Dr. Herbert Shick, MD

Dr. Herbert Shick, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Hollywood, 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. Call (954) 962-4700 to schedule.

Dr. Herbert Shick, MD is a gastroenterologist in Hollywood, FL with over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 1963 and 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. With such extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, focusing on collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He is affiliated with Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Hospital West, and is accepting new patients. Dr. Shick provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, can be managed through lifestyle changes to prevent painful symptoms and potential complications like GERD.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Preventing the progression of reflux esophagitis to more serious conditions, like esophageal cancer, is possible with proactive management, including lifestyle adjustments and medical attention when needed.
• Malnutrition: Early detection of malnutrition can prevent serious complications like weakened immunity and digestive issues, ensuring better long-term health.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and preventing chronic conditions such as severe adhesions post-surgery can significantly decrease your chances of developing an intestinal obstruction.
• 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.
• Dysphagia: Preventing serious complications from dysphagia begins with recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly. This proactive approach protects the health of your entire digestive system.
• Gastroparesis: Preventive measures, such as identifying and managing risk factors like diabetes, can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastroparesis.
• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Managing intestinal diverticulitis effectively, including through diet and medication, can help prevent severe infections, blockages, or even the need for surgery, which improves your overall digestive health.
• Chronic Gastritis: Regular health screenings and awareness of chronic gastritis risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of developing severe stomach problems down the line.
• Liver Abscess: Regular checkups and addressing underlying health issues can help prevent liver abscesses, a serious complication that can have devastating consequences if not caught early.
• Duodenitis: Managing duodenitis effectively involves identifying and addressing underlying causes like infections or autoimmune disorders, thus preventing further damage to your digestive system.

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

• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver 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.
• 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.
• 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: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• 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.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early diagnosis of colorectal issues, a proctosigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to directly examine the lower part of your large intestine for signs of disease and inflammation.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.

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. Herbert Shick 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 implementing dietary changes and mindful meal timing, a patient significantly reduced their hiatal hernia symptoms, achieving a noticeable improvement in their digestive health and overall well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
• By making dietary changes and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing more serious reflux issues, gaining confidence in their health management.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized nutrition plan, a patient proactively addressed potential malnutrition risks, ensuring a healthier future. This early intervention prevented serious complications and allowed the patient to maintain a strong immune 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. Herbert Shick:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Shick and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists who focus on the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and we also perform preventative 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. Shick 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 such physical damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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. If these tests yield a positive result, a colonoscopy is necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any suspicious polyps.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are much more gentle than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows for a detailed view of the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes.

3800 Johnson St
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 962-4700

Dr. Herbert Shick, 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): 1538256342

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. Herbert Shick 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.