Dr. Carlos Selema, MD

Dr. Carlos Selema, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Coral Gables, 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). His deep commitment to preventive health shines through in his personalized approach, where he serves all ages. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (305) 443-2611. 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.

Dr. Carlos Selema, MD is a gastroenterologist in Coral Gables, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1981. He is affiliated with Coral Gables Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. 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. Dr. Selema's approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• 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.
• Dysentery: Dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea, is preventable through diligent handwashing and safe food preparation practices, reducing your risk of infection and its complications.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis can be a warning sign of other underlying issues. Preventive measures include healthy eating and prompt medical attention to ensure early diagnosis and prevent chronic inflammation.
• Viral Enteritis: Managing viral enteritis effectively reduces its duration and prevents secondary infections, emphasizing the value of prompt medical attention when necessary.
• Gastroparesis: Preventive measures, such as identifying and managing risk factors like diabetes, can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastroparesis.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Regular check-ups and paying attention to symptoms like persistent heartburn can help detect reflux esophagitis early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the line.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Regular screenings and proactive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing NAFLD, a common liver condition linked to obesity and diabetes, and prevent future health issues.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Protecting your digestive health means being aware of ulcerative colitis, a condition causing inflammation in the colon, and taking steps to reduce your risk through regular screenings and healthy habits.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Protecting yourself from infectious diarrhea through preventive measures like vaccination and safe food preparation protects your entire digestive system from potential damage and disruption.
• Enteritis: A healthy diet rich in fiber and probiotics helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, lowering your chances of getting enteritis.
• 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 Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Regular check-ups and prompt medical attention if you experience difficulties swallowing can significantly aid in managing or preventing the potentially debilitating complications of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm, protecting the overall health of 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. Carlos Selema offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• 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.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.

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. Carlos Selema 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 diligently managing their liver condition under the guidance of a gastroenterologist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing life-threatening esophageal varices, fostering a sense of peace and proactive health management.
• By diligently practicing safe food handling and handwashing, a family significantly reduced their risk of dysentery, gaining peace of mind about their overall health and well-being.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and seeking prompt medical attention for digestive discomfort, a patient successfully managed potential duodenitis, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation 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. 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. Carlos Selema:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Selema 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. Selema will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should be evaluated. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Selema can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet is a cornerstone of IBS management. Dr. Selema 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.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves using advanced therapies to control inflammation, coupled with personalized nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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. Carlos Selema for a thorough evaluation.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are alternative screening options, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to fully evaluate the findings and remove any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

747 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 510
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (305) 443-2611

Dr. Carlos Selema, 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): 1366483562

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. Carlos Selema 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.