Dr. Kendra Harmon, MD

Dr. Kendra Harmon, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She is registered with 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. She is currently welcoming new patients (18 years and older) to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 332-3893 to schedule.

Dr. Kendra Harmon, MD is an internist in Gainesville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Ohio State University, College Of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she is affiliated with Northern Navajo Medical Center. Dr. Harmon believes in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis effectively can prevent long-term complications like anemia or malnutrition, safeguarding your overall well-being.
• Gastritis: Protecting your stomach lining through healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and stress management can help prevent gastritis and its complications.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation, if left unaddressed, can lead to more serious health problems like hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, highlighting the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Muscle Spasm: Muscle spasms might signal an underlying health issue, so recognizing and addressing them is crucial for overall preventive healthcare.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive blood pressure monitoring to catch it early and reduce long-term health risks.
• Cachexia: Cachexia, characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, can significantly impact your quality of life; proactive lifestyle changes and medical care are essential in mitigating its effects.
• Dehydration: Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet crucial step in preventing many health problems, as dehydration can worsen existing conditions and trigger new ones.
• Muscle Cramping: Understanding the causes of your muscle cramps is key to preventive health; early intervention can prevent debilitating complications and improve your overall well-being.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Don't ignore persistent or severe headaches; proactive evaluation can lead to early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Don't underestimate the significance of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT); addressing the underlying causes through regular health assessments and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your health and independence.
• Chest Pain: Experiencing chest pain? Don't delay – proactive checkups and understanding your risk factors can help prevent future heart problems and improve your long-term health.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Early diagnosis and treatment of acute lower respiratory infections are key to preventing hospitalizations and ensuring a quick recovery.

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. Kendra Harmon 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): 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.
• 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.
• Cognitive Assessment: Protecting your brain health starts with a cognitive assessment; it's a proactive step to detect potential issues early and maintain your mental sharpness.
• Myelography: A myelogram is a special X-ray that uses a contrast dye to create detailed images of your spinal cord and nerves, helping your doctor identify potential problems early on.
• ICD Monitoring: Proactive ICD monitoring ensures your implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is functioning correctly, safeguarding your heart and reducing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Thermotherapy: To improve your quality of life, consider thermotherapy; it's a non-invasive treatment that can reduce pain and improve mobility for various conditions.
• Central Line Insertion: By inserting a central line, healthcare providers ensure timely and efficient delivery of life-sustaining treatments, which is vital for managing complex conditions and preventing life-threatening complications.

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. Kendra Harmon 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 following a personalized plan for managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, a patient avoided potential long-term health issues, leading to improved overall well-being and a more optimistic outlook on their health.
• By adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and incorporating stress-reducing techniques, a patient significantly lowered their risk of gastritis, ensuring a healthier future.
• By implementing a proactive dietary plan and regular exercise routine, a patient significantly reduced their instances of constipation, achieving improved digestive health and overall well-being. This preventive approach allowed them to enjoy a more comfortable and active 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. Kendra Harmon:

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

An internist, like Dr. Harmon, 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. Kendra Harmon manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Harmon's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. 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 partner with patients to proactively minimize health risks and encourage well-being.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Harmon and our team carefully review all medications (polypharmacy management) to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simple treatment plan possible.

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

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Harmon will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

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

Dr. Harmon acts as a central coordinator, managing overall health aspects affected by autoimmune diseases. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, she manages other health concerns like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, providing holistic care.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Harmon's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a multi-faceted approach, beginning with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

1510 NW 107th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 332-3893

Dr. Kendra Harmon, 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): 1043261563

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. Kendra Harmon 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.