Dr. Diego Colom Steele, MD

Dr. Diego Colom Steele, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care. He practices at AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Ocala South in Ocala, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458. 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. Please call (754) 255-6619 to schedule.

Dr. Diego Steele is a board-certified gastroenterologist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Steele cares for patients 18 years and older and speaks fluent Spanish. While he offers treatment for various gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, and more, his approach prioritizes comprehensive preventative care. He is committed to providing consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Steele's dedication to patient well-being extends beyond his clinical practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Medical Sciences in San Jose, Costa Rica, followed by an internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of New Mexico. This rigorous training, combined with his patient-centered approach, makes him a valuable resource for maintaining and improving your digestive health.

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

• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers damage to the small intestine, and early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet can prevent long-term health problems.
• Colon Cancer: Colon cancer, a serious but preventable disease, can be detected early through regular screenings, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Managing underlying conditions, such as gallstones or pancreatic cancer, is key to preventing bile duct obstructions and their potentially life-threatening consequences. Regular monitoring and proactive treatment are essential.
• Ulcerative Colitis: By understanding ulcerative colitis and its risk factors, you can take control of your gut health, allowing for early intervention and reduced severity of symptoms.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Properly managing gastrointestinal malabsorption is vital for preventing malnutrition and other complications; proactive healthcare, including regular screenings and dietary adjustments, can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Heartburn: Preventing frequent heartburn is key to protecting your esophagus and overall digestive health; lifestyle changes and early medical attention can significantly reduce your risk of complications.
• Esophagitis: By adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing esophagitis and related complications.
• Acute Gastritis: Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of your stomach lining, often preventable by avoiding irritants like excessive alcohol and NSAIDs, thus protecting against more serious complications.
• Vomiting Disorders: Recurring vomiting episodes can disrupt nutrient absorption, impacting your liver and pancreas; proactive care is key to preventing these issues.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding esophageal motility disorders, which can disrupt food passage; proactive lifestyle choices and early detection help avoid long-term issues.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding, even if minor, needs prompt attention as early detection can prevent serious complications like anemia and shock.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Preventing nutritional deficiencies and digestive discomfort starts with understanding carbohydrate malabsorption; early diagnosis helps manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.

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

• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• 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: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• 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): 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.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your health, a proctosigmoidoscopy helps identify polyps or other irregularities in your lower digestive tract, preventing potential issues before they become major problems.
• 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.

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. Diego Steele 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 managing their gluten intake and attending regular check-ups, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing long-term health complications associated with Celiac disease.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient significantly reduced their risk of colon cancer, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By proactively managing underlying gallstones, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a bile duct obstruction, gaining peace of mind about their long-term 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. Diego Steele:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Steele 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, as well as 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. Steele will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, which doesn't involve an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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. Diego Steele can help diagnose this issue.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. The procedure involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Steele can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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 crucial to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could be a sign of GERD, which if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Diego Steele can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Ocala South
2820 SE 3rd Ct Ste 100
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (754) 255-6619

Dr. Diego Colom Steele, 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): 1760800403

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. Diego Steele 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.