Dr. Mark Stark, MD

Dr. Mark Stark, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is 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). 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 patients should call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Stark's interests include Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Capsule endoscopy, Double-balloon enteroscopy, and Spiral tube enteroscopy. With over 30 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 Washington University, College Of Dental Medicine in 1990, and 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. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and focused on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Mark Stark provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Heartburn: Heartburn, that burning sensation in your chest, can be a sign of GERD and if left unmanaged, could lead to more serious esophageal problems, so it's important to address it early.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection and management of intestinal diverticulosis are key to preventing painful complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient fiber intake, can significantly reduce your risk.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Early detection of upper digestive tract cancers through endoscopy and other screenings allows for prompt treatment, minimizing the likelihood of complications and improving the chances of successful outcomes.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Intestinal diverticulitis is a painful condition where pouches in your intestines become inflamed, and preventing it often involves maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated to promote healthy bowel movements.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that can form in your esophagus, and while often harmless, early detection through regular checkups helps prevent complications like infection or difficulty swallowing.
• Small Intestine Cancer: Managing risk factors like certain genetic predispositions or inflammatory bowel disease can help lower your chance of developing small intestine cancer.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments and quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful esophageal ulcers.
• Pyloric Stenosis: While often diagnosed in newborns, understanding the risk factors for pyloric stenosis can help ensure early intervention and minimize the need for extensive surgical treatment.
• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Stomach and Small Intestine Cancer: Early detection of stomach and small intestine cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and chances of survival, highlighting the importance of preventive screenings.
• 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.
• Esophageal Varices: Protecting your liver health through a healthy lifestyle and regular medical monitoring helps prevent the development of cirrhosis, a major cause of esophageal varices, thus safeguarding your digestive system.

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

• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: For proactive colorectal cancer prevention, a colonoscopy with polypectomy offers a comprehensive screening and removal of polyps, protecting your long-term digestive health.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy: For a thorough assessment of your small intestine's health, choose capsule endoscopy—a less invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy that helps detect conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease at an early stage.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): To maintain your overall health, a PEG tube can be placed to provide essential nutrients directly to your stomach if swallowing is difficult.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.

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 Stark 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 their heartburn triggers and adopting simple lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and avoided potential long-term complications.
• By following a personalized plan focused on dietary fiber and regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intestinal diverticulosis complications, achieving lasting peace of mind.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing that early detection of potential issues significantly reduced their risk of upper digestive tract cancer.

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 Stark:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Stark 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 like 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Stark will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Stark can help you identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only cause issues if they block the flow of bile, leading to pain. Dr. Stark can help diagnose and manage this issue.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Stark for a thorough evaluation.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows for a detailed view of the small intestine's lining.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may signal a problem like GERD. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications. Dr. Mark Stark can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, damages the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Stark is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Mark Stark, 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): 1629067400

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 Stark 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.