Dr. Chris Rathburn, MD

Dr. Chris Rathburn, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He serves Adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 622-9035 to schedule.

Dr. Chris Rathburn, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from American University Of The Caribbean School Of Medicine in 1981 and completed an internship at Summa Health Systems Hospitals. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at St Thomas Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Ascension St Vincent's Riverside and Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. It is our goal to extend to you dedication and excellence in medical care. Dr. Chris Rathburn provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Headache: Understanding your headache patterns and triggers can help you manage them effectively and improve your overall well-being.
• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, so early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining your overall health.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Understanding and addressing the root causes of chronic sinusitis, through preventive measures and early intervention, helps minimize symptoms and protects against potential health complications.
• Diabetes Type 2: Managing your risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as weight, diet, and physical activity, is key to preventing this chronic disease and its associated health problems.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Preventing complications from mineral metabolism disorders, such as weak bones and kidney damage, requires awareness of risk factors and regular monitoring of your mineral levels.
• Tension Headache: Regular check-ups with your doctor to discuss headache frequency and severity can lead to early diagnosis and management, thus preventing escalation.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Regular monitoring and proactive treatment for sickle cell disease are crucial for preventing painful crises and long-term organ damage.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Early intervention for allergic rhinitis is key to preventing its progression into more severe respiratory illnesses and significantly improving your quality of life.
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition where high cholesterol runs in families, increasing your risk of heart disease if left unmanaged; early detection and lifestyle changes are key to prevention.
• Bronchitis: Early detection of bronchitis can prevent serious lung complications like pneumonia, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups with your internist.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Understanding your allergy triggers and implementing preventive measures such as using eye drops or wearing protective eyewear can drastically reduce the severity and frequency of allergic conjunctivitis episodes.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Practicing good hygiene and getting enough rest can significantly lower your risk of developing acute upper respiratory infections, showing that preventive measures play a crucial role in overall health.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Crisis Intervention Training of Professionals: Proactive crisis intervention training for healthcare professionals ensures they can effectively identify and respond to your mental health needs during moments of crisis.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Chris Rathburn 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By identifying and addressing headache triggers, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of their headaches, regaining control over their daily life and improving their overall well-being.
• Recognizing persistent diarrhea as a potential sign of a more serious issue, a patient proactively consulted a physician. Early intervention allowed for prompt treatment, preventing complications and restoring their overall well-being.
• By understanding the triggers for their chronic sinusitis and implementing preventive strategies, a patient experienced significantly reduced symptoms and improved overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable daily life.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Chris Rathburn:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Rathburn, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions adults may experience.

How does Dr. Chris Rathburn manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Rathburn excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Rathburn's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, focusing on a partnership between patient and physician. Key screenings for adults, including those for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are incorporated into a plan to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. It's often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Rathburn can help you make lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver problems.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Rathburn plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Rathburn manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Rathburn will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Rathburn's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We use a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses, especially in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20/Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting this population.

7011 A C Skinner Pkwy Ste 160
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 622-9035

Dr. Chris Rathburn, 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): 1548244403

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Chris Rathburn 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.