Dr. Mark Ford, DO

Dr. Mark Ford, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Plant City, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 754-3504 to schedule.

Dr. Mark Ford, DO is a family medicine physician in Plant City, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Midwestern University in 1994 and is Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He is affiliated with South Florida Baptist Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Ford provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hernia: A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious complications.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing osteoarthritis effectively involves a combination of strategies including physical therapy and medication to prevent disability and maintain a good quality of life, making it crucial to seek medical attention if you have symptoms.
• Muscle Spasm: Managing muscle spasms effectively through preventive care, including physical therapy and ergonomic adjustments, helps maintain overall mobility and quality of life.
• Bronchiectasis: Regular preventative health visits are crucial for early detection of bronchiectasis, allowing for timely treatment and slowing the progression of this chronic lung disease.
• Sinus Bradycardia: Managing sinus bradycardia through regular checkups and lifestyle adjustments can help prevent fainting spells, dizziness, and other potential health issues.
• Hypoglycemia: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are essential for preventing hypoglycemia, particularly if you have diabetes or are at risk.
• Osteopenia: Low bone density, or osteopenia, increases the chances of breaking bones; preventive measures like weight-bearing exercise and calcium-rich foods are crucial to maintain bone health.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis, a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, can be better managed with early diagnosis and lifestyle changes, preventing serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Atherosclerosis: Preventing atherosclerosis starts with making healthy lifestyle choices, as it's a condition where fatty deposits clog your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Wheezing: To prevent potentially serious respiratory diseases, be aware of the warning signs, including wheezing, and seek prompt medical advice. Early detection is key to managing respiratory conditions effectively.
• Overactive Bladder: Regular check-ups with your doctor and open communication about bladder health are key to preventing and managing overactive bladder, preserving your urinary health for the long term.
• Bronchitis: Managing bronchitis effectively through rest, hydration, and medication as prescribed by your doctor helps reduce the duration of illness and prevents potential secondary infections.

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

• Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is a simple, early way to confirm pregnancy and allows for timely access to prenatal care.
• Skin Screenings: A simple skin screening can be a life-saver, allowing for the early identification and treatment of skin abnormalities.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Proactively assess your risk of breast cancer through genetic testing; understanding your genetic predisposition empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – a fecal occult blood test allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): Protecting your future health starts with proactive steps, like a prostate exam, which can identify potential prostate issues.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Invest in your health with a chest pain evaluation, an important tool for early detection and effective management of any underlying cardiovascular or respiratory issues.
• Lyme Disease Evaluation: Ensure your health by scheduling a Lyme disease evaluation; this assessment helps identify this tick-borne illness early, maximizing your chances of a full recovery.
• Syphilis Screening: Ensure your overall health by including syphilis screening in your preventive care plan. This simple test helps diagnose a potentially serious infection before symptoms even appear.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: A cardiac ultrasound is a valuable tool for proactive heart health management, offering a visual assessment of your heart to aid in early detection of diseases and improve your overall wellbeing.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Protecting your urinary system starts with a bacteriuria screening—a proactive step to identify and treat any hidden bacterial infections.
• HIV Screening: Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting an HIV screening; early detection is key to preventing the spread of HIV and managing the condition effectively.
• Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening helps detect bacterial imbalances in the vagina, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential 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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Mark Ford is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 checkups and proactively discussing potential risk factors, a family gained valuable insights into preventing hernia complications, fostering peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By following a personalized exercise plan and medication regimen, a patient significantly reduced their risk of osteoarthritis progression, maintaining a pain-free lifestyle and enjoying their active hobbies.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Mark Ford:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Ford and our team are family physicians, primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for all ages. We focus on preventive health, treating the whole person, and coordinating all aspects of your family's care. We're here to help manage your health needs from infancy to senior years.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Ford is a crucial opportunity to partner with him on your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion of personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Mark Ford is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're well provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your history and can offer personalized care if needed. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Ford and our team can treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, Dr. Ford and our team are happy to see you for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care physician for these acute illnesses is ideal because we know your health history. We can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Mark Ford and our team provide comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care conveniently in one location.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Ford's practice provides comprehensive men's health services, including prostate cancer screening. He discusses the pros and cons of PSA testing based on current guidelines and manages other men's health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Dr. Ford's office performs many common skin procedures, such as removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses. This allows you to get these issues addressed conveniently by your primary care physician.

507 W Alexander St
Plant City FL 33563
Phone: (813) 754-3504

Dr. Mark Ford, 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): 1649232349

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Mark Ford 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.