Dr. Jan Hirschfield, MD

Dr. Jan Hirschfield, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in St Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive health extends to 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 patients should call (727) 398-6661 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Jan Hirschfield, MD is a gastroenterologist in St Petersburg, FL with over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia Campus in 1961. With such a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of patient needs and family dynamics to his practice. Dr. Hirschfield 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 strives for a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Hirschfield provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Protecting your liver health through a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy.
• Esophageal Stricture: Preventing the progression of esophageal stricture involves proactive management of conditions like acid reflux and regular monitoring with your gastroenterologist.
• Foreign Body in Throat: Preventing a foreign body from becoming lodged in your throat starts with careful chewing and mindful eating habits, minimizing the risk of serious complications.
• Liver Enlargement: Protecting your liver through healthy habits like balanced eating and moderate alcohol consumption can help prevent enlargement and associated health problems.
• Chagas' Disease: Chagas disease, if left untreated, can severely damage your heart and digestive system; proactive screening and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term health issues.
• Dysentery: Proper hygiene and safe water and food practices are key to preventing dysentery, a serious infection that can significantly affect the health of your intestines.
• Vomiting Disorders: Recurring vomiting episodes can disrupt nutrient absorption, impacting your liver and pancreas; proactive care is key to preventing these issues.

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

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: An oral glucose tolerance test is a simple blood test that helps assess how well your body processes sugar, aiding in the early detection of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which can have significant long-term effects on your digestive system and overall health.
• Anal Cauterization: As a proactive measure to manage hemorrhoids, anal cauterization can seal off small blood vessels, reducing bleeding and pain.
• Enteral Access and Management: Early management of enteral access helps prevent serious complications and maximizes nutritional intake, improving quality of life for individuals with digestive conditions.
• Excision of Stomach Tumor: Surgical removal of a stomach tumor is a proactive step to eliminate cancerous or precancerous growths and improve your long-term digestive health.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• 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.
• Enteral Stenting: To proactively address swallowing or digestive issues, enteral stenting can help restore the natural flow in your esophagus or intestines.

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. Jan Hirschfield 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 following a personalized plan for liver health, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy, gaining peace of mind through proactive management.
• By diligently managing acid reflux and attending regular check-ups, a patient proactively reduced the risk of esophageal stricture and enjoyed a healthier, more comfortable life.
• By practicing mindful chewing and careful eating habits, a family felt empowered to significantly reduce the risk of a foreign object becoming lodged in their throats, fostering a safer and more enjoyable mealtime experience.

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. Jan Hirschfield:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform important 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. Hirschfield will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring. This approach is designed to prevent flare-ups and improve overall quality of life.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only cause issues if they block the flow of bile, leading to pain. Dr. Hirschfield can help diagnose this issue.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much more comfortable than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing for early detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

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. Jan Hirschfield for a thorough evaluation.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

111M Vamc 10000 Bay Pnes Blvd
St Petersburg FL 33744
Phone: (727) 398-6661

Dr. Jan Hirschfield, 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): 1346326261

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. Jan Hirschfield 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.