Dr. Drue Ferrante, MD

Dr. Drue Ferrante, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her Gainesville, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in your lifelong health journey. Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to the care and improvement of the human life. Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (352) 333-5242 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Ferrante brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 1987 and completed her residency training at the University of Hawaii and the University of North Carolina, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). Dr. Ferrante is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has extensive experience in various medical practice settings, including San Antonio, Texas, and Wailuku, Hawaii, before returning to Florida in 1999. She is an attending physician at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital and offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Drue Ferrante's commitment to preventive care, coupled with her extensive training and experience, makes her an invaluable resource for your health. Drue Ferrante, MD, a dedicated mom to a daughter and son, also enjoys traveling and hiking, reflecting the well-rounded individual she is. Her passion for holistic patient care is evident in her approach to medicine, from the initial consultation to ongoing preventative strategies.

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

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through diet, stress management, and medication, as recommended by your doctor, helps prevent debilitating symptoms and maintains overall well-being.
• Cellulitis: Regular self-exams and prompt medical attention for any skin redness, swelling, or pain can significantly reduce the severity and complications of cellulitis.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Understanding your risk factors for herpes simplex infection, such as close contact with infected individuals, helps you take preventative measures to protect your health.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so addressing it early helps prevent more serious complications.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Preventing chronic sinusitis from becoming a long-term issue involves identifying and addressing risk factors like allergies and environmental irritants to protect your respiratory system.
• Leg and Foot Ulcers: Early detection of leg and foot ulcers is crucial; prompt treatment prevents infections, amputations, and other severe health issues, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
• Indigestion: Understanding the causes of your indigestion is crucial for preventing more severe conditions and improving your overall well-being.
• Bladder Infection: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing bladder infections, promoting better long-term well-being.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Practicing good hygiene and getting enough rest can significantly lower your risk of developing acute upper respiratory infections, showing that preventive measures play a crucial role in overall health.
• Thyroid Goiter: Regular checkups and thyroid function tests help in early detection of goiters, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential complications like breathing difficulties or swallowing problems.
• Obesity: Managing obesity effectively can significantly lower your risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Preventing complications from allergic rhinitis starts with identifying your triggers and using strategies like allergy shots or medication to minimize your exposure and control symptoms.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent serious infections, sometimes a simple procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection is necessary – a key part of your overall health plan.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Drue Ferrante 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By following a personalized diet and stress-reduction plan, a patient significantly reduced IBS symptoms, gaining back control of their daily life and improving their overall well-being.
• By diligently checking their skin for any signs of redness or swelling, a patient proactively identified a potential cellulitis issue early, ensuring prompt treatment and minimizing any complications. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, allowing them to maintain a healthy lifestyle without worry.
• By understanding the risk factors for herpes simplex infection and practicing safe hygiene, a patient felt empowered to take proactive steps to protect their health and maintain peace of mind.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Drue Ferrante:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Ferrante, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Drue Ferrante manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Ferrante excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being. Our goal is to help you live a full and healthy life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Ferrante's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle counseling. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Ferrante's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key assessments include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults. This proactive approach helps patients age healthily and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Ferrante's practice is equipped to comprehensively manage type 2 diabetes. We offer regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin as needed), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications like eye, kidney, and nerve damage.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Ferrante carefully reviews all of a patient's medications, a practice called polypharmacy management. This allows us to check for potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Ferrante will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is to not just lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

1130 NW 64th Ter
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 333-5242

Dr. Drue Ferrante, 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): 1265427165

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Drue Ferrante 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.