Dr. Francene Martin, MD

Dr. Francene Martin, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is committed to helping you maintain 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 549-0573 to schedule.

Dr. Francene Martin, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL, with extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and Gastrointestinal Disorders. Affiliated with Holmes Regional Medical Center, she is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Martin completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at the University of South Florida (graduated 2002). She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Martin's care philosophy, shared by Intercoastal Medical Group, prioritizes providing the highest quality care possible to all patients, addressing their unique medical needs. Dr. Martin provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Managing infectious diarrhea promptly with proper hydration and, when necessary, medical attention helps prevent more serious problems like sepsis, keeping your gut healthy.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can be better managed with early detection and lifestyle changes, preventing serious complications like colon cancer.
• Megacolon: Megacolon, a condition where the colon becomes abnormally enlarged, can lead to serious complications if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and screenings for early detection and preventive management.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Esophageal diverticula, pouches that can develop in your esophagus, are often manageable, but proactive healthcare can prevent them from causing problems like pain or inflammation.
• Vascular Insufficiency of Intestines: Protecting your intestinal health includes addressing vascular insufficiency, a condition where your intestines don't receive enough blood; early detection through regular check-ups is key to mitigating its impact.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Diffuse esophageal spasm is a condition causing painful chest pain and difficulty swallowing, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Viral Hepatitis: Managing viral hepatitis effectively, including adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, helps prevent the progression to chronic liver disease.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis through dietary adjustments and stress management can help prevent flare-ups and maintain the overall health of your digestive tract.
• Ileus: Early detection of ileus, through awareness of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, is crucial to prevent serious complications like infection or bowel damage.
• Neurogenic Bowel: Neurogenic bowel refers to bowel problems caused by nerve damage, and early diagnosis through regular checkups with your doctor can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that can often be prevented by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and managing underlying conditions like viral hepatitis.
• Diarrhea: Regular bowel movements are generally healthy, but frequent or watery stools (diarrhea) may signal a problem; early detection through medical evaluation prevents long-term digestive damage.

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

• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a preventative measure to screen for various conditions affecting the anus and rectum, allowing for timely interventions to improve your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• 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.
• 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: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Through various procedures, gastroenterologists can thoroughly examine your entire digestive system—from your esophagus to your intestines and even your liver and pancreas—to identify any underlying problems.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.

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. Francene Martin 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 understanding the importance of prompt hydration and seeking medical attention when needed, a family proactively managed an episode of infectious diarrhea, preventing any serious complications and maintaining their overall well-being.
• By diligently following a personalized plan for early detection and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of serious complications from ulcerative colitis, gaining peace of mind and control over their health.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing megacolon, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

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. Francene Martin:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Francene Martin and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists who focus on 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 also 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. Francene Martin 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 a more serious issue like GERD. Dr. Francene Martin can diagnose the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening. These tests can detect potential issues, but if positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to fully evaluate and remove any polyps.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity may share some symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet to ensure accurate identification and appropriate management.

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 your digestive tract.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact Dr. Francene Martin's office for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

1223 Gateway Dr Ste 2B
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 549-0573

Dr. Francene Martin, 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): 1205914835

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. Francene Martin 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.