Dr. Enrique Molina, MD

Dr. Enrique Molina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Call (352) 574-6722 to schedule.

Dr. Molina's extensive experience and training solidify his commitment to evidence-based care. He joined Digestive Disease Associates in 2003 after a distinguished career at the University of Miami, where he was deeply involved in clinical research, patient care, liver transplantation, and the fellowship training program at the Center for Liver Diseases. His rigorous medical training, encompassing an internship, residency, and fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at renowned institutions like the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital, has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the digestive system. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Molina's approach to care is collaborative and patient-centered, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management.

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

• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Gastrojejunal ulcers emphasize the significance of proactive digestive health; by addressing risk factors and seeking early medical attention, you can prevent this painful and potentially dangerous condition.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome is a serious complication of liver disease, and preventing liver damage through healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk.
• Pancreatitis: Managing underlying conditions like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia is key to preventing pancreatitis attacks and improving your overall digestive health.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Practicing good hand hygiene and being mindful of food safety significantly reduces your risk of infectious diarrhea, maintaining the overall health of your digestive tract.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Early diagnosis of biliary cirrhosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing serious liver damage. Regular screenings and attention to any symptoms related to the liver and bile ducts are vital.
• Heartburn: Heartburn, that burning sensation in your chest, can be a sign of GERD and if left unmanaged, could lead to more serious esophageal problems, so it's important to address it early.
• Gastric Ulcer: Protecting your stomach health involves early detection of gastric ulcers, which can be achieved through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.
• Malnutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy digestive system. Managing malnutrition effectively prevents further complications and improves overall wellness.
• Dysphagia: Experiencing difficulty swallowing? Don't ignore it. Early identification of dysphagia allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of long-term digestive complications.
• E. coli Food Poisoning: E. coli food poisoning, while treatable, can be prevented through diligent hygiene and careful food preparation; prompt medical attention prevents serious health consequences.
• Intestinal Ulcer: An intestinal ulcer is a sore on the lining of your intestines, and while often treatable, preventing them through healthy lifestyle choices like balanced nutrition and stress management is key to avoiding 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. Enrique Molina offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure can help detect and address problems like blockages or infections early, improving your liver and pancreas health.
• Anoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better rectal health, an anoscopy provides a visual check for issues like hemorrhoids, inflammation, or polyps, enabling prompt treatment.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.

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. Enrique Molina 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 adopting a high-fiber diet and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of developing complications from intestinal diverticulosis, fostering a sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By understanding potential risk factors and following a proactive digestive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing gastrojejunal ulcers, ensuring a healthier future.
• By understanding their liver health risks and diligently following a proactive care plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing hepatorenal syndrome, fostering peace of mind about their long-term well-being.

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. Enrique Molina:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Molina is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in preventive screenings like colonoscopies, ensuring optimal digestive health.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Molina will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, as it involves an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Molina can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), in contrast, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing it is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road
6400 W Newberry Rd Ste 302
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 574-6722

Dr. Enrique Molina, 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): 1295750933

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. Enrique Molina 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.