Dr. Ernest Bouras, MD

Dr. Ernest Bouras, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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 (904) 914-8182 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Bouras's interests include Gastrointestinal motility disorders, esophageal diseases, constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, fecal incontinence, specialized/advanced motility studies, and endoscopy. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Duke University in 1992 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He 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. Dr. Ernest Bouras provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a sign of underlying problems. Seeking prompt medical attention helps manage conditions effectively and improve your overall digestive health.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist, especially if you experience persistent digestive discomfort, allow for early diagnosis of IBS and the development of a personalized preventative management plan.
• Chronic Gastritis: Managing chronic gastritis effectively through lifestyle changes and medical advice helps protect your digestive system from long-term damage and potential risks.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: NAFLD, a buildup of fat in your liver not caused by alcohol, can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, preventing progression to more serious liver diseases and improving long-term health.
• Duodenal Ulcer: By addressing risk factors like excessive alcohol use and smoking, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing a duodenal ulcer and safeguard the health of your entire digestive system.
• Rectal Ulcer: Managing risk factors such as constipation, inflammation, or radiation exposure can help prevent the formation of rectal ulcers and maintain the health of your lower digestive tract.
• Rectal Prolapse: By focusing on preventive measures like a high-fiber diet and regular exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor, you can lower your risk of experiencing a rectal prolapse.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Regular checkups and awareness of symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss can be crucial in the early detection of upper digestive tract cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
• Pouchitis: Preventing pouchitis, a common complication after surgery for ulcerative colitis, involves adhering to dietary recommendations, taking prescribed medications, and promptly addressing any symptoms to avoid long-term problems.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a dropped stomach, can sometimes lead to digestive issues, so maintaining a healthy weight and strong core muscles through preventive measures can help reduce your risk and prevent complications.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition that significantly increases your risk of colorectal cancer, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Indigestion: Indigestion, while often mild, can signal underlying digestive issues, so paying attention to its frequency and severity helps in early detection and prevention of more serious problems.

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

• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health 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.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: As a proactive step in maintaining digestive health, a proctosigmoidoscopy involves a brief examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling the early detection of polyps and other health concerns.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Ernest Bouras 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:

• A patient experienced immediate relief from anal or rectal pain after consulting a gastroenterologist, confirming a treatable condition and promoting peace of mind regarding their digestive health. Early detection allowed for swift and effective management, preventing potential future complications.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing persistent digestive discomfort, a patient developed a personalized preventative management plan, significantly reducing their IBS symptoms and improving their overall well-being.
• By adopting a balanced diet and managing stress levels, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for chronic gastritis, fostering a healthier digestive system and promoting 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. Ernest Bouras:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and 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. Bouras will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, could lead to more serious problems. Dr. Bouras can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Bouras is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to identify and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing colorectal cancer.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Bouras can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

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), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 914-8182

Dr. Ernest Bouras, 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): 1750370623

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. Ernest Bouras 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.