Dr. Gaurang Shah, MD

Dr. Gaurang Shah, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 737-2300 to schedule.

Dr. Gaurang Shah, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL, with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Shah earned his medical degree from Baroda University, Government Medical College in 1973, and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and Trident Medical Center and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He is fluent in Gujarati and also offers consultations in Hindi, further demonstrating his commitment to patient-centered care. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Regular checkups and awareness of symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss can be crucial in the early detection of upper digestive tract cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the stomach's pyloric valve, can be identified early through regular checkups, preventing serious feeding difficulties and dehydration in infants.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome highlights the importance of proactive liver health; regular monitoring and treatment can help avoid this severe complication.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas-bloat syndrome, while often uncomfortable, can be a sign of underlying digestive issues; addressing it early through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can prevent more serious complications.
• Chronic Gastritis: Managing chronic gastritis effectively through lifestyle changes and medical advice helps protect your digestive system from long-term damage and potential risks.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Early detection of a pancreatic pseudocyst, often through regular check-ups if you have risk factors, is crucial for managing potential complications like infection or rupture.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Preventing complications from Mallory-Weiss syndrome, characterized by esophageal tears, relies on promptly addressing underlying causes such as alcohol abuse and eating disorders, thereby emphasizing the need for early intervention.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis, or a dropped stomach, can sometimes lead to digestive issues, so maintaining a healthy weight and strong core muscles through preventive measures can help reduce your risk and prevent complications.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Alcohol-related liver damage can be serious, but by adopting a preventative approach that includes lifestyle modifications and screenings, you can minimize the risks and protect your liver and digestive well-being.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Regular check-ups and prompt medical attention if you experience difficulties swallowing can significantly aid in managing or preventing the potentially debilitating complications of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm, protecting the overall health of your digestive system.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis is a condition where reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation and damage, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors like heart disease to protect your 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. Gaurang Shah offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure helps ensure the smooth flow of bile, preventing complications like jaundice or pancreatitis by addressing potential blockages or inflammation.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.

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. Gaurang Shah 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 attending regular checkups and being aware of potential symptoms, a patient proactively reduced their risk of upper digestive tract cancer, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular checkups, a family was reassured that their infant's symptoms were benign, preventing any serious feeding difficulties and dehydration. Early intervention ensured a healthy outcome.
• By adhering to a proactive liver health plan, including regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hepatorenal syndrome, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Gaurang Shah:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Shah and our gastroenterology team are specialists in 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 we also perform 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Shah 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 progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Shah can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-invasive options like stool-based tests, but a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps, preventing the development of cancer.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

4123 University Blvd S Ste A
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 737-2300

Dr. Gaurang Shah, 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): 1730143538

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. Gaurang Shah 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.