Dr. David Schwimmer, MD

Dr. David Schwimmer, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at Tampa General Hospital Digestive Health Center - PGA in West Palm Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Schwimmer's practice is deeply rooted in preventive care, recognizing that a healthy digestive system is fundamental to overall well-being. 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. Call (813) 302-1571 to schedule.

Dr. David Schwimmer, a board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine specialist, received his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His extensive training, including gastroenterology fellowships at the University of Florida Shands Hospital, coupled with his board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine, positions him as a highly qualified and experienced physician. Dr. Schwimmer's personal experience with GI disease is reflected in his patient-centered approach, where he strives to care for patients as if they were members of his own family. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, and has published in major medical journals, further solidifying his expertise in the field. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Intestinal Prolapse: Early detection of intestinal prolapse is crucial, as it can help prevent complications like bowel obstruction or severe pain, therefore routine check-ups with your doctor are vital.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding, even if minor, needs prompt attention as early detection can prevent serious complications like anemia and shock.
• Indigestion: Regularly experiencing indigestion? Don't ignore it—it could indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical attention to avoid developing chronic digestive problems.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Taking steps to prevent or manage GERD, such as dietary changes and medication, can safeguard your digestive system's health and prevent future problems.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Colorectal Polyp: Colorectal polyps, even the small ones, highlight the importance of proactive digestive health. Regular check-ups can help find and remove these growths before they turn cancerous.
• Gastroptosis: By maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture, you can proactively reduce the risk of developing gastroptosis and minimize potential complications related to digestive health.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Early diagnosis of biliary cirrhosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing serious liver damage. Regular screenings and attention to any symptoms related to the liver and bile ducts are vital.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Protecting your liver starts with understanding NAFLD – a condition caused by excess fat accumulating in the liver, often preventable through healthy eating and exercise habits.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Regular liver function tests and discussions with your healthcare provider are critical steps in preventing alcoholic cirrhosis and managing its progression if diagnosed.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive 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. David Schwimmer offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: As a proactive step in maintaining digestive health, a proctosigmoidoscopy involves a brief examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling the early detection of polyps and other health concerns.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.

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 Schwimmer 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 scheduling regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of intestinal prolapse complications, ensuring a healthier future.
• By diligently following a personalized plan for early detection of potential issues, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, gaining peace of mind and a healthier outlook.
• By understanding the triggers of their indigestion and making dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and avoided the progression to more serious digestive issues. They now enjoy a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.

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 Schwimmer:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Schwimmer and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and performing preventive screenings such as 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Schwimmer will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, noncancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they become a concern, preventing the development of cancer.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

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

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

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. David Schwimmer for a thorough evaluation.

Tampa General Hospital Digestive Health Center - PGA
3401 Pga Blvd Ste 500
West Palm Beach FL 33410
Phone: (813) 302-1571

Dr. David Schwimmer, 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): 1245641380

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 Schwimmer 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.