Dr. Joshua Stern, MD

Dr. Joshua Stern, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Boynton Beach, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He understands that 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. Please call (561) 738-5772 to schedule.

Dr. Joshua Stern, MD is a gastroenterologist in Boynton Beach, FL, with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease, Esophageal Disorders, and Gastrointestinal Disorders. He is affiliated with Bethesda Hospital East and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Stern earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College Of Medicine, followed by an internship at Mount Sinai Hospital. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training at the University Of Pennsylvania In Philadelphia, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stern provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Protecting yourself from infectious diarrhea through preventive measures like vaccination and safe food preparation protects your entire digestive system from potential damage and disruption.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis can be slowed or prevented by reducing alcohol consumption and making healthy lifestyle choices, promoting overall digestive well-being.
• Malnutrition: Early detection of malnutrition can prevent serious complications like weakened immunity and digestive issues, ensuring better long-term health.
• Chronic Gastritis: Regular health screenings and awareness of chronic gastritis risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of developing severe stomach problems down the line.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis can sometimes cause discomfort; proactive lifestyle choices focusing on good posture and core strength can help mitigate risk and prevent future issues.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Preventing the development of biliary cirrhosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing conditions that can damage the bile ducts, allowing you to take control of your liver health and avoid liver failure.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Intestinal malabsorption of carbohydrates means your body isn't properly absorbing sugars from food, which can lead to long-term health problems if left unmanaged, so early detection is crucial.
• 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.
• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• Ascites: Ascites, or fluid buildup in your abdomen, can be a serious sign of underlying liver disease, so regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.

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. Joshua Stern 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 safe food handling and staying informed about vaccination recommendations, a family significantly reduced their risk of experiencing infectious diarrheal disease, promoting digestive health and overall well-being.
• By understanding and addressing potential dysphagia risks, a patient proactively implemented dietary modifications and speech therapy, significantly reducing their risk of aspiration and maintaining their overall digestive health. This proactive approach provided them with peace of mind and confidence in their ability to manage their condition.
• By scheduling regular blood tests and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to catch viral hepatitis early, significantly reducing their risk of developing serious liver complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their health.

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. Joshua Stern:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Stern 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Stern 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 or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. Our goal is a long-term, collaborative relationship focused on optimal health outcomes.

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

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 such as cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive tract.

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 thoroughly evaluate and remove any polyps that may be present.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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. Stern can help diagnose this issue.

7270 Boynton Beach Blvd
Boynton Beach FL 33437
Phone: (561) 738-5772

Dr. Joshua Stern, 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): 1326100686

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. Joshua Stern 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.