Dr. Catherine Avener, MD

Dr. Catherine Avener, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Apopka, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is deeply committed to preventive health. Your family medicine doctor 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 dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship, encouraging patients to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (407) 464-9516 to confirm if Dr. Avener is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Catherine Avener, MD is a family medicine physician in Apopka, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from University Of Vermont And State Agricultural College in 2010 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she's affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and brings a strong foundation of understanding to her patient interactions. Dr. Avener'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. She is committed to providing personalized care for each individual, and she primarily provides consultations in English.

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

• Diabetes Type 2: Understanding your risk factors for type 2 diabetes and taking proactive steps to manage them can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Abdominal Pain: Managing abdominal pain effectively through lifestyle changes and timely medical advice can help prevent chronic conditions and improve your overall health and well-being.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Early detection of sinus bradycardia is crucial for preventing long-term heart problems, ensuring a healthier and more active life.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen, can be a silent threat, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and preventing serious health problems.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Managing GERD effectively, often through diet and medication, helps prevent more serious conditions like esophageal ulcers and Barrett's esophagus.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Understanding your risk factors for STDs and taking preventive measures, like using condoms, significantly reduces your chances of infection.
• Heart Disease: Addressing heart disease risk factors early, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, can prevent the progression to more serious conditions.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Addressing ADHD/ADD through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes is key to improving overall well-being and preventing related issues such as anxiety or depression.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Understanding your risk factors for HIV and practicing safe sex can help prevent infection and maintain your overall well-being.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Managing COPD effectively, through adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, can help slow disease progression and prevent severe exacerbations, improving long-term health.
• Osteoporosis: Don't wait for a fracture to address osteoporosis. Regular bone density scans and lifestyle modifications can help maintain bone strength and prevent future complications.
• Dehydration: Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet crucial step in preventing many health problems, from fatigue to more serious complications.

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

• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Take control of your breast health: genetic screening can reveal inherited gene mutations that significantly increase your breast cancer risk, enabling early intervention.
• Hepatitis Screening: Take a proactive step towards better liver health with hepatitis screening – a vital test that helps identify infections early, before they cause significant health problems.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Don't wait for symptoms; prostate cancer screening allows for early detection and intervention, leading to improved treatment success.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Take charge of your colorectal health with a fecal occult blood test – a proactive screening that can help find cancer early, when it's most treatable.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Invest in your well-being with a tuberculosis screening – a crucial step in protecting yourself and those around you from tuberculosis.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Skin testing can reveal moles or lesions needing attention, paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Protect yourself and your partners: herpes simplex screening is a simple test that can identify the virus and guide appropriate treatment and management strategies.
• Diabetes Screening: Early detection of diabetes is key to managing the disease and preventing future health problems; schedule a diabetes screening today.
• Thyroid Screening: Take a proactive step toward better health with a thyroid screening; it checks your thyroid hormone levels to identify and manage potential issues before they become serious.
• VAP Lipid Testing: VAP Lipid Testing provides a comprehensive assessment of your lipid profile, helping your doctor identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
• Melanoma Screening: Protect your skin and your health by scheduling regular melanoma screenings; early detection is key to successful melanoma treatment.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; proactive gonorrhea screening allows for early diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding your sexual and overall health.

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. Catherine Avener 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 understanding their family history and lifestyle choices, a family proactively managed their risk factors for type 2 diabetes, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By making dietary changes and scheduling regular check-ups, a patient successfully managed recurring abdominal pain, improving their daily life and overall well-being.

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. Catherine Avener:

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

A family physician is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, emphasizing prevention.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Avener is a great 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?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Catherine Avener, even when you're healthy, is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. Having a known baseline for your health history allows for faster, personalized care if you become unwell. It also helps ensure you stay on track with preventive care to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on factors like age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Avener and her team will ensure you are up-to-date with the most current guidelines.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Dr. Avener is fully trained to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for the whole family ensures convenient and comprehensive care for every stage of life.

How does Dr. Catherine Avener approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Avener understands that mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. Our practice provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety and depression, offering initial assessments, managing common medications, and coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Avener and our team can treat 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 in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Avener and our team regularly perform sports physicals for children and teens. This isn't just a form to sign; it's a comprehensive health assessment to ensure your young athlete is healthy and safe for the season. We'll evaluate their overall well-being and identify any potential risks.

515 Wekiva Commons Cir
Apopka FL 32712
Phone: (407) 464-9516

Dr. Catherine Avener, 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): 1669745030

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. Catherine Avener 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.