Dr. Mark Friedman, MD

Dr. Mark Friedman, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at Moffitt Cancer Center, Magnolia Campus in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 566-0338 to schedule.

Dr. Friedman earned his MD degree at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and completed an Internal Medicine Residency at George Washington University Medical Center, followed by a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Albany Medical College. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2005, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in 2008, further specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages through a fellowship at Albany Medical College. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Friedman's clinical interests include colorectal cancer screening, genetic colorectal cancer syndromes, and surveillance of pre-malignant intestinal conditions. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Lifestyle modifications that focus on avoiding activities that increase pressure in the esophagus, like forceful vomiting, are key preventative measures against the development of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, illustrating the power of proactive lifestyle choices.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Diarrhea: Addressing diarrhea promptly can help prevent the spread of infection to others, promoting overall community health and well-being.
• Duodenal Cancer: Managing risk factors like chronic inflammation and infection helps prevent duodenal cancer and other serious digestive conditions, emphasizing the significance of proactive healthcare.
• Ascites: Early detection of ascites is vital because it can indicate serious health problems like liver failure; regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve your outcomes.
• Hemochromatosis: Preventing serious health problems associated with hemochromatosis, like liver damage and diabetes, starts with regular checkups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding esophageal motility disorders, which can disrupt food passage; proactive lifestyle choices and early detection help avoid long-term issues.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Early detection of alcoholic cirrhosis is crucial for preventing irreversible liver damage; regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you drink heavily, are vital.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful esophageal ulcers.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that can often be prevented by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and managing underlying conditions like viral hepatitis.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Regular checkups and proactive lifestyle choices, such as managing stress and avoiding NSAIDs, are crucial for preventing duodenal ulcers and maintaining digestive health.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.

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

• Anoscopy: As part of your routine healthcare, an anoscopy offers a direct visual assessment of your anal canal and rectum, facilitating the early detection and management of any concerning changes.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.

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. Mark Friedman 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 understanding the triggers and making conscious lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Mallory-Weiss syndrome, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding the early warning signs of gastroparesis and following a personalized plan, a patient was able to proactively manage their condition and prevent severe complications, leading to a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding and addressing potential triggers, a family successfully reduced the frequency and severity of diarrheal episodes, allowing them to enjoy their daily activities without worry.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Mark Friedman:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Friedman 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. They are experts in preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for digestive health.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Friedman will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

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. Dr. Friedman can help diagnose this issue.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies control inflammation, while nutritional guidance and regular monitoring prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life, fostering a long-term, positive outcome.

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.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern, but modern solutions are significantly more comfortable than in the past. A thorough prep is essential for a complete and accurate examination, helping us find and remove polyps early. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

Moffitt Cancer Center, Magnolia Campus
12902 Usf Magnolia Dr
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 566-0338

Dr. Mark Friedman, 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): 1538346705

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. Mark Friedman 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.