Dr. Howard Rubenstein, MD

Dr. Howard Rubenstein, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL, 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), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. 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) 442-2228 to schedule.

Dr. Howard Rubenstein, MD is a gastroenterologist in Pembroke Pines, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School in 1981 and completed an internship at University Of Illinois At Chicago Medical Center in 1982. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in University Of Illinois (graduated 1987), deepening his expertise in gastroenterology. With over 40 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 National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Memorial Hospital West and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Rubenstein provides consultations primarily in English. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Regular checkups and awareness of family history are key to early detection and intervention, potentially preventing serious complications associated with gastrointestinal cancers.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist, especially if you experience persistent digestive discomfort, allow for early diagnosis of IBS and the development of a personalized preventative management plan.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Cholecystitis and Gallstones: Early diagnosis of cholecystitis, often through symptom recognition and medical imaging, allows for timely intervention and prevents the condition from worsening.
• Diarrhea: Regular bowel movements are generally healthy, but frequent or watery stools (diarrhea) may signal a problem; early detection through medical evaluation prevents long-term digestive damage.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a condition affecting the bile ducts in your liver. Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing severe progression of this disease.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue, so addressing it early through preventative check-ups helps avoid more serious complications.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Managing ulcerative colitis effectively involves proactive steps to reduce inflammation and prevent potentially life-threatening complications like toxic megacolon.
• 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.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis is often silent, but managing risk factors like low fiber intake can help prevent future pain and discomfort, making preventive care essential for long-term digestive health.

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

• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Ensure your digestive system's well-being by scheduling a fecal occult blood test; it's a quick and easy way to screen for colorectal cancer and other potential issues.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Protecting your digestive health starts with prevention: an oral glucose tolerance test can identify insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, allowing for early intervention and reducing your risk of developing related digestive problems.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.

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. Howard Rubenstein 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 diligently following a proactive screening plan and understanding their family history, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gastrointestinal cancers, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing digestive concerns, a patient proactively managed potential IBS symptoms, gaining valuable peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By following a personalized plan, a patient successfully managed their dysphagia, preventing potential malnutrition and the risk of aspiration pneumonia, leading to improved overall digestive health.

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. Howard Rubenstein:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Rubenstein 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 in 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. Rubenstein will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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 important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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

We work in a long-term partnership to achieve and maintain remission. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, and nutritional guidance is provided. Regular monitoring helps prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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 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, as it involves an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

603 N Flamingo Rd Ste 258
Pembroke Pines FL 33028
Phone: (954) 442-2228

Dr. Howard Rubenstein, 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): 1396735478

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. Howard Rubenstein 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.