Dr. Howard Schwartz, MD

Dr. Howard Schwartz, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Miami, 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 (305) 666-1333 to schedule.

Dr. Howard Schwartz, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1984 and completed his residency in Gastroenterology at University Miami Hospital & Clinics in 1987. 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 American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Doctors Hospital and Baptist Hospital of Miami and is accepting new patients. Dr. Schwartz is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients are empowered to actively participate in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastritis: Addressing risk factors like H. pylori infection and long-term NSAID use can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastritis and maintain your overall digestive well-being.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect benign growths in your digestive system early, allowing for timely management and reducing the risk of future issues.
• Abdominal Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for abdominal problems and seeking medical advice when symptoms arise can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent future problems.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in your liver, often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like cirrhosis.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• 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.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Protecting your esophagus from the damage of reflux esophagitis starts with understanding its causes and risk factors, enabling early detection and reducing the chances of long-term complications like Barrett's esophagus.
• 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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that, while not preventable, can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and early intervention to minimize its impact on your daily life.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall 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 Schwartz 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: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon 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: 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.
• 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: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Regular gastroenterology procedures, such as colonoscopies and endoscopies, offer crucial preventative screening opportunities, potentially saving your life by finding and removing precancerous polyps.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• 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: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.

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 Schwartz 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 and addressing potential risk factors for gastritis, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing the condition, fostering confidence in their long-term digestive health.
• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient detected a benign growth early, enabling timely intervention and significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding their risk factors for abdominal problems and proactively scheduling checkups, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing future digestive issues, leading to greater peace of mind.

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 Schwartz:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Schwartz is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in preventive screenings, such as 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. Schwartz will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

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. Howard Schwartz for a thorough evaluation.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a problem like GERD, and should be evaluated. Dr. Schwartz can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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 us to identify potential issues not visible with traditional scopes.

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), in contrast, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same visible inflammation or damage.

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 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.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, leads to damage in the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, requiring a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

7500 SW 87th Ave Ste 200
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 666-1333

Dr. Howard Schwartz, 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): 1942286588

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 Schwartz 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.