Dr. John Whittaker, MD

Dr. John Whittaker, MD is a Urology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Urologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your urologist is your primary partner in preventing urinary and male reproductive health problems, crafting personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and ensuring your overall wellness. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 398-8294 to schedule.

Dr. John Whittaker, MD is a urologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati / Main Campus in 1969 and is affiliated with UF Health Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Urologic 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 Cincinnati, Main Campus in 1969 and is Board Certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. John Whittaker provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Overactive Bladder: Overactive bladder (OAB) means you need to urinate frequently and urgently, but catching it early through regular checkups can help prevent more serious problems down the line.
• Chronic Kidney Diseases: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that can be prevented or slowed with early detection and careful management of risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Bladder Cancer: Protecting your bladder health involves understanding your risk for bladder cancer and participating in recommended screenings to ensure early detection and better outcomes.
• Urge Incontinence: Urge incontinence is more manageable with early diagnosis and treatment; taking preventive measures can improve bladder control and overall well-being.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Taking proactive steps to manage an enlarged prostate, like lifestyle changes and medication, helps prevent more serious issues down the line.
• Prostate Carcinoma: Early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and chances of survival, emphasizing the value of preventive screenings and check-ups.
• Testicular Cancer: Regular testicular self-exams are crucial for early detection of testicular cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes and chances of survival.
• Hydrocele: Although many hydroceles are benign, regular check-ups with your doctor enable early diagnosis and help rule out more serious conditions, supporting your long-term reproductive health.
• Vesicoureteral Reflux: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, increasing your risk of UTIs and kidney damage—early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Chronic Cystitis: Preventing recurrent bladder infections, a hallmark of chronic cystitis, requires proactive steps like practicing good hygiene and recognizing early symptoms to minimize long-term bladder damage.
• Prostate Cancer: Early detection of prostate cancer through screenings significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and a better prognosis.
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a serious condition requiring proactive management to minimize long-term impact on urinary health and overall well-being. Early detection is key.

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

• Augmentation Cystoplasty: To proactively address bladder issues and improve bladder function, augmentation cystoplasty may be considered; it involves enlarging the bladder to reduce pressure and improve bladder emptying.
• Bladder Function Test: Take charge of your bladder health: a bladder function test is a simple procedure that can detect and help prevent urinary tract problems.
• Bladder Scan: A bladder scan is a proactive step toward better urinary health, providing valuable information about your bladder's ability to empty completely and preventing future complications.
• Complex Penile Surgery: Complex penile surgery offers a chance to treat severe conditions, improving quality of life and potentially preventing complications like infections or sexual dysfunction.
• Destruction of Penile Lesion: Taking proactive steps to remove penile lesions can help prevent complications and ensure the long-term health of your reproductive system.
• Prostate Biopsy: A prostate biopsy is a procedure that helps detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Protecting your future: a prostate cancer screening helps find early signs of cancer, leading to more successful treatment.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): Take charge of your prostate health with a DRE; this simple exam can identify potential problems early on, potentially saving your life.
• Urethral Dilation: To proactively address urinary problems, urethral dilation can help identify and treat blockages, improving your overall urinary health and comfort.
• Uroflowmetry: Early detection of urinary tract issues is key, and a quick uroflowmetry test can provide valuable insights to help you manage your bladder and prostate health.

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 Urology in Florida.

Dr. John Whittaker 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their overactive bladder symptoms, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling daily routine.
• By proactively managing blood pressure and blood sugar, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic kidney disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of bladder cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health future.

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 Urologic care with Dr. John Whittaker:

What is a Urologist?

Dr. Whittaker and our team of urologists are surgical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women, and the reproductive system in men. We manage a wide range of issues, from kidney stones and urinary tract infections to cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidneys.

At what age should men start discussing prostate cancer screening?

Discussions about prostate cancer screening, including the PSA blood test, typically begin around age 50 for average-risk men. For higher-risk men, such as African American men or those with a family history, this conversation should ideally start earlier, around age 40-45. We encourage a shared decision-making process with Dr. Whittaker to determine the best screening plan for you.

I have been diagnosed with a kidney stone. Will I need surgery?

Most small kidney stones can be passed with increased fluid intake and pain management. For larger stones or those causing significant issues, Dr. Whittaker can use minimally invasive procedures like shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy to break up or remove the stone.

What are the most common signs of bladder cancer?

The most common and earliest sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can be visible or microscopic. Other less common symptoms include frequent urination or pain during urination. Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for prevention.

What is the most common sign of testicular cancer?

The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Monthly self-exams are crucial for early detection, as early diagnosis is key to the very high cure rate for this cancer.

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a common diagnostic procedure where our urologist uses a thin tube with a camera (cystoscope) to look directly inside your bladder and urethra. This allows us to check for issues such as bladder tumors, stones, or sources of bleeding. It's a quick, routine office procedure.

What is robotic surgery, and what are its benefits?

Robotic surgery, like the da Vinci® system, is a minimally invasive technique. A surgeon uses a console to control robotic arms with tiny instruments, leading to smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

I am a woman experiencing urinary leakage. Should I see a Urologist?

Yes, a urologist can help. Urologists are experts in both the male and female urinary tracts. Dr. Whittaker specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of female urinary incontinence, offering solutions from pelvic floor therapy to minimally invasive procedures.

1536 N Jefferson St
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 398-8294

Dr. John Whittaker, 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): 1457492209

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. Urology like Dr. John Whittaker 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 urology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.