Dr. Joyce Paulson, MD

Dr. Joyce Paulson, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at UCF Health in Orlando, FL. She is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 266-3627 to schedule.

Dr. Paulson, board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, brings over 10 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care to her practice. She earned her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School Of Medicine in 2010 and completed her residency training at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia. Further specializing in obesity care and management, Dr. Paulson also holds the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) diplomate credential. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and possesses a strong commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Paulson's expertise is complemented by her diverse background, including experiences in research and quality improvement projects. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Preventing COPD often means avoiding risk factors like smoking and air pollution, protecting your lungs for a healthier future.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Managing diabetes effectively is key to safeguarding kidney health; timely intervention through your internist helps avoid serious kidney complications and improves your quality of life.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis is a manageable condition when caught early; proactive care, such as managing allergies, can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent long-term health problems.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe health problems; regular monitoring and appropriate lifestyle adjustments can mitigate this risk.
• Heart Palpitations: Managing heart palpitations effectively through proactive healthcare and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent potential heart-related health crises down the line.
• Dizziness: Don't ignore dizziness; it might be a symptom of a condition that can be effectively managed with early intervention and regular monitoring by your doctor.
• Rash: Regular skin checks as part of your preventive care routine can help identify rashes early, allowing for timely treatment and potentially avoiding long-term health problems.
• Fever: Understanding the causes of fever and seeking appropriate medical care when needed is a key aspect of preventive care and managing health risks.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Managing STDs promptly through testing and treatment avoids the spread of infection and helps safeguard the health of you and your partners.
• Muscle Cramping: Regular check-ups with your internist allow for early detection of conditions that cause muscle cramping, enabling timely treatment and preventing long-term health issues.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Consistent preventive healthcare, including regular screenings and discussions about your bowel health, is essential for early identification and management of intestinal diverticulitis.
• Gastritis: Managing underlying conditions like H. pylori infection or excessive alcohol use is crucial in preventing gastritis and reducing the risk of future health problems.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a fecal occult blood test helps screen for colorectal cancer, significantly improving the odds of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Immunization Administration: Protecting yourself and your community starts with getting vaccinated; it's a simple step towards better overall health.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: Proactively seeking an independent forensic evaluation can help document your injuries and their impact on your health, leading to better outcomes in legal matters.
• Supportive Counseling: As part of your comprehensive care, supportive counseling helps identify and address emotional factors that may influence chronic conditions.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Joyce Paulson 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By understanding COPD risk factors and adopting a proactive lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing the disease, gaining confidence in their lung health.
• By closely following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their diabetes, significantly reducing the risk of kidney complications and maintaining a positive outlook on their health. This proactive approach ensured a higher quality of life and peace of mind.
• Recognizing the early symptoms of chronic sinusitis and working with a physician on an individualized plan for managing allergies, a patient experienced a significant reduction in sinus pain and discomfort, allowing them to maintain a vibrant lifestyle.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Joyce Paulson:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Paulson, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Joyce Paulson manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Paulson excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Paulson's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Paulson can help you understand lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, to prevent further liver damage.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Paulson plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Paulson manages other health aspects, including heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are particularly important. These vaccines can significantly reduce your risk of complications.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Paulson will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Paulson excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

UCF Health
9975 Tavistock Lakes Blvd Ste 360
Orlando FL 32827
Phone: (407) 266-3627

Dr. Joyce Paulson, 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): 1780843508

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Joyce Paulson 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.