Dr. Malka Scharf, MD

Dr. Malka Scharf, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in West Palm Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with adults (18 years and older) in creating personalized preventive health plans. 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. Please call (561) 627-8637 to confirm if Dr. Scharf is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Malka Scharf, MD is an internist in West Palm Beach, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach emphasizes proactive health management, ensuring patients receive the best possible care tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Scharf is accepting telehealth appointments, and she is committed to providing consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Bronchitis: Understanding risk factors for acute bronchitis, like exposure to respiratory viruses, allows for preventive measures such as vaccination and avoiding sick individuals to safeguard respiratory health.
• Acute Lower Respiratory Infection: Catching a lower respiratory infection early can prevent it from becoming serious and reduce the risk of long-term lung problems.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Catching a common cold early can prevent it from turning into something more serious, like pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Don't ignore persistent or severe headaches; proactive evaluation can lead to early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Long COVID Disorder: Early detection and management of Long COVID can prevent the progression to chronic health issues and improve your long-term well-being.
• Nausea: Understanding the causes of your nausea is crucial for preventive care, as it might indicate a need for adjustments to your diet or medication.
• Pharyngitis: A sore throat, or pharyngitis, can be a sign of infection and early detection helps prevent complications like strep throat or pneumonia.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent them from spreading to your kidneys, causing more severe health issues.

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. Malka Scharf 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): 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injection: As a proactive step in managing your health, ultrasound-guided injections offer a precise way to deliver medication, reducing pain, inflammation, and the need for more invasive procedures.
• Non-Invasive Vascular Testing for Venous Diseases: Protect yourself from the complications of venous disease by scheduling a non-invasive vascular test—a simple screening that can identify potential issues before they become major problems.
• Work Reintegration: Take control of your health and work life balance by working with us to manage your condition and plan for a healthy return to work.
• Impedance Testing: This non-invasive test measures your body's electrical resistance, providing valuable information to your doctor and assisting in the early detection of various health problems impacting your heart and overall well-being.
• Neuroimaging: Neuroimaging helps us take a proactive approach to your health by using advanced imaging techniques to assess the health of your brain and spinal cord, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans.

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. Malka Scharf 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 the risk factors for acute bronchitis, a patient proactively avoided potential illness, maintaining their respiratory health and overall well-being. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.
• By following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a serious lower respiratory infection, gaining peace of mind about their overall lung health.
• By recognizing early symptoms and taking proactive steps, a patient avoided a more serious illness, like pneumonia, and maintained a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and ensured a smoother recovery process.

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. Malka Scharf:

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

An internist, or internal medicine physician like Dr. Scharf, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many health issues adults face.

How does Dr. Malka Scharf manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Scharf'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 work in partnership with you to minimize health risks and improve your overall well-being.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Scharf can help you understand lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver problems.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Scharf 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.

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

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Scharf will order the test and thoroughly explain the results, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, and how they relate to your personal risk.

Does Dr. Malka Scharf provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Scharf and our team work closely with hospitalists to ensure seamless care during hospital stays. We coordinate with the hospitalist team to manage your care upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity of your medical plan.

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

Dr. Scharf plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating your overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specific medications, Dr. Scharf manages the other health aspects that can be impacted, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

4700 N Congress Ave Ste 103
West Palm Beach FL 33407
Phone: (561) 627-8637

Dr. Malka Scharf, 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): 1932130770

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. Malka Scharf 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.