Dr. Kathleen Grizzard, MD

Dr. Kathleen Grizzard, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at Whitaker, Weintraub & Grizzard in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Dr. Grizzard serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 946-0128 to schedule.

Dr. Kathleen Grizzard, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1976 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Grizzard is affiliated with HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Grizzard provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Managing menopausal and postmenopausal disorders through preventive care, such as regular checkups and lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious health problems later in life.
• Osteoarthritis: Protecting your joints from the wear and tear of osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; proactive healthcare and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce its impact and prevent associated health issues.
• Venous Insufficiency: Early detection of venous insufficiency is crucial for preventing complications like leg ulcers and blood clots; regular checkups with your internist help identify and manage this condition effectively.
• Overweight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses; it's a vital aspect of preventive care.
• Nausea: Nausea can sometimes signal a serious medical condition; proactive management and prompt medical attention can prevent long-term health issues.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Early detection of blood clot risk factors, such as prolonged immobility or genetic predisposition, is vital to implementing preventative measures and minimizing the chance of developing a venous embolism or thrombosis.
• Diverticulitis: Managing diverticulitis effectively through lifestyle changes and medication, under the guidance of your doctor, helps prevent recurring infections and potential hospitalizations.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Early diagnosis and treatment of acute lower respiratory infections are key to preventing hospitalizations and ensuring a quick recovery.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can significantly impact your overall health; proactive screening and management are key to maintaining well-being.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Managing COPD effectively involves lifestyle changes and medication to slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Hernia: Preventing a hernia from becoming a serious problem starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms, like a bulge or pain.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Take control of your future by documenting your healthcare preferences and making your end-of-life decisions known.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is a proactive checkup that helps identify potential health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious illnesses.

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. Kathleen Grizzard 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 proactively managing her menopausal symptoms with regular checkups and lifestyle changes, a patient gained valuable insights into preventative care, reducing her risk of future health concerns and fostering peace of mind.
• By understanding her risk factors and maintaining a consistent exercise routine, a patient proactively managed her weight and joint health, reducing the possibility of future osteoarthritis pain and discomfort.
• By proactively discussing lifestyle changes and undergoing regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of urinary incontinence, regaining confidence and a better quality of life.

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. Kathleen Grizzard:

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

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

How does Dr. Kathleen Grizzard manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Grizzard's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle recommendations to promote healthy aging. We work together to minimize health risks and encourage a proactive approach to wellness.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing supplemental oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

How do you help patients with healthy aging and geriatric concerns?

Dr. Grizzard's practice focuses on helping patients maintain their independence and function as they age. Key components include fall risk screening, cognitive health evaluations, and medication reviews to ensure safety and appropriateness for older adults.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Grizzard will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

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

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

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are especially important to protect against complications.

Whitaker, Weintraub & Grizzard
4108 Henderson Blvd
Tampa FL 33629
Phone: (239) 946-0128

Dr. Kathleen Grizzard, 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): 1770593923

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. Kathleen Grizzard 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.