Dr. Dean Palmer, MD

Dr. Dean Palmer, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to fostering lifelong 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 499-2505 to schedule.

Dr. Dean Palmer, MD is a gastroenterologist in Pembroke Pines, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. A board-certified gastroenterologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Palmer has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders. He earned his medical degree from University Of The Witwatersrand, Faculty Of Health Sciences in 1995 and completed an internship at Johannesburg General Hospital in 1996. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at St. Mary'S Health Center, St. Louis, MO (2001), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Saint Louis University School Of Medicine (2004), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Memorial Hospital Miramar and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. He is fluent in Afrikaans and also offers consultations in Spanish. Our commitment is to ensure the South Florida Community receives the ultimate access to a broad range of high-quality gastroenterology services including diagnostics and treatments. Dedicated to excellence in gastroenterology care, we are sure you'll find that our Digestive CARE physicians are among the very best in Florida. Dr. Palmer is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

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

• Cholelithiasis: Managing your cholesterol and triglyceride levels effectively can help prevent the formation of gallstones, improving your overall digestive health.
• Rectal Prolapse: Managing conditions that increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this issue.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Preventive healthcare strategies for infants include awareness of pyloric stenosis symptoms; early detection leads to timely treatment and a better outcome.
• Gallstones: Early detection of gallstones is crucial as they can lead to severe pain and even require surgery; proactive lifestyle choices can significantly minimize your risk.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition that significantly increases your risk of colorectal cancer, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis, if left untreated, can lead to more severe health problems; proactive monitoring and treatment are key to safeguarding your digestive well-being.
• Hiatal Hernia: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like heartburn or chest pain, are crucial for early detection and management of a hiatal hernia.
• Viral Enteritis: Viral enteritis, a common intestinal infection, highlights the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent its spread and minimize the risk of severe dehydration.
• Cholangitis: Cholangitis, an inflammation of the bile ducts, highlights the importance of regular health screenings to catch and treat infections early, thus mitigating long-term damage.
• Bowel Strangulation: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor about abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits can help prevent bowel strangulation.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Early detection and treatment of infectious diarrhea is crucial to prevent severe dehydration and long-term health issues, ensuring your digestive system recovers quickly.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Protecting your liver from alcoholic hepatitis starts with understanding your alcohol intake; early detection through regular checkups can prevent severe liver damage.

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

• Fecal Impaction Removal: This procedure relieves discomfort and complications associated with severe constipation, promoting better gut health.
• 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.
• 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.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): To maintain your overall health, a PEG tube can be placed to provide essential nutrients directly to your stomach if swallowing is difficult.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure can help detect and address problems like blockages or infections early, improving your liver and pancreas health.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Regular gastroenterology procedures, such as colonoscopies and endoscopies, offer crucial preventative screening opportunities, potentially saving your life by finding and removing precancerous polyps.

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. Dean Palmer 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 diligently managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstones, ensuring a healthier digestive system and improved quality of life.
• By addressing underlying digestive issues like chronic diarrhea, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rectal prolapse, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• Recognizing the subtle symptoms of pyloric stenosis early, a family proactively sought medical guidance, ensuring a swift diagnosis and a positive outcome for their infant. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind and allowed for timely intervention, minimizing potential complications.

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. Dean Palmer:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Palmer and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and in 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. Palmer will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. We are committed to a long-term approach for optimal outcomes.

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. Dr. Palmer can help diagnose this issue.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are much more manageable than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination and polyp removal, making the one-day prep a worthwhile investment in your long-term health.

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 NAFLD is crucial to prevent its progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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 contact Dr. Dean Palmer for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

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 digestive tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

18503 Pines Blvd Ste 311
Pembroke Pines FL 33029
Phone: (954) 499-2505

Dr. Dean Palmer, 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): 1881655157

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. Dean Palmer 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.