Dr. Cruz Santos, MD

Dr. Cruz Santos, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her Clermont, FL clinic and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. She serves adults (18 years and older) and welcomes inquiries about her availability for new patients. Please call (352) 536-8840 to confirm.

Dr. Cruz Santos, MD is an internist in Clermont, FL, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1992 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her extensive experience, coupled with her commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is affiliated with Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Cruz Santos offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Early diagnosis and treatment of acute lower respiratory infections are key to preventing hospitalizations and ensuring a quick recovery.
• Gastritis: Addressing gastritis promptly minimizes the likelihood of developing more serious conditions such as ulcers or stomach bleeding, improving your overall health outlook.
• Shingles: Getting the shingles vaccine is a crucial preventive measure to protect yourself from this painful viral infection and its potential long-term complications.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Neurogenic bladder is a condition where nerve problems affect your bladder's ability to empty properly, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent serious complications like kidney damage.
• Anxiety: Regular check-ins with your doctor about anxiety symptoms enable early intervention and personalized strategies, aiding in prevention and effective management.
• Polyuria: Polyuria can be a warning sign of several conditions, making regular health screenings essential for early diagnosis and timely intervention to preserve your health.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis of the hip and thigh, a common form of arthritis, can be better managed with early detection and proactive lifestyle changes to prevent worsening pain and disability.
• Confusion: Confusion is sometimes an early warning sign of conditions like dementia or stroke, highlighting the importance of proactive health management to mitigate risks.
• Headache: Don't ignore persistent headaches; seeking medical attention allows for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing long-term health issues.
• Folic Acid Deficiency: Early diagnosis and management of folic acid deficiency are essential to prevent complications such as nerve damage and heart problems.
• Gait Abnormality: Preventive care includes assessing how you walk; identifying problems early can significantly reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Managing headaches through lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary, can help prevent more severe problems in the future.

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

• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Proactively plan your end-of-life care wishes to ensure your preferences are respected and your family is supported.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunizations to proactively minimize your risk of infection and maintain optimal well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: As a proactive measure to manage your heart health, a peripheral artery catheterization helps doctors identify blockages or narrowing in your arteries.
• Drug Testing: Drug testing can help identify potential substance use issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and support.

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. Cruz Santos 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 understanding preventive measures and practicing good hygiene, a patient was able to significantly reduce their risk of developing an acute lower respiratory infection, prioritizing their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid potential hospitalizations.
• By addressing potential gastritis triggers and adhering to a tailored dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing more serious stomach issues, fostering a healthier and more confident outlook on their well-being.
• By proactively scheduling the shingles vaccine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing this painful viral infection, gaining peace of mind about their health.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Cruz Santos:

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

An internist, like Dr. Cruz Santos, 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 conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Cruz Santos manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Cruz Santos 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. Santos's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan, partnering with patients to proactively address health risks. Key screenings, such as for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are integrated into this plan. This partnership aims to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Cruz Santos will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against complications.

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

Dr. Cruz Santos acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects affected by autoimmune diseases. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Santos manages other health concerns like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Cruz Santos can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent further liver problems.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Santos's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. We perform comprehensive geriatric assessments, including fall risk screening, memory screenings, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps patients age healthily and enjoy their golden years.

1900 Don Wickham Dr
Clermont FL 34711
Phone: (352) 536-8840

Dr. Cruz Santos, 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): 1275506727

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. Cruz Santos 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.