Dr. Donna Powell, MD

Dr. Donna Powell, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with patients of all ages in achieving optimal 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. She earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at Northside Hospital and Largo Medical Center respectively. Dr. Powell is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Gastroenterological Association, and the Florida Gastroenterologic Society.

Dr. Powell is passionate about colorectal cancer screening and promoting a lifestyle that supports a healthy gastrointestinal tract. She treats a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases, including those affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine/colon, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease, including hepatitis. She strives to treat each patient with the same care and compassion she would extend to her own family. Dr. Powell's approach emphasizes personalized care, prevention, and the well-being of her patients. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 542-2589 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Donna Powell provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Viral Hepatitis: Early detection of viral hepatitis through regular blood tests is crucial for starting treatment promptly and preventing serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Gastric Ulcer: Early treatment of a gastric ulcer prevents complications like bleeding, perforation, and the need for more extensive medical intervention.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a difficulty digesting dairy, can be managed through dietary changes to prevent discomfort and maintain digestive health.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that, while not preventable, can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and early intervention to minimize its impact on your daily life.
• Colorectal Polyp: Managing colorectal polyps effectively involves regular screenings and, if necessary, polyp removal procedures, preventing potential complications like colorectal cancer.
• Hiatal Hernia: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn can help prevent or lessen the severity of hiatal hernias and related complications like esophageal damage.
• Colon Cancer: Protecting your digestive health includes being proactive about colon cancer: regular screenings can catch it in its early, treatable stages, preventing serious complications.
• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and understanding its risk factors and seeking early treatment can prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare condition where your abdominal lining thickens, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis can be a warning sign of other underlying issues. Preventive measures include healthy eating and prompt medical attention to ensure early diagnosis and prevent chronic inflammation.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Regular health checkups and screenings can help identify gastrointestinal bleeding early, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.

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

• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.

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. Donna Powell 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 blood tests, a patient detected viral hepatitis early, allowing for timely treatment and significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and a clearer path to long-term health.
• By following a personalized plan for managing their risk factors, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing a gastric ulcer, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns with their healthcare provider, a patient was able to identify and address potential issues related to abdominal pain, preventing more serious complications.

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. Donna Powell:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Powell 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. Powell will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much more comfortable than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. The images are then reviewed to identify any abnormalities.

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

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

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 still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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 indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Powell can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating, without the same visible inflammation or damage.

5016 W Cypress St Ste 200
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 542-2589

Dr. Donna Powell, 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): 1740459676

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. Donna Powell 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.