Dr. Ginger Clark, MD

Dr. Ginger Clark, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at UF Health Digestive Disease Specialists in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in your lifelong digestive health journey. 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 273-9400 to schedule.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Clark brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 2003 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. As an associate professor of medicine and program director of the gastroenterology fellowship, her clinical practice is focused on liver disease, with specialization in genetic and metabolic liver diseases. Dr. Clark's care philosophy is deeply rooted in preventative medicine, emphasizing education and proactive management to optimize long-term well-being. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ileus: Managing underlying conditions like abdominal surgery or certain medications can help prevent the occurrence of ileus and its associated discomfort.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: If you have a family history of FAP, proactive monitoring and colonoscopies are vital to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, thus preventing colorectal cancer.
• Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can help prevent gallstone formation, thus protecting your gallbladder and liver from potential damage.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Early detection of alcoholic cirrhosis is crucial for preventing irreversible liver damage; regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you drink heavily, are vital.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Protecting your digestive health includes being aware of the signs of esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm – difficulty swallowing, chest pain – as early diagnosis and management are vital in preventing severe problems down the line.
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be prevented through vaccination, protecting you from long-term liver damage and cancer.
• Cholangitis: Cholangitis, an inflammation of the bile ducts, highlights the importance of regular health screenings to catch and treat infections early, thus mitigating long-term damage.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis can sometimes cause discomfort; proactive lifestyle choices focusing on good posture and core strength can help mitigate risk and prevent future issues.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Protecting your digestive health starts with addressing discomfort. Anal or rectal pain might indicate a manageable condition like a fissure; early intervention prevents long-term issues.
• Hepatitis C: Regular testing for Hepatitis C can help identify the virus early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing serious liver complications down the line.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis – early detection and management can prevent serious complications and improve your long-term well-being.
• Duodenitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding duodenitis: early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term outcomes.

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

• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• 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.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• 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.

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. Ginger Clark 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 understanding and proactively managing underlying conditions, a patient significantly reduced the risk of ileus and its associated discomfort, leading to a more comfortable and worry-free lifestyle.
• By diligently adhering to the proactive screening plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of colorectal cancer, gaining peace of mind knowing they were actively managing their health.
• By diligently managing their weight and cholesterol levels, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstone formation, gaining peace of mind regarding their gallbladder and liver health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Ginger Clark:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Ginger Clark and her team are gastroenterologists, meaning they are specialists who have extensive training in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions and performing 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Ginger Clark will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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

IBD, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the GI tract. Dr. Clark can help determine which condition you may have.

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 confirm the findings and remove any polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is Celiac Disease?

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

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

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

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

UF Health Digestive Disease Specialists
1600 SW Archer Rd 12
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9400

Dr. Ginger Clark, 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): 1386728475

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. Ginger Clark 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.