Dr. Glen Vanderzalm, MD

Dr. Glen Vanderzalm, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his Orlando, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. 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 (407) 851-5600 to schedule.

Dr. Glen Vanderzalm, MD is a gastroenterologist in Orlando, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Marshall University in 1987, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Orlando Regional Medical Center in 1990, and fellowship training in Gastroenterology at the University of Iowa in 1993, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and affiliated with Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Vanderzalm offers consultations in Hindi.

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

• Esophagitis: By adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing esophagitis and related complications.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Don't wait for symptoms to appear—proactive steps like regular screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial for preventing the development of intestinal ulcers and promoting long-term digestive health.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Managing underlying liver conditions effectively is vital to prevent the development of hepatorenal syndrome and its potentially fatal consequences.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Preventative care plays a key role in managing esophageal motility disorders, as early diagnosis and treatment can minimize discomfort and prevent severe complications such as esophageal rupture.
• Hemorrhoids: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common yet often preventable anorectal condition.
• Anal Sphincter Dysplasia: Anal sphincter dysplasia, while uncommon, highlights the importance of preventative care in maintaining digestive health; early diagnosis minimizes the risk of serious complications.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that can often be prevented by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and managing underlying conditions like viral hepatitis.
• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Preventive care for babies and children includes screening for intestinal birth defects to ensure prompt treatment and improve their digestive health.
• Hiatal Hernia: Addressing a hiatal hernia through dietary adjustments and, if needed, medication prevents progression to more severe conditions that may require surgery.
• Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist and paying attention to digestive symptoms can help detect ulcers early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Regular checkups with your gastroenterologist can help detect an esophageal diverticulum early, allowing for prompt management and preventing potential complications down the line.
• Proctoptosis: Managing underlying conditions like chronic constipation can help prevent proctoptosis by supporting the health of the rectum and reducing the strain on the muscles and tissues.

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: As a preventive measure, a colonoscopy with polypectomy helps detect and remove polyps, which can potentially become cancerous, ensuring the ongoing health of your digestive system.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): For individuals facing difficulty eating or swallowing, a PEG tube proactively helps maintain their nutritional status and overall well-being.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a sophisticated procedure that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your digestive organs, helping detect problems early and potentially prevent serious complications.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• 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.

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. Glen Vanderzalm 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 adopting a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing esophagitis, gaining confidence in their long-term health.
• By undergoing regular screenings and adopting a healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intestinal ulcers, fostering a sense of calm and confidence about their digestive well-being.
• By proactively managing their liver condition, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hepatorenal syndrome, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future outlook.

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. Glen Vanderzalm:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Vanderzalm and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system. We diagnose and treat conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Vanderzalm will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. The patient simply swallows a small pill-sized camera, which takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Glen Vanderzalm for a thorough evaluation.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

3885 Oakwater Cir
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 851-5600

Dr. Glen Vanderzalm, 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): 1528033578

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. Glen Vanderzalm 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.