophageal cancer.
• Hemorrhoids: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common yet often preventable anorectal condition.
• Colon Cancer: Colon cancer, a serious but preventable disease, can be detected early through regular screenings, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.

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

• Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy is a simple test that helps find problems in your small intestine, enabling early detection and treatment of conditions like bleeding or tumors, preventing more serious health issues down the line.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• 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.
• Upper GI Series: An upper GI series is a proactive step towards ensuring the health of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, offering detailed imaging that facilitates early detection and treatment of various conditions.

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. Ariel Sims 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 heartburn triggers and implementing lifestyle changes recommended by a gastroenterologist, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and avoided potential long-term complications.
• By proactively addressing potential swallowing difficulties, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing more serious digestive issues, leading to greater peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns with a gastroenterologist, a patient was able to identify and address potential issues with abdominal pain early, preventing further complications and gaining peace of mind.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Ariel Sims:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Sims and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and 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. Sims will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet is a cornerstone of IBS management. Dr. Sims can help identify your trigger foods and may recommend specific dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the development of disease.

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. Ariel Sims for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are much more comfortable than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing us to detect and remove polyps. This one day of preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests show something abnormal, a colonoscopy is necessary to fully evaluate the findings and remove any polyps.

Gastro Health
8950 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 596-9966

Dr. Ariel Sims, 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): 1770089856

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. Ariel Sims 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.