Dr. Lawrence Shefter, DO

Dr. Lawrence Shefter, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing the overall wellness journey for all ages, from newborns to seniors. He recognizes that your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, and he's dedicated to this partnership, ensuring that patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (561) 622-0920 to confirm if Dr. Shefter is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lawrence Shefter, DO is a family medicine physician in Palm Beach Gardens, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth in 1969. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Shefter's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing exceptional care and preventive strategies tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Shefter provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Crystalline Arthritis: Managing conditions like gout, a form of crystalline arthritis, through proper diet and medication as advised by your physician is essential for preventing painful flares and long-term joint problems.
• High Triglycerides: High triglyceride levels often indicate an underlying health issue, making regular blood tests and preventive strategies essential to maintain heart health.
• Bursitis: Protecting your joints from overuse and injury is crucial in preventing bursitis; incorporating regular, low-impact exercise and stretching into your routine can significantly reduce your risk.
• Colorectal Cancer: Regular colorectal cancer screenings are crucial for early detection, allowing for timely treatment and a significantly improved chance of survival.
• Cardiomyopathy: Understanding your risk factors for cardiomyopathy—such as family history, high cholesterol, and obesity—is key to proactive prevention, enabling you to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle and reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Ingrown Nail: Addressing an ingrown toenail promptly can help prevent secondary infections and the need for more invasive procedures, highlighting the importance of timely self-care and medical attention.
• Wound and-or Ulcer Foot: Preventing foot wounds and ulcers starts with regular foot checks, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation, to catch problems early and avoid serious 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. Lawrence Shefter offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bladder Function Test: Take a proactive step towards better urinary health with a bladder function test; it can detect issues like incontinence or bladder weakness before they significantly impact your life.
• Wrinkle Reduction by Injection: Proactively maintain a younger-looking appearance and minimize the effects of aging with safe and effective wrinkle reduction injections.
• Abscess Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of an abscess, using incision and drainage, avoids prolonged discomfort and potential scarring.
• Fat Reduction Procedure: Improve your well-being and reduce health risks by discussing medically-supervised fat reduction options with your family doctor as part of your preventive care plan.
• Pediatric EKG (Electrocardiogram, ECG): Protecting your child's heart health starts with a pediatric EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregularities and prevents serious issues later on.
• Lactation Consultation: Proactively address breastfeeding challenges and optimize milk production through a consultation with a lactation expert.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Proactively manage your pain and improve your quality of life with expert guidance from a physical therapist.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Lawrence Shefter is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 tailored diet and medication plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of painful crystalline arthritis flares, gaining confidence in managing their health proactively.
• By following a personalized plan that included regular blood tests and dietary changes, a patient successfully maintained healthy triglyceride levels, promoting cardiovascular well-being and peace of mind.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Lawrence Shefter:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Shefter and our team are family physicians, meaning we are primary care doctors who provide comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. We focus on preventive care and treating the whole person, coordinating all aspects of your family's health needs. This includes managing your health and the health of your loved ones from infants to senior adults.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Shefter is a valuable opportunity to partner with him on your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion of personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Shefter, even when you're healthy, is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. This established relationship provides a crucial baseline for your health history, allowing for faster and more personalized care if needed. It also helps ensure you stay on track with preventive care, keeping you healthy.

How do you handle referrals to specialists?

Dr. Shefter acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. When a specialist is needed, he will make the referral and coordinate care with the specialist to ensure a smooth transition and seamless integration of all aspects of your treatment.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Shefter is experienced in providing comprehensive care for children and infants, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members makes care convenient and coordinated.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Shefter works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. It's a partnership focused on long-term health.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Shefter's practice provides comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care in one convenient location.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Shefter and our team are happy to treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include advice on rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

126 Talavera Pl
Palm Beach Gardens FL 33418
Phone: (561) 622-0920

Dr. Lawrence Shefter, DO 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): 1215289442

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Lawrence Shefter 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.