Dr. Dawn Francis, MD

Dr. Dawn Francis, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 914-8182 to schedule. Dr. Francis is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and her rigorous medical training includes completion of medical school followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Mayo Grad School Med/Mayo Fndn. She is involved in clinical research on eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal motility disorders, and the treatment of Barrett's esophagus, actively participating in studies and the implementation of Quality Assurance in healthcare delivery. She holds a Federal appointment on the Advisory Panel for APC Groupings for CMS, sits on the Clinical Practice Management and Quality Oversight Committee for the American Gastroenterology Association, and serves as the Associate Chair, Quality for the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic Florida. Dr. Francis's approach to care prioritizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rectal Ulcer: A rectal ulcer is a sore in the rectum that, if left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection, highlighting the importance of regular colorectal screenings for early detection and prevention of complications.
• 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.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis, inflammation of your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing this often manageable condition.
• Gastroptosis: Preventive measures like regular exercise and a balanced diet may help strengthen abdominal muscles, potentially reducing the likelihood or severity of gastroptosis and associated symptoms.
• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Protecting your liver from the harm of autoimmune hepatitis involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms, preventing irreversible complications.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Excessive alcohol use can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that can be avoided by moderating your alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Don't wait for symptoms to appear—proactive steps like regular screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial for preventing the development of intestinal ulcers and promoting long-term digestive health.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis can be slowed or prevented by reducing alcohol consumption and making healthy lifestyle choices, promoting overall digestive well-being.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Esophageal Ulcer: An esophageal ulcer is a sore on the lining of your esophagus that can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and avoiding harmful substances.

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

• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.

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. Dawn Francis 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 adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rectal ulcers, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By understanding the root cause of their frequent gas and bloating, a patient implemented dietary changes and stress-reduction techniques, significantly improving their digestive comfort and overall well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to prevent long-term digestive issues and enjoy a more enjoyable quality of life.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing duodenitis, finding peace of mind in proactively managing 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. She 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. Dawn Francis:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Dawn Francis and our gastroenterology team 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 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. Dawn Francis will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Francis can help you 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 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.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result from these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon 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 are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a vital procedure to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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 first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 914-8182

Dr. Dawn Francis, 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): 1295712511

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. Dawn Francis 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.