Dr. Jerry Martel, MD

Dr. Jerry Martel, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Gastro Health in Miami, 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). 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 (305) 596-9966 to schedule.

Dr. Jerry Martel, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe Clinical Campus Hospital Universitario Ramon Ruiz Arnau in 2003, is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Martel's approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and supportive, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders affect how your esophagus moves food, and catching them early through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like difficulty swallowing or nutritional deficiencies.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively, including lifestyle changes and potentially medical interventions, prevents severe discomfort and potential complications such as blood clots or infections.
• Rectal Prolapse: By focusing on preventive measures like a high-fiber diet and regular exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor, you can lower your risk of experiencing a rectal prolapse.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis, inflammation of your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing this often manageable condition.
• Mesenteric Panniculitis: Understanding your family history and undergoing appropriate screening can help identify and manage potential risk factors for mesenteric panniculitis, emphasizing the role of preventive healthcare in protecting your digestive health.
• Hemochromatosis: Preventing serious health problems associated with hemochromatosis, like liver damage and diabetes, starts with regular checkups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Managing IBD effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent debilitating symptoms and potential complications like colon cancer, underscoring the importance of proactive care.
• Stomach Stenosis: Early diagnosis and treatment of stomach problems can prevent the development of stomach stenosis and its debilitating consequences, highlighting the importance of proactive healthcare.
• Gastroptosis: While gastroptosis isn't always problematic, recognizing symptoms early and discussing them with your doctor can help prevent potential digestive discomfort and ensure timely management.
• 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.
• Gallstones: Early detection of gallstones is crucial as they can lead to severe pain and even require surgery; proactive lifestyle choices can significantly minimize your risk.
• Gastric Ulcer: Protecting your stomach health involves early detection of gastric ulcers, which can be achieved through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.

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

• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, this procedure uses a scope to remove gallstones, reducing the risk of future bile duct problems.
• 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.
• Esophageal Stenting: Esophageal stenting is a procedure that can help keep your esophagus open, preventing serious complications from blockages and improving your ability to swallow.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): To maintain your overall health, a PEG tube can be placed to provide essential nutrients directly to your stomach if swallowing is difficult.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Esophagoscopy: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, consider an esophagoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that screens for potential esophageal problems and allows 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. Jerry Martel 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 attending regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed their esophageal motility disorder, avoiding future complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By adopting a proactive approach to managing potential hemorrhoids, a patient found relief from discomfort and significantly reduced their risk of complications, leading to increased quality of life.
• By incorporating a high-fiber diet and regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rectal prolapse, achieving greater comfort and 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. Jerry Martel:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Martel can help diagnose this issue.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

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

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 that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without 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 or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life long-term.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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 it effectively is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Gastro Health
8950 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 596-9966

Dr. Jerry Martel, 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): 1477755668

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. Jerry Martel 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.