Dr. Marina Smetko, DO

Dr. Marina Smetko, DO is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Cape Coral, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, 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 (239) 424-3492 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Marina Smetko, DO is an internist in Cape Coral, FL, affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital. Her approach to patient care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. She is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, demonstrating her expertise in comprehensive internal medicine. Dr. Smetko provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Don't ignore persistent or severe headaches; proactive evaluation can lead to early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are a vital sign of good health. Addressing constipation early can prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential long-term digestive issues.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Managing your risk factors for diverticulitis, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is crucial for preventing disability and maintaining your overall well-being.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain can be an indicator of several conditions, highlighting the need for timely intervention to minimize potential long-term health risks.
• Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramps might indicate nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, making proactive management through lifestyle changes a vital part of preventive health.
• Muscle Spasm: Understanding the causes of muscle spasms, like dehydration or overuse, enables proactive preventive strategies to minimize future occurrences.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: Preventing nighttime leg cramps can be a key step towards improving your sleep hygiene and overall health, enhancing your quality of life.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: By effectively managing tobacco use disorder, you're actively participating in your preventive care, significantly reducing your risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers.
• Urinary Incontinence: Early detection of urinary incontinence allows for prompt treatment, preventing more serious problems such as falls, infections, and reduced social participation.

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. Marina Smetko 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): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Life Coaching: Proactively address life challenges impacting your health through personalized coaching, improving your overall well-being and preventing negative health consequences.
• Travel Vaccination: Avoid travel-related illnesses and potential complications by getting vaccinated before your trip with our comprehensive travel health service.
• Intervention: Proactive interventions, such as regular visits with your internist, enable early detection of chronic conditions, offering you better treatment options and improved outcomes.
• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Take control of your thyroid health with hormone replacement therapy, ensuring your body receives the essential hormones it needs for optimal energy levels and well-being.
• Interpretation of Electrocardiograms: As part of your overall wellness plan, an ECG interpretation provides valuable insights into your heart's health, allowing for early intervention and prevention of cardiovascular events.

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. Marina Smetko 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 addressing persistent headaches with a proactive evaluation plan, a patient found relief from debilitating migraines and regained a sense of well-being.
• By incorporating dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, a patient experienced more regular bowel movements, reducing discomfort and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of digestive health and peace of mind.
• By focusing on a high-fiber diet and staying well-hydrated, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for intestinal diverticulitis, gaining valuable peace of mind about their digestive health.

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. Marina Smetko:

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

An internist, like Dr. Smetko, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating the diverse medical conditions common in adults.

How does Dr. Marina Smetko manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Smetko's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's needs. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), as well as lifestyle recommendations. We partner with you to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

During your Welcome to Medicare or annual wellness visit, we'll work together to create a personalized prevention plan. This includes reviewing your medications, assessing your health risks, and coordinating your care for optimal effectiveness. It's a vital visit for proactive health management.

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

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

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Smetko will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to reach a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

Does Dr. Marina Smetko provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Smetko coordinates care with a dedicated hospitalist team to ensure seamless transitions upon admission and discharge. This collaborative approach guarantees continuity of care throughout your hospital stay.

650 Del Prado Blvd S Ste 106
Cape Coral FL 33990
Phone: (239) 424-3492

Dr. Marina Smetko, 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): 1952899197

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. Marina Smetko 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.