Dr. Haim Pinkas, MD

Dr. Haim Pinkas, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Tampa, 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 (813) 974-0706 to schedule.

Dr. Haim Pinkas, MD is a gastroenterologist in Tampa, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Libre De Bruxelles in 1976 and completed an internship at Bronx Va Medical Center in 1978. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Bronx Va Medical Center (1981), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Washington Dc Va Medical Center (1983), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. With this extensive training, Dr. Pinkas 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 Tampa General Hospital and is accepting new patients. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and focused on empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Pinkas provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection and management of intestinal diverticulosis are key to preventing painful complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient fiber intake, can significantly reduce your risk.
• Indigestion: Managing indigestion effectively prevents discomfort and potential complications such as ulcers or heartburn, promoting the long-term health of your entire digestive system.
• 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.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis, inflammation of your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing this often manageable condition.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Early detection of esophageal ulcers is crucial to prevent complications like bleeding or perforation; regular checkups with your doctor are key.
• Vomiting Disorders: Identifying the cause of your vomiting is crucial for preventing recurrent episodes and protecting the health of your entire digestive system.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Preventing long-term health issues from gastrointestinal malabsorption starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience symptoms like unexplained weight loss or diarrhea; early diagnosis allows for timely intervention.
• 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.
• Abdominal Pain: Understanding the causes of your abdominal pain is key to preventing more severe problems, often through lifestyle changes or early treatment.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for IBS and adopting proactive strategies, such as dietary adjustments and stress management, can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.

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

• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• 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.

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. Haim Pinkas 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 following a personalized plan that included dietary adjustments and regular check-ups, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing painful complications from intestinal diverticulosis, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By understanding their digestive triggers and adopting healthy eating habits, a patient significantly reduced instances of indigestion, promoting a more comfortable and enjoyable daily life. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently navigate social situations and maintain a positive outlook on their overall well-being.
• By understanding the early warning signs of anal or rectal pain and following a personalized plan, a patient was able to address the issue promptly, preventing further discomfort and ensuring a healthy digestive system.

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. Haim Pinkas:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for digestive health.

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. Pinkas will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

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 evaluate issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. This is a long-term commitment requiring collaboration between patient and physician.

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, and Dr. Pinkas can help diagnose this issue.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. These tests can detect potential issues, but if positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any polyps.

12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd Ste 4161
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 974-0706

Dr. Haim Pinkas, 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): 1710998562

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. Haim Pinkas 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.