Dr. Frances Robles-Pena, MD

Dr. Frances Robles-Pena, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with patients of all ages to prevent digestive issues. 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. Patients should call (786) 456-6285 to confirm if Dr. Robles-Pena is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Frances Robles-Pena, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1985 and is affiliated with Palmetto General Hospital and Jackson South Community Hospital. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a strong understanding of the complexities of Gastrointestinal health to her practice, collaborating with patients and their families to achieve optimal outcomes. She is committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Robles-Pena offers consultations in Spanish. She is also accepting telehealth appointments.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Frances Robles-Pena 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. Frances Robles-Pena 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. Frances Robles-Pena 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: Don't wait for symptoms: proactively managing intestinal diverticulosis through dietary changes and regular medical checkups can prevent serious complications like diverticulitis.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption means your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to serious health problems if not caught early; regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent complications.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Regular liver function tests and discussions with your healthcare provider are critical steps in preventing alcoholic cirrhosis and managing its progression if diagnosed.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be prevented through a healthy diet high in fiber and regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Liver Abscess: A liver abscess is a serious infection that can be prevented through good hygiene practices and prompt treatment of other infections to avoid complications and the need for extensive medical intervention.
• Gastroparesis: Managing gastroparesis through diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing more severe symptoms and improving your overall digestive health.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in your liver, often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like cirrhosis.
• Malnutrition: Malnutrition weakens your digestive system, making you more vulnerable to illness, so prioritizing good nutrition is key to preventing problems.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis and by addressing any dietary factors that might contribute.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Achalasia and cardiospasm can be managed with appropriate treatment, helping you prevent weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and potentially life-threatening complications arising from swallowing difficulties.
• Ascites: While ascites itself isn't always preventable, managing risk factors like high blood pressure and liver disease through proactive health choices can significantly reduce your chances of developing it.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a difficulty digesting dairy, can be managed through dietary changes to prevent discomfort and maintain digestive health.

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

• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• 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.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Frances Robles-Pena 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 making dietary changes and attending regular checkups, a patient proactively managed their intestinal diverticulosis, significantly reducing the risk of complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively scheduling regular checkups and adopting a balanced diet, a patient successfully minimized the risk of gastrointestinal malabsorption complications, fostering a sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By consistently scheduling liver function tests and openly discussing lifestyle choices with their healthcare provider, a patient successfully reduced their risk of alcoholic cirrhosis, promoting long-term liver 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. Frances Robles-Pena:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is extensively trained in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive 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. Robles-Pena will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are much more comfortable than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and this one-day preparation is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming 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 is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

9035 SW 72nd St Ste 201
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (786) 456-6285

Dr. Frances Robles-Pena, 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): 1033180633

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. Frances Robles-Pena 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.