Dr. Francis Salazar, DO

Dr. Francis Salazar, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Salazar is deeply committed to preventive health, recognizing that internists are your primary partners in lifelong health. He creates comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinates essential screenings, and manages complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Westside Hospital and Memorial Hospital Pembroke.

Dr. Salazar serves adults (18 years and older) and approaches care with a collaborative, evidence-based philosophy. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, Osf St Francis Medical Center. Dr. Salazar is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (954) 271-7180 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for magnesium imbalance and making lifestyle changes, like adjusting your diet, can significantly improve your health and well-being.
• Bedsores: Proper weight management and mobility exercises can help reduce pressure on sensitive areas, safeguarding you against the development of bedsores.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively through early intervention and appropriate treatment minimizes the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life, emphasizing the value of preventive care.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting or straining, empowers you to take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing them and maintain healthy bowel habits.
• Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify underlying conditions contributing to leg cramps, preventing them from impacting your daily activities.
• Hypothyroidism: Don't let hypothyroidism steal your energy! Regular checkups and appropriate management can help you stay active and healthy.
• Allergic Rhinitis: By proactively managing allergic rhinitis, you can reduce the risk of developing sinus infections, ear infections, and asthma, significantly improving your overall respiratory health.
• Esophagitis: By addressing underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and making lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risk of developing esophagitis and its associated problems.
• Abnormal Thyroid: Don't underestimate the importance of thyroid health: detecting an abnormal thyroid early allows for timely intervention, preventing more severe health issues down the line.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Practicing good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, is key to preventing pinkeye and reducing the chances of its spread within a community.
• Long COVID Disorder: Preventing Long COVID complications begins with early intervention and a personalized plan focused on managing symptoms and reducing long-term health risks.
• Diabetes: Effective management of diabetes, through lifestyle changes and medication if needed, helps prevent serious health problems and improves your overall quality of life.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Take control of your future by documenting your healthcare preferences and making your end-of-life decisions known.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Proactively manage your multiple health conditions with coordinated care to prevent complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Make a positive change today and participate in smoking cessation counseling to improve your cardiovascular health and quality of life.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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. Francis Salazar 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 understanding their magnesium levels and making dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future health problems related to magnesium metabolism, gaining greater control over their well-being.
• By focusing on maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating regular mobility exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing bedsores, ensuring comfort and well-being.
• Recognizing the early symptoms of acute bronchitis and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing long-term respiratory issues, gaining confidence in their health management.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Francis Salazar:

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

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

How does Dr. Francis Salazar manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Salazar's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. Key screenings for adults, including those for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are integral components of this approach. We work together to create a plan tailored to your individual needs and risk factors.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Salazar 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.

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 (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting against these common but potentially serious conditions.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Salazar carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management. This ensures potential drug interactions are identified, unnecessary prescriptions are eliminated, and the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Salazar will order the test and explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) to you, and discuss what they mean for your personal risk.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

2301 N University Dr Ste 104
Pembroke Pines FL 33024
Phone: (954) 271-7180

Dr. Francis Salazar, DO 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): 1093923849

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. Francis Salazar 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.