Dr. Gary Sladek, MD

Dr. Gary Sladek, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at his clinic in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Sladek is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and encourages you to call (407) 894-8696 to schedule.

Dr. Gary Sladek, MD is a rheumatologist in Orlando, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1977. He is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 1977. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Rheumatology at Orlando Reg Healthcare Sys, and University Of S Fl College Of Med, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Gary Sladek provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Early detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are vital to prevent the development of rheumatoid lung disease and preserve your respiratory health.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly slow its progression and prevent disability.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis where blood tests don't show the typical rheumatoid factor, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation for early diagnosis and proactive management to protect your joints.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Protecting your skin from sun exposure and seeking medical attention for any unexplained rashes can help prevent the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and its long-term effects.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively means actively participating in its treatment and taking steps to control inflammation, thereby preventing long-term joint destruction and preserving mobility.
• Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent long-term joint damage and other complications.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Having seropositive rheumatoid arthritis signifies your immune system is attacking your joints; proactive management with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and protect your mobility.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis can cause significant muscle weakness and skin changes, but proactive management with medication and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent further damage and disability.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Early detection of chondrocalcinosis, characterized by calcium deposits in your joints, is crucial to prevent the onset of painful arthritis and preserve joint health.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Knee: Managing rheumatoid arthritis affecting your knee involves a long-term commitment to treatment to prevent further joint deterioration and maintain your ability to move freely.
• Psoriasis: Early diagnosis and management of psoriasis are crucial in preventing the development of psoriatic arthritis and preserving joint health.
• Gout: Regular checkups and monitoring uric acid levels are key to preventing gout flares and minimizing the long-term effects of this common arthritis.

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

• Bone Density Scan: Taking proactive steps for your bone health, a bone density scan can identify weakening bones early on, letting you and your doctor take steps to protect your skeletal system.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Steroid Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Prolozone® Injections: Prolozone® injections are a treatment option that may help strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons, potentially reducing joint pain and improving function.
• Cancer Pain Management: Don't let cancer pain define your days; effective management plans empower you to live more fully.

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 Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Gary Sladek 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 diligently following the proactive management plan, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing rheumatoid lung disease, gaining peace of mind about their respiratory health.
• By focusing on joint-friendly exercises and a balanced diet, a patient proactively managed their weight, reducing the risk factors for osteoarthritis and maintaining a high quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to avoid the more severe symptoms often associated with the condition.

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 Rheumatologic care with Dr. Gary Sladek:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Sladek and our team are rheumatologists, medical doctors specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. We work with you to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions long-term, helping prevent joint damage and improve your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joints. Dr. Sladek's role is to correctly diagnose the cause to prevent the wrong treatment from causing further harm.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

Joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief from the pressure and allows lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is crucial for preventing future problems.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not a diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider your full medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine if you have an autoimmune condition or if the ANA is present without disease.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Sladek and our team can help you prevent or slow osteoporosis by assessing your risk factors and recommending lifestyle changes like adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation. A DEXA scan can screen for bone loss, enabling early intervention to prevent fractures.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a powerful tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved function and participation in physical therapy and daily activities. We use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

2501 N Orange Ave Ste 402
Orlando FL 32804
Phone: (407) 894-8696

Dr. Gary Sladek, 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): 1225013717

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. Rheumatology like Dr. Gary Sladek 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 rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.