Dr. Kathleen Wilson, MD

Dr. Kathleen Wilson, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Bonita Springs, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves all ages, and while she is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (239) 495-0439 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Kathleen Wilson, MD is a gastroenterologist in Bonita Springs, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Charles A. Cannon, JR. Memorial Hospital. She earned her medical degree from University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She believes in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Wilson's commitment to this patient-centered approach, combined with her extensive training and experience, makes her a valuable resource for comprehensive digestive health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD's persistent acid reflux can lead to serious complications if left untreated; preventive measures are key to maintaining a healthy esophagus and stomach.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• Diarrhea: Addressing diarrhea promptly can help prevent the spread of infection to others, promoting overall community health and well-being.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers can cause significant discomfort and even lead to bleeding or infections. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain medications can significantly decrease your risk.
• Gastritis: Addressing risk factors like H. pylori infection and long-term NSAID use can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastritis and maintain your overall digestive well-being.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Early diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is crucial for preventing long-term damage to your intestines and improving your overall quality of life with timely medical intervention.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Understanding your risk factors for IBD and seeking medical advice promptly is key to preventing severe flare-ups and related health issues.
• Congenital Achalasia: Because congenital achalasia is a birth defect impacting food passage to the stomach, regular check-ups can lead to timely intervention, avoiding difficulties in eating and potentially serious health problems.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, while not caused by infection, can still severely impact your digestive system; proactive lifestyle choices and regular checkups can minimize your risk and manage symptoms effectively.
• Sarcoidosis: Managing sarcoidosis effectively, especially if it involves the liver or digestive tract, helps protect against further complications and maintain overall digestive health.
• Dysphagia: Preventing serious complications from dysphagia begins with recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly. This proactive approach protects the health of your entire digestive system.

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

• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal 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 Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Kathleen Wilson 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 adopting a proactive dietary approach and lifestyle changes, a patient effectively managed their GERD symptoms, enjoying a more comfortable and healthy daily life. This proactive approach reduced the risk of future complications, promoting peace of mind and improved overall well-being.
• By attending regular check-ups and discussing concerns with their healthcare provider, a patient identified and addressed a potential issue, preventing the worsening of abdominal pain and promoting overall well-being.
• By understanding the triggers and practicing good hygiene, a family successfully minimized instances of diarrhea, creating a healthier and more comfortable home environment.

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. Kathleen Wilson:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Wilson 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. She is also an expert 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. Wilson will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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, as it involves an immune response. A proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without the same physical damage.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Wilson can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

24600 S Tamiami Trl Ste 212
Bonita Springs FL 34134
Phone: (239) 495-0439

Dr. Kathleen Wilson, 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): 1316993272

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. Kathleen Wilson 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.