Dr. Johanna Chan, MD

Dr. Johanna Chan, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated 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), she 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. She serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 914-8182 to schedule.

Dr. Johanna Chan, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Baylor College Of Dentistry in 2009 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she partners with patients and their families, fostering a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida, and welcomes new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Chan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Anal Fissure: Chronic anal fissures highlight the importance of paying attention to anorectal health; early intervention through lifestyle changes and medical attention often resolves this painful condition.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac near your pancreas that can develop after injury or inflammation; understanding your risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like ulcers is vital for preventing more serious digestive problems, such as gastrojejunal ulcers, which can cause significant health challenges if ignored.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing gallstones to reduce your risk of this serious condition.
• 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.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Managing primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) effectively, through regular monitoring and treatment, is crucial to prevent further damage to your liver and improve your long-term health.
• Duodenal Cancer: Duodenal cancer, a rare cancer affecting the small intestine, is best prevented through regular health screenings and addressing risk factors like smoking and certain genetic conditions to catch it early.
• Hemochromatosis: Managing hemochromatosis through bloodletting or chelation therapy helps prevent organ damage and other complications, emphasizing the critical role of proactive healthcare and early intervention.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Protecting your digestive system starts with understanding GERD: early detection and management can help avoid long-term health issues.
• Colon Cancer: Protecting your digestive health includes being proactive about colon cancer: regular screenings can catch it in its early, treatable stages, preventing serious complications.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Understanding your family history for FAP is key to proactive healthcare; early detection and management of this inherited condition prevents the development of colorectal cancer and improves your long-term health.
• Esophageal Varices: Preventing esophageal varices involves managing underlying liver conditions like cirrhosis, as these swollen veins in your esophagus can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.

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

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Prevent serious complications from constipation by proactively addressing fecal impaction.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.

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. Johanna Chan 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 addressing dietary changes and incorporating regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of chronic anal fissure, gaining back comfort and control over their daily life.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively seeking expert guidance, a patient was able to develop a personalized plan to prevent a pancreatic pseudocyst, ensuring peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By addressing underlying digestive issues proactively, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a gastrojejunal ulcer, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their 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. She 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. Johanna Chan:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Chan 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 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Chan will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Chan 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. Chan can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to further evaluate and remove any suspicious growths.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It's easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 914-8182

Dr. Johanna Chan, 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): 1679716096

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. Johanna Chan 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.