Dr. George Hage-Nassar, MD

Dr. George Hage-Nassar, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his Jacksonville, FL clinic. 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. Call (904) 605-4866 to schedule.

Dr. George Nassar, M.D. is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Lebanese University in 1997, followed by an internship at Staten Island University Hospital, and subsequent residency training in Gastroenterology at Lebanon University, and Staten Island University Hospital. He further specialized in Gastroenterology through fellowship training at State University Of New York, deepening his expertise in advanced and interventional endoscopy. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His main clinical focus is on advanced and interventional endoscopy, including diagnosing and treating pancreaticobiliary diseases and gastrointestinal malignancies. He performs a wide range of procedures, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, EUS with FNA/FNB, ERCP, drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy, endoscopic banding of hemorrhoids, EMR, and ESD. Dr. George Hage-Nassar is fluent in Arabic and also offers consultations in French. He believes in EXCEPTIONAL CARE, INSIDE AND OUT.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. George Hage-Nassar 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. George Hage-Nassar 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. George Hage-Nassar 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:

• Stomach Cancer: Early detection of stomach cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved survival rates, emphasizing the importance of preventive screenings.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.
• Colon Cancer: Early detection of colon cancer is crucial. Regular colonoscopies and understanding your risk factors allow for timely intervention and improve your chances of long-term health.
• Pancreatitis: Managing underlying conditions like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia is key to preventing pancreatitis attacks and improving your overall digestive health.
• Abdominal Disorders: Protecting your digestive system through regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help detect abdominal disorders early, preventing serious complications.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Managing risk factors like difficulty swallowing or certain medical conditions can help prevent the formation of an esophageal diverticulum, a pouch that can develop in your food pipe.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition requiring proactive management to avoid cirrhosis and liver failure; regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans are essential for maintaining long-term liver health.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Excessive alcohol use can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that can be avoided by moderating your alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Viral Enteritis: Early detection of viral enteritis symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting allows for prompt rehydration, preventing severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Intestinal Fistula: Protecting your digestive health includes recognizing the signs of an intestinal fistula—an abnormal passage between your intestines—as early diagnosis is key to preventing severe complications.
• Esophageal Cancer: Preventing esophageal cancer starts with understanding your risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, and taking steps to reduce them.

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

• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Fecal impaction removal ensures proper bowel function and may prevent future issues like bowel obstruction.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Capsule Endoscopy: For a thorough assessment of your small intestine's health, choose capsule endoscopy—a less invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy that helps detect conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease at an early stage.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Taking a proactive step towards better anal health, this surgery eliminates hemorrhoids and anal tags, relieving symptoms and preventing future problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, this procedure uses a scope to remove gallstones, reducing the risk of future bile duct 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.

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. George Hage-Nassar 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 a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of stomach cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding and addressing potential risk factors, a patient was empowered to make lifestyle choices that significantly reduced their chances of developing a gastric ulcer, promoting long-term digestive health.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient achieved peace of mind knowing colon cancer risk was mitigated, allowing them to focus on enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

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. George Hage-Nassar:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is expertly 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 perform preventive screenings, such as 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. Hage-Nassar will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, requiring a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, allowing us to identify and remove polyps. This one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Hage-Nassar can help diagnose this issue.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) warrant a consultation with Dr. Hage-Nassar. This could be a sign of GERD, which can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Dr. Hage-Nassar can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to fully evaluate the findings and remove any polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

3627 University Blvd S Ste 705
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 605-4866

Dr. George Hage-Nassar, 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): 1609982263

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. George Hage-Nassar 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.