Dr. Harry Shephard, MD

Dr. Harry Shephard, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Altamonte Springs, FL. As a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, he is 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), Dr. Shephard specializes in Colonoscopy and understands the vital role of early detection and management in maintaining optimal digestive health. 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) 830-8661 to schedule. Dr. Shephard, who received his Medical Doctorate from Catholic University, earned his medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica Del Ecuador Facultad De Medicina. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Tufts Medical Center (New England) Program, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages, and pursued fellowship training in Jackson Memorial Hospital (graduated 1993), to further deepen his expertise in this area of patient health. Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Shephard's care philosophy emphasizes preventative measures and a patient-centered approach to ensure optimal health outcomes. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Duodenal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system from duodenal ulcers involves recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely treatment to avoid potential bleeding or perforation.
• Gastroptosis: While gastroptosis isn't always problematic, recognizing symptoms early and discussing them with your doctor can help prevent potential digestive discomfort and ensure timely management.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Understanding your risk factors and promptly addressing symptoms associated with an esophageal diverticulum, such as difficulty swallowing or chest pain, is key to preventing long-term health problems.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Managing ulcerative colitis effectively involves proactive steps to reduce inflammation and prevent potentially life-threatening complications like toxic megacolon.
• Indigestion: Managing indigestion effectively prevents discomfort and potential complications such as ulcers or heartburn, promoting the long-term health of your entire digestive system.
• Gastric Ulcer: Protecting your stomach health involves early detection of gastric ulcers, which can be achieved through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: While not cancerous, a benign neoplasm in your digestive tract can sometimes interfere with normal function; early detection enables appropriate treatment to minimize disruption.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis is a severe liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and preventing it starts with responsible drinking habits to protect your liver health.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption means your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to serious health problems if not caught early; regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent complications.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Non-neonatal jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, can signal underlying liver or gallbladder issues, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Lactose Intolerance: Prevent uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas by identifying and addressing your lactose intolerance, improving your digestive comfort.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• 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: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• 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.
• 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: 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.

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. Harry Shephard 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 the early warning signs of a duodenal ulcer and following a proactive care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future complications and gained peace of mind.
• By understanding the early warning signs of gastroptosis and proactively working with a gastroenterologist, a patient was able to significantly reduce the risk of future digestive discomfort and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively managing potential symptoms, a patient was able to maintain their well-being and avoid complications associated with esophageal diverticulum. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed them to confidently pursue their daily activities.

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. Harry Shephard:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Shephard 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 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Shephard 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 that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating, but doesn't involve visible inflammation or damage to the GI tract.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

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

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 NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. The images are then reviewed to diagnose any potential issues.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

623 Maitland Ave Ste 2200
Altamonte Springs FL 32701
Phone: (407) 830-8661

Dr. Harry Shephard, 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): 1669459350

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. Harry Shephard 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.