Dr. Maged Ghali, MD

Dr. Maged Ghali, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 633-0797 to schedule.

Dr. Ghali, a University of Florida professor of medicine and board-certified gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist at UF Health Jacksonville, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care. He earned his medical degree from McGill University School of Medicine in 2004, and completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at McGill University Health Center-Royal Victoria Hospital. Further fellowship training in transplant hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, further solidified his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Transplant Hepatology by the same board. Dr. Ghali's compassionate care philosophy, combined with his extensive training and experience, ensures patients receive the highest quality, evidence-based, and proactive gastrointestinal care. He is also chief of the UF Division of Gastroenterology in Jacksonville, and program director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship training program. Dr. Maged Ghali offers consultations in Arabic.

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

• Rectal Prolapse: By focusing on preventive measures like a high-fiber diet and regular exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor, you can lower your risk of experiencing a rectal prolapse.
• Hepatitis C: Early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C are crucial preventive measures to protect your liver from cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other severe health problems.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Mallory-Weiss syndrome, a tear in the lining of your esophagus, is often preventable by managing conditions like chronic vomiting or forceful coughing, highlighting the importance of proactive health strategies.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Don't ignore the signs of non-neonatal jaundice – a yellowing of your skin and eyes – as it can indicate a range of conditions that need medical attention for prevention of further health issues.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Regular check-ups and paying attention to symptoms like persistent heartburn can help detect reflux esophagitis early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the line.
• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and understanding its risk factors and seeking early treatment can prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Rectal Ulcer: A rectal ulcer is a sore in the rectum that, if left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection, highlighting the importance of regular colorectal screenings for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition that significantly increases your risk of colorectal cancer, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation can strain your digestive system, so early detection and management are crucial for long-term gut health.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a sign of underlying problems. Seeking prompt medical attention helps manage conditions effectively and improve your overall digestive health.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Understanding cyclical vomiting and its triggers allows for proactive management, reducing the frequency and severity of episodes and improving overall well-being.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm are conditions where your esophagus doesn't relax properly, making it hard to swallow; early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like malnutrition and esophageal damage.

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

• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
• 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.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future 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 Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Maged Ghali 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 implementing a proactive high-fiber diet and strengthening pelvic floor muscles, a patient successfully reduced their risk of rectal prolapse, gaining confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By diligently following the proactive screening plan, a patient achieved early detection of Hepatitis C, significantly reducing their risk of long-term liver complications and ensuring peace of mind.
• By addressing underlying conditions like chronic acid reflux, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a Mallory-Weiss tear, fostering a sense of proactive health management.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Maged Ghali:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing 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. Ghali will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Ghali can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows us to identify potential issues and guide further treatment.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Maged Ghali can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

580 W 8th St # 5
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 633-0797

Dr. Maged Ghali, 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): 1629404181

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. Maged Ghali 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.