Dr. Donald Simmler II, MD

Dr. Donald Simmler II, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adheres to the rigorous standards of Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As your pulmonologist, you'll find a primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. Dr. Simmler II serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (727) 820-7737.

Dr. Donald Simmler II, MD is a pulmonologist in Saint Petersburg, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1975 and is affiliated with St. Anthony's Hospital. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Simmler II is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Consultations are primarily provided in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Donald Simmler II 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. Donald Simmler II 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. Donald Simmler II 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:

• Partial Lung Collapse: A partial lung collapse emphasizes the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking and addressing any respiratory issues to minimize your risk of developing this condition.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension can severely impact your breathing and overall health; therefore, proactive monitoring and treatment are essential for preventing life-threatening outcomes.
• Bronchiolitis: Prompt treatment of bronchiolitis, often involving supportive care, helps minimize the severity of symptoms and prevents long-term respiratory issues.
• Benign Lung Neoplasms: Managing benign lung neoplasms involves regular monitoring to prevent potential complications and ensure they don't impede your respiratory health, showcasing the benefit of proactive healthcare for both cancerous and non-cancerous lung conditions.
• Pneumonitis: Early detection of pneumonitis is crucial for preventing long-term lung damage; regular check-ups with your doctor and prompt attention to any breathing difficulties are key.
• Respiratory Failure: Managing risk factors like smoking, pollution exposure, and underlying respiratory conditions is vital in preventing respiratory failure and improving your overall lung health.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Regular check-ups and awareness of risk factors are vital in preventing pulmonary embolism, a serious condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs; early intervention is crucial for recovery.
• Asthma: Asthma's impact can be minimized by identifying and avoiding allergens or irritants that trigger your symptoms, ensuring you maintain better lung health.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Protecting your lungs from environmental hazards and quitting smoking are crucial preventive measures against interstitial lung disease, as these can significantly reduce your risk of developing this condition.
• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis, a condition causing permanent widening of the airways, can lead to frequent lung infections if left unmanaged; proactive healthcare and adherence to treatment plans are crucial for preventing severe health issues.
• Cough: Don't ignore a cough; it may indicate an early stage of lung disease or even lung cancer, making early medical attention vital for improved outcomes.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Managing primary pulmonary hypertension involves lifestyle changes and medical interventions to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications – making early diagnosis crucial.

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

• Sleep Apnea Treatment: Proactively address potential breathing problems during sleep with sleep apnea treatment, helping to reduce risks associated with interrupted sleep.
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IGRT): For individuals at high risk or diagnosed with lung cancer, IMRT is a cutting-edge radiation treatment that helps destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy lung tissue, maximizing the effectiveness of your therapy.
• Allergy Skin Testing: Take charge of your respiratory health: allergy skin testing pinpoints environmental triggers that could be worsening your breathing and impacting your quality of life.
• Flu Shot: Get your flu shot to proactively protect your lungs from infection and reduce your risk of developing pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Nasal Disorder Endoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better breathing, a nasal endoscopy allows your doctor to directly examine your nasal passages for blockages, inflammation, or tumors, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) Testing: Don't let asthma sideline you: EIA testing pinpoints exercise as a potential trigger, allowing for preventative strategies and better control of your condition.
• Lavage: To help ensure early detection and treatment of lung problems, a lavage involves washing out a body cavity to collect samples that are then examined under a microscope for signs of disease.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Donald Simmler II 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 addressing underlying respiratory issues and adopting a smoke-free lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of partial lung collapse, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By diligently following the proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, allowing them to live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Donald Simmler II:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in conditions like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a significant smoking history. Early detection is key, and this screening can help identify the cancer when treatment is most effective. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Simmler II to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. It's a small, quiet machine that delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improving sleep quality.

Can you help me quit smoking?

Yes, we can help you quit smoking. Quitting is the single most important step for lung health. Dr. Simmler II can provide evidence-based support, including counseling and medications that can significantly increase your chances of success.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where tiny clumps of inflammatory cells form in different parts of the body, often the lungs. Many cases are mild, but expert management from a specialist like Dr. Simmler II is crucial to monitor and prevent organ damage.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight study performed in a comfortable sleep lab, monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify any breathing problems.

1200 7th Ave N
Saint Petersburg FL 33705
Phone: (727) 820-7737

Dr. Donald Simmler II, 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): 1063435535

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Donald Simmler II 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.