Dr. Mark Brantly, MD

Dr. Mark Brantly, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at UF Health Pulmonary - Medical Specialties - Medical Plaza in Gainesville, FL. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care, Dr. Brantly is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Dr. Brantly is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 273-8740 to schedule.

With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, Dr. Brantly brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1979. He brings over 35 years of experience in medicine to his role as a professor of medicine and the vice chair of research in the University of Florida Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine. He is also a research professor for the UF Alpha-1 Research Program. His goal is to provide the best care for his patients, including those with serious respiratory disorders and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. He completed an internal medicine residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School, followed by a pulmonary disease and critical care fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland. Dr. Mark Brantly provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Asthma: Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial for preventing severe asthma episodes. Through proactive monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan, you can keep your asthma under control.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing bronchiectasis effectively through regular checkups and prescribed medications helps prevent further lung damage and reduces the frequency of respiratory infections, improving your quality of life.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): By recognizing the risk factors for COPD, such as long-term exposure to irritants, and taking steps to minimize those risks, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this chronic lung condition.
• Cough: A cough that doesn't go away could be a warning sign of a serious health issue; early diagnosis through medical consultation helps prevent long-term health problems.
• Emphysema: Emphysema, a lung disease causing shortness of breath, is preventable by avoiding smoking and managing existing respiratory conditions to prevent further damage.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Managing hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves promptly recognizing symptoms like cough and shortness of breath and taking steps to reduce exposure to the offending allergens to slow disease progression.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia is a serious condition that can be prevented through early diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, along with healthy lifestyle choices.
• Severe Asthma: Severe asthma significantly impacts your quality of life; however, through proactive management strategies including medication and lifestyle changes, you can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve your lung health.
• Shortness of Breath: Managing shortness of breath effectively, through lifestyle changes and medical interventions, is key to improving your quality of life and preventing future respiratory problems.
• Wheezing: Wheezing is a symptom that shouldn't be dismissed; proactive management can help prevent serious lung complications and improve your quality of life.

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. Mark Brantly 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 breathing problems.
• Thoracoscopic Procedure: For a proactive approach to lung health, a thoracoscopic procedure provides a precise way to diagnose and manage various conditions affecting your lungs and chest.
• Breath Testing: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; a breath test offers a proactive approach to lung health, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious illnesses.
• Bronchial Thermoplasty: For individuals with persistent, severe asthma despite medication, bronchial thermoplasty offers a potential solution to better control their symptoms.
• Decortication and Pleurectomy: This surgical procedure, decortication and pleurectomy, helps restore normal lung function by removing scar tissue that restricts breathing in conditions like empyema and trapped lung.
• Thoracoscopic Pneumonectomy: As a proactive step in lung cancer care, thoracoscopic pneumonectomy is a less invasive surgical option to remove cancerous lung tissue, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic (VATS) Lobectomy: A minimally invasive surgery, VATS lobectomy, allows for the early detection and removal of cancerous lung tissue, helping prevent the spread of lung cancer.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Mark Brantly 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 attending regular check-ups and adjusting their treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their asthma, reducing the frequency and severity of episodes and enjoying a more active lifestyle.
• By adhering to a proactive treatment plan, including regular checkups and prescribed medications, a patient significantly reduced the frequency of respiratory infections, leading to improved lung health and a better 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. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Pulmonary care with Dr. Mark Brantly:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in conditions such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often based on age and smoking history. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Brantly to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a small, quiet machine to deliver a gentle stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open during sleep. This therapy prevents dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improves sleep quality.

What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a series of breathing tests that measure lung function, similar to an EKG for your lungs. Dr. Brantly uses PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

No, a small lung nodule on a CT scan does not necessarily mean cancer. The vast majority are benign, often old scars. Dr. Brantly is experienced in evaluating lung nodules and will determine the best course of action, which often involves careful monitoring.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, different from regular high blood pressure. It's a complex condition requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment from a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

What is a sleep study (polysomnography)?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. It's an overnight test performed in a comfortable lab setting, monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels to assess sleep quality and identify breathing problems.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically has reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

UF Health Pulmonary - Medical Specialties - Medical Plaza
1549 Gale Lemerand Dr
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-8740

Dr. Mark Brantly, 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): 1619918646

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Mark Brantly 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.