Dr. David Kerman, MD

Dr. David Kerman, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Coral Gables, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. David Kerman, MD is a gastroenterologist in Coral Gables, FL, affiliated with Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Kerman earned his medical degree from The University Of Texas Health Science Center and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English. Call (305) 689-5555 to schedule your appointment.

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

• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Duodenal Cancer: Protecting your digestive health includes being aware of duodenal cancer; early detection through screenings and lifestyle changes can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce complications.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• 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.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a dropped stomach, can sometimes lead to digestive issues, so maintaining a healthy weight and strong core muscles through preventive measures can help reduce your risk and prevent complications.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• Bowel Strangulation: Preventing bowel strangulation involves promptly addressing any symptoms of intestinal blockage to avoid severe complications like tissue death.
• Peptic Ulcer: Early detection of a peptic ulcer is crucial for preventing long-term damage and pain; regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are key to maintaining digestive health.
• Proctoptosis: Understanding the risk factors for proctoptosis, such as chronic coughing or straining during bowel movements, enables you to make lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your chance of developing this condition.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: By focusing on preventive measures like a fiber-rich diet and regular exercise, you can significantly lower your chances of developing intestinal diverticulitis and maintain a healthy 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. David Kerman offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• 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.

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 Kerman 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 understanding and managing their cirrhosis through lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ascites, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By recognizing early IBS symptoms and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of long-term complications, achieving greater digestive health and overall well-being.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule and making healthy dietary choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of duodenal cancer, gaining peace of mind and control over 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 Kerman:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Kerman and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we're specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Kerman 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) may indicate a more serious condition like GERD. If your heartburn is frequent, Dr. Kerman can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan. Untreated GERD can lead to more serious problems.

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. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing it is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Kerman can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. The patient simply swallows a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through their digestive tract.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are significantly easier to tolerate than previous options. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for peace of mind regarding your digestive health.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

5555 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 689-5555

Dr. David Kerman, 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): 1851593040

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 Kerman 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.