Dr. James Penuel, MD

Dr. James Penuel, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Gastro Health in Fort Myers, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Penuel’s focus is on preventing future digestive issues. 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 (239) 939-9939 to schedule.

Dr. James Penuel, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1977, followed by an internship at Ochsner Medical Center in 1978. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Ochsner Foundation Hospital in 1982, deepening his expertise in this specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Gulf Coast Medical Center and is accepting new patients. Dr. Penuel offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care is firmly rooted in 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. James Penuel 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. James Penuel 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. James Penuel 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:

• Pyloric Stenosis: Preventive healthcare strategies for infants include awareness of pyloric stenosis symptoms; early detection leads to timely treatment and a better outcome.
• Viral Hepatitis: Early detection of viral hepatitis through regular blood tests is crucial for starting treatment promptly and preventing serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Gastroparesis: Early diagnosis of gastroparesis is key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining a good quality of life by allowing for proactive management strategies.
• Esophageal Varices: Protecting your liver health through a healthy lifestyle and regular medical monitoring helps prevent the development of cirrhosis, a major cause of esophageal varices, thus safeguarding your digestive system.
• Abdominal Pain: Understanding the causes of your abdominal pain is key to preventing more severe problems, often through lifestyle changes or early treatment.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Regular screenings and understanding your risk factors—like unhealthy eating habits—are key to early identification and management of diffuse esophageal spasm, thus preventing significant health consequences.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Protecting your esophagus from ulcers starts with understanding and managing conditions like GERD, as untreated acid reflux is a major cause of esophageal ulcers.
• Stomach Cancer: Protecting your stomach health through regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer.
• Ileus: Early detection of ileus, through awareness of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, is crucial to prevent serious complications like infection or bowel damage.
• Colorectal Cancer: Many colorectal cancers develop from polyps, which can be detected and removed during routine colonoscopies, preventing them from turning cancerous.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively, including lifestyle changes and potentially medical interventions, prevents severe discomfort and potential complications such as blood clots or infections.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Knowing your Hepatitis B immunity status through testing allows for proactive management, preventing potential liver damage and protecting the health of 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. James Penuel offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: As a preventative measure, endoscopic common bile duct stone removal helps eliminate gallstones before they cause pain, inflammation, or liver damage.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Esophageal Dilatation: As a proactive step for better digestive health, esophageal dilation addresses swallowing issues stemming from a narrowed esophagus, restoring normal function.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: Taking charge of your colon health, a colonoscopy with polypectomy allows for the early detection and removal of polyps, reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.

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. James Penuel 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:

• A family's proactive approach to infant health, guided by preventive healthcare strategies, fostered early detection of potential pyloric stenosis symptoms, leading to timely intervention and a positive outcome. This proactive plan brought peace of mind and empowered them to confidently navigate infant health concerns.
• By scheduling regular blood tests and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify viral hepatitis early, significantly reducing their risk of serious complications and achieving peace of mind.
• By understanding their gastroparesis risk factors and proactively managing their diet, a patient was able to avoid the more serious complications associated with the condition, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

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. James Penuel:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Penuel and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we 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 digestive 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. Penuel 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) may indicate a more serious condition like GERD. Dr. Penuel can diagnose the cause and create a personalized treatment plan to address your needs. Untreated GERD can lead to complications.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent 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.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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 visible inflammation or damage.

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. James Penuel for a thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

Gastro Health
7152 Coca Sabal Ln
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 939-9939

Dr. James Penuel, 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): 1427040864

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. James Penuel 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.