Dr. Effie Samitas, MD

Dr. Effie Samitas, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. As a partner in preventive health, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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). Currently, Dr. Samitas is not accepting new patients, but you can call (321) 725-5050 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Effie Samitas, MD is an internist in Melbourne, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Samitas earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1986 and completed an internship at Orlando Regional Medical Center in 1987. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Melbourne Regional Medical Center. Dr. Samitas is proud to be part of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams focused on providing care for people ages 65+. At Optum, her team helps you reach your personal health goals, focusing on total well-being while preventing health problems and supporting management of chronic conditions. She is fluent in Greek and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition that can be better managed with early diagnosis, reducing long-term pain and discomfort.
• Overweight: Regular checkups with your internist allow for early detection of overweight-related risks, enabling timely intervention and preventing future health problems.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Regular vitamin B12 checks can help prevent serious nerve damage and anemia, which are significant complications of deficiency.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Addressing chronic depression proactively through preventive measures like therapy and lifestyle changes helps prevent long-term complications such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and physical health problems.
• Gastritis: Managing underlying conditions like H. pylori infection or excessive alcohol use is crucial in preventing gastritis and reducing the risk of future health problems.
• Shingles: Shingles prevention involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like vaccination to avoid this uncomfortable and potentially debilitating condition.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia's intense facial pain can significantly impact daily life; proactive management through preventive care measures keeps this condition under control.
• Hemorrhoids: Addressing hemorrhoids early on, through lifestyle modifications and/or medical intervention, avoids more severe complications and maintains your overall quality of life, preventing significant digestive distress.
• Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Chronic DVT highlights the importance of preventive care; by addressing risk factors and promptly treating any blood clots, you significantly reduce the chances of developing this debilitating condition.
• Fibromyalgia: Managing fibromyalgia effectively, through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions discussed with your physician, is key to preventing its progression and associated complications.
• Obesity: Obesity is a preventable condition; with proper guidance and support, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improving your overall well-being.
• Prostatitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor, including prostate exams when appropriate, are vital for early detection of prostatitis and to prevent long-term health issues.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• 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: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Wellness Examination: Proactively safeguard your well-being with a wellness examination, designed to detect hidden risks and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Muscle-Testing With Torque Curves During Isometric and Isokinetic Exercise: Ensure your muscles are functioning optimally by undergoing a comprehensive evaluation that measures isometric and isokinetic strength, helping prevent falls and injuries.
• Minimally Invasive Cardiology: Minimally invasive cardiology offers a less-invasive way to diagnose and treat heart conditions, enabling early intervention and reducing the need for extensive procedures down the line.

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. Effie Samitas 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 proactively addressing potential bladder issues through regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications, a patient experienced reduced discomfort and improved quality of life, ensuring a healthier future.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient successfully maintained a healthy weight, reducing the risk of future health complications and enjoying a more active lifestyle.
• By scheduling regular vitamin B12 checks, a patient proactively managed their health, preventing potential complications like nerve damage and anemia, and maintaining excellent overall well-being.

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. Effie Samitas:

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

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

How does Dr. Effie Samitas manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Samitas excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications carefully to avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Samitas and her team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that supports your overall well-being.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Samitas will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Samitas excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a crucial opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and coordinating all of your healthcare for maximum effectiveness.

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

Dr. Samitas's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted strategy, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve that goal.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are especially important to protect against complications.

2222 S Harbor City Blvd
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 725-5050

Dr. Effie Samitas, 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): 1205891934

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. Effie Samitas 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.