Dr. Carl Speer, MD

Dr. Carl Speer, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his Pensacola, FL clinic, 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), he is committed to the prevention and management of digestive health issues. 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 welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 280-2967 to schedule.

Dr. Carl Speer, MD is a gastroenterologist in Pensacola, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Speer has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Pancreatic Disease. He earned his medical degree from Baylor University, completed foundational clinical experience at Baylor University, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and University of Utah, followed by gastroenterology residency training at Morton Plant Hospital, University of Connecticut - Hartford Hospital, and University of Texas Health Science Center, and San Juan City Hospital. He further specialized his care with fellowship training at Children's Hospital. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida West Hospital and is currently accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Speer's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Carl Speer provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and understanding its risk factors and seeking early treatment can prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Intestinal Fistula: Intestinal fistulas, abnormal connections within your intestines, can lead to significant health problems; regular checkups and attentive monitoring of your digestive health can support early detection and effective intervention.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers can cause significant discomfort and even lead to bleeding or infections. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain medications can significantly decrease your risk.
• 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.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Heartburn: Preventing frequent heartburn is key to protecting your esophagus and overall digestive health; lifestyle changes and early medical attention can significantly reduce your risk of complications.
• Hepatitis A: Early detection and prevention of Hepatitis A are key to avoiding long-term liver damage and safeguarding your digestive health.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis and by addressing any dietary factors that might contribute.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Managing pyloric stenosis effectively through prompt medical care prevents complications like severe vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Because FAP is an inherited disorder causing hundreds or thousands of colon polyps, preventative measures like regular colonoscopies and potential surgery are essential to prevent colon cancer.
• Dysentery: Preventing dysentery starts with understanding its causes and taking steps to avoid exposure to contaminated food and water; this proactive approach protects your digestive system.

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

• 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: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Protecting your gut health, a proctosigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer and other potentially serious conditions in your rectum and lower colon.
• Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure helps ensure the smooth flow of bile, preventing complications like jaundice or pancreatitis by addressing potential blockages or inflammation.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.

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. Carl Speer 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:

• A patient, by understanding their risk factors and following a proactive health plan, significantly reduced their chances of developing a peptic ulcer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By diligently adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intestinal fistulas, enjoying a future free from digestive complications. Regular checkups and monitoring enabled the patient to maintain optimal digestive health and peace of mind.
• By following a personalized plan that included dietary changes and medication management, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing intestinal ulcers, achieving greater peace of mind about their digestive 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. Carl Speer:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Speer and our gastroenterology team 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. Speer will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are alternative screening options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result from these tests still necessitates a colonoscopy for further evaluation and removal of any suspicious growths. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both early detection and prevention of colon cancer.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows us to see areas difficult to reach with traditional scopes.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a combination of advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring. This long-term approach helps prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

5147 N 9th Ave Ste 311
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (352) 280-2967

Dr. Carl Speer, 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): 1245325802

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. Carl Speer 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.