Dr. Maria Lopez Gonzalez, MD

Dr. Maria Lopez Gonzalez, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with you to maintain optimal digestive health. 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. She serves all ages and is dedicated to a collaborative approach to care, ensuring that you are an active participant in your health journey.

Dr. Maria Lopez Gonzalez, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL. She is affiliated with Nicklaus Children's Hospital. She is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Her practice prioritizes preventive care, and she is committed to educating and supporting you on proactive strategies for maintaining a healthy digestive system. To confirm if Dr. Maria Gonzalez is currently accepting new patients, please call (305) 669-5873. Dr. Maria Gonzalez provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Addressing congenital anomalies in the intestine early reduces potential for surgeries and lifelong digestive difficulties, promoting overall wellness.
• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Understanding your risk factors for IBD and seeking medical advice promptly is key to preventing severe flare-ups and related health issues.
• Gallbladder Cancer: Preventive care for gallbladder cancer focuses on risk reduction strategies, early diagnosis through screening, and prompt treatment of related conditions like gallstones to prevent cancer development and its potentially severe complications.
• Radiation Proctitis: Protecting your rectal health before and during radiation treatment is crucial; proactive measures can help reduce your chances of developing radiation proctitis.
• Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Complications: Understanding the potential complications of laparoscopic gallbladder removal helps us focus on preventive measures, like early diagnosis of gallstones, to minimize the need for surgery and its associated risks.
• Enterocutaneous Fistula: Early diagnosis and treatment of an enterocutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection between your intestine and skin, are essential for preventing prolonged illness, malnutrition, and surgical interventions.

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

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Jejunostomy Tube Placement: If your digestive system is unable to function normally, a jejunostomy tube placement is a proactive measure to provide essential nutrients, promoting better health and preventing complications.
• Detailed Stool Analysis: A detailed stool analysis is a proactive step to check for hidden digestive issues, helping detect problems early before they become serious.
• Liver Procedure: Through various methods, a liver procedure can assess your liver's function and structure, enabling targeted care to prevent future health problems.
• Diet Counseling: Proactively improve your digestion and reduce your risk of digestive disorders like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gut issues through tailored diet guidance.

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. Maria Gonzalez 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 proactively addressing potential intestinal issues during routine checkups, a family gained peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to minimize future complications and promote long-term digestive health.
• By following a personalized plan for dietary changes and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of constipation, enjoying a healthier and more comfortable digestive routine. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a positive outlook on their overall well-being.
• By understanding their risk factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and following a proactive health plan, a patient experienced fewer flare-ups and improved quality of life.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Maria Gonzalez:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Gonzalez is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. She is also an expert in preventive screenings such as 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. Gonzalez will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We work with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a long-term partnership. Advanced therapies control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, as it requires a specific diagnosis by a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet. A proper diagnosis is essential for effective management.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Maria Gonzalez can help diagnose this issue.

3100 SW 62nd Ave
Miami FL 33155
Phone: (305) 669-5873

Dr. Maria Lopez Gonzalez, 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): 1427541754

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. Maria Gonzalez 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.