Dr. David Ferriss, MD

Dr. David Ferriss, MD is a Gastroenterology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to helping all ages maintain optimal digestive health. 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 398-7205 to schedule.

Dr. Ferriss, a multi-talented individual, brings a unique blend of academic excellence and compassionate care to Borland-Groover Clinic. He earned his medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at the University of Florida, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Further specializing in the field, he pursued fellowship training at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center (graduated 2006), deepening his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Ferriss's commitment extends beyond the clinical setting, as evidenced by his volunteer work during wildfires and his involvement in atherosclerosis and AIDS education programs. Borland-Groover Clinic, where he practices, is devoted to a comprehensive approach to digestive diseases, leveraging specialists across gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, hepatology, pathology, radiology, anesthesia, and allergy to provide cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art services in a quality-infused environment. Dr. David Ferriss provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Achalasia: Congenital achalasia is a rare condition present from birth that affects the ability of the esophagus to move food to the stomach, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term complications like malnutrition and difficulty swallowing.
• Duodenitis: While some causes of duodenitis are unavoidable, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding known irritants like excessive alcohol can reduce your risk and minimize inflammation.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful esophageal ulcers.
• Liver Diseases and Disorders: Taking care of your liver through a healthy diet and regular medical advice ensures the health of your entire digestive system and prevents future issues.
• Stomach Diseases: Protecting your stomach health through preventive measures like a balanced diet and stress management can significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach diseases and their serious complications.
• Megacolon: Early diagnosis of megacolon is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of life-threatening complications, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare and prompt response to any concerning symptoms.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system from duodenal ulcers involves recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely treatment to avoid potential bleeding or perforation.
• Heartburn: Managing heartburn effectively through diet and lifestyle modifications, or medication if necessary, is crucial for preventing damage to your esophagus and promoting better digestive health.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Experiencing frequent gas and bloating? Don't ignore it – seeking professional advice can help pinpoint the cause and prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Diarrhea: Addressing diarrhea promptly can help prevent the spread of infection to others, promoting overall community health and well-being.
• Duodenal Cancer: Managing risk factors like chronic inflammation and infection helps prevent duodenal cancer and other serious digestive conditions, emphasizing the significance of proactive healthcare.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders affect how your esophagus moves food, and catching them early through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like difficulty swallowing or nutritional deficiencies.

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

• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• ERCP With Spincterotomy: As part of your plan for optimal digestive health, ERCP with sphincterotomy can effectively remove blockages in the bile or pancreatic ducts, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment of related issues.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube placement is a proactive step in managing your health, providing a safe and effective way to receive nutrition when oral intake is challenging.

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. David Ferriss 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 proactively scheduling regular check-ups, a family gained peace of mind knowing their child's condition was being monitored, significantly reducing the risk of future complications from congenital achalasia.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol, a patient significantly reduced their risk of duodenitis, gaining valuable peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By making dietary changes and quitting smoking, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing painful esophageal ulcers, gaining 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. David Ferriss:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive issues, and they also perform 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, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start earlier. Dr. Ferriss will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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), in contrast, is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating, without the same physical inflammation or damage.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Ferriss can help diagnose this issue.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. In its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options for colon cancer screening, including at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any suspicious growths. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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 evaluate issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

3627 University Blvd S Ste 705
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 398-7205

Dr. David Ferriss, 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): 1235182080

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. David Ferriss 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.