Dr. G David Onstad, MD

Dr. G David Onstad, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is currently welcoming new adult patients (18 years and older) to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 491-9010 to schedule.

Dr. Onstad, a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician, offers a different approach to primary care. He sees fewer patients, which means more time for each one. Patients appreciate same/next-day appointments that start on time and aren't rushed; plus they can usually reach him 24/7. His practice also offers other services, including comprehensive, advanced health screenings and diagnostic tests, that go far beyond those found in concierge medicine practices. Dr. Onstad develops a personalized wellness plan based on the results of the wellness program. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1966, followed by fellowship training in Parkland Memorial Hospital (1972), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. MDVIP empowers physicians with advanced diagnostic tools and support that help them deliver a better healthcare experience for more than 350,000 patients nationwide. MDVIP-affiliated primary care doctors are able to practice personalized, preventive care while offering conveniences not typically available in primary care practices. Dr. Onstad provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Managing underlying conditions like COPD and asthma through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of episodes of asphyxia and hypoxemia.
• Empyema: Preventing empyema involves practicing good hygiene and seeking medical attention for pneumonia or other lung infections early, before they progress to this dangerous stage.
• Partial Lung Collapse: Managing risk factors such as smoking and underlying lung conditions through preventive care can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a partial lung collapse.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Preventing further health problems starts with recognizing the signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT), which includes unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased physical activity, making regular wellness visits crucial.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can be a sign of underlying respiratory problems, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent serious complications.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively through lifestyle changes or medication, as advised by your doctor, can prevent further health deterioration and improve your overall well-being.
• Pneumonia: Managing chronic conditions like asthma or COPD effectively helps to reduce your susceptibility to pneumonia and minimize the severity of symptoms should you develop it.
• Respiratory Failure: Managing chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis with medication and lifestyle changes is crucial in preventing respiratory failure.
• Alkalosis: Preventing severe complications associated with alkalosis, such as muscle weakness or seizures, requires prompt identification and treatment of the underlying cause.
• Acute Bronchitis: Proper management of acute bronchitis symptoms, including sufficient rest and hydration, helps prevent complications and contributes to overall respiratory well-being, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventive interventions.
• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where the airways become damaged, making it harder to clear mucus and increasing the risk of infections; early detection and ongoing management are key to preventing serious 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. G Onstad offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): For a healthier heart and improved daytime energy levels, initiating CPAP therapy after a sleep study can proactively manage sleep apnea and its associated cardiovascular risks.
• 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: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Puncture Aspiration: Taking a proactive approach to your health, a puncture aspiration helps diagnose and rule out conditions based on a sample taken, potentially saving you from more invasive procedures later.
• Respiratory Management: Investing in your respiratory health is investing in your overall well-being; our comprehensive approach helps catch and manage conditions early.
• Sleep Study: Proactively address potential health risks by getting a sleep study; it's a simple yet powerful way to detect sleep disorders that may increase your risk of serious illnesses.
• Thoracentesis: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a thoracentesis can help detect infections, tumors, or other issues in your lungs before they worsen, allowing for prompt 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. G Onstad 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 consistently taking prescribed medications and making dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced the risk of asphyxia and hypoxemia episodes, leading to improved quality of life and peace of mind.
• By promptly addressing a lung infection, a patient avoided the serious complication of empyema, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By addressing underlying lung conditions and quitting smoking, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a partial lung collapse, gaining peace of mind and improved respiratory health.

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. G Onstad:

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

An internist, like Dr. Onstad, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the health of adults. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the diverse medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. G Onstad manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Onstad excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Onstad's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy in partnership with each patient. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual risk factors. The goal is to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive health management.

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

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Onstad will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to 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 visit for establishing a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. Dr. Onstad can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent it from getting worse. These changes can help keep your liver healthy.

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

Dr. Onstad and our team employ a careful and thorough approach to medication management, including a practice called polypharmacy management. We regularly review all of a patient's medications to check for potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the treatment plan is as simple and effective as possible.

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 potentially debilitating conditions. Discuss your vaccination needs with Dr. Onstad and his team.

1960 NE 47th St Ste 105
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 491-9010

Dr. G David Onstad, 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): 1982892451

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. G Onstad 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.