Dr. Lorena Sousa, MD

Dr. Lorena Sousa, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at HCA Florida Treasure Coast Medical Specialists - Primary Care in Okeechobee, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a dedicated partner in preventive health, Dr. Sousa is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. 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 (863) 467-2159 to schedule.

Dr. Sousa completed her residency in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at ECU Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina, following medical school at Universidad Central del Este in the Dominican Republic. With over 5 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este in 2016. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at ECU Brody School Of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). Dr. Sousa is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. She provides primary care to patients of all ages, including newborns. Dr. Sousa believes in having a patient-centered practice and hopes to build lasting relationships with her patients and their families. She is passionate about preventative medicine, advance care planning and empowering patients with shared medical decision making. Dr. Lorena Sousa is fluent in Portuguese and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good bladder habits are key preventive measures to minimize your risk of UTIs.
• Pharyngitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor allow for early identification of pharyngitis, enabling swift treatment and minimizing long-term effects.
• Muscle Spasm: Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor about muscle spasms are key to preventing potential complications and maintaining your well-being.
• 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.
• Strep Throat: Early detection of strep throat is crucial for preventing complications like rheumatic fever and kidney disease, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Urinary Incontinence: Preventing urinary incontinence involves identifying and addressing underlying conditions and risk factors, ultimately helping you maintain independence and improve your well-being.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Preventing intestinal diverticulitis involves maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber to support regular bowel movements and reduce pressure on the intestinal walls.
• Limb Pain: Managing limb pain effectively is part of comprehensive preventive care, helping to avoid disability and maintain mobility.
• Leukocytopenia: Early diagnosis of leukocytopenia through regular blood tests is vital, as it allows for prompt management of the underlying cause, thereby minimizing the risk of severe infections and other health issues.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so addressing it early helps prevent more serious complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Knowing the symptoms of an acute upper respiratory infection allows for early treatment, reducing the severity of the illness and preventing missed work or school, a key aspect of preventive wellness.

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. Lorena Sousa 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: This procedure helps identify and treat infections swiftly, reducing potential long-term health risks associated with untreated abscesses and fluid collections.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Secure your peace of mind by creating an advance directive, which outlines your healthcare wishes at the end of life.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable 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: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.

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. Lorena Sousa 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 bladder health best practices and adopting a proactive approach to hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of urinary tract infections, gaining confidence in their overall well-being.
• Regular check-ups allowed for early identification of pharyngitis, enabling swift treatment and minimizing potential discomfort. The patient felt empowered by the proactive approach to their health.
• By attending regular checkups and discussing muscle spasms openly with their physician, a patient proactively managed their symptoms, reducing the risk of future complications and enjoying a more comfortable 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. Lorena Sousa:

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

An internist, like Dr. Sousa, 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. Lorena Sousa manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Sousa 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. Sousa'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.

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 (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important to protect against complications.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Sousa will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lungs, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Sousa can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver damage.

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.

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

Dr. Sousa carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simple treatment plan.

HCA Florida Treasure Coast Medical Specialists - Primary Care
1812 US Highway 441 N Ste 210
Okeechobee FL 34972
Phone: (863) 467-2159

Dr. Lorena Sousa, 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): 1679000756

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. Lorena Sousa 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.