Dr. Mary Sessums, MD

Dr. Mary Sessums, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a key partner in preventive health, recognizing that internists are your primary partners in lifelong health. This partnership involves creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida. Please call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mary Sessums, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. As a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journey. Her approach emphasizes proactive strategies for optimal well-being, and she prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and circumstances to create a personalized plan for long-term health success. While Dr. Mary Sessums provides consultations primarily in English, she is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all her patients.

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

• Heart Disease: Comprehensive preventive care, including regular screenings and healthy habits, is essential for protecting your heart and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Back Pain: Preventing back pain from interfering with your daily life starts with proactive care, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking professional help when needed.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation, if left unaddressed, can lead to more serious health problems like hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, highlighting the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
• Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? Don't ignore it – proactive monitoring and medical attention can help identify and manage potential heart or lung problems before they worsen.
• Muscle Cramping: Regular check-ups with your internist allow for early detection of conditions that cause muscle cramping, enabling timely treatment and preventing long-term health issues.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Early detection of herpes simplex infection can prevent serious complications like eye infections or encephalitis, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups with your internist.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting or straining, empowers you to take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing them and maintain healthy bowel habits.
• Fibromyalgia: Regular check-ups with your internist to discuss symptoms like widespread pain and fatigue are vital for early identification of fibromyalgia, allowing for timely treatment and complication prevention.
• Mild Asthma: Managing your mild asthma effectively through preventive measures, such as medication and avoiding triggers, significantly reduces your chances of developing more severe respiratory issues.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent them from spreading to your kidneys, causing more severe health issues.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Managing STDs promptly through testing and treatment avoids the spread of infection and helps safeguard the health of you and your partners.
• Low Back Pain: Early detection of low back pain allows for timely intervention, preventing chronic pain and disability.

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. Mary Sessums 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): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Skin Testing: This skin test helps identify potential allergies that could trigger reactions and impact your health, allowing for proactive management and avoidance of triggers.
• Rapid Flu Test: A rapid flu test is a quick way to find out if you have the flu, allowing for early treatment and preventing serious complications.
• Hepatitis A Screening: Early detection of hepatitis A is key to effective treatment. A screening test is a vital step in safeguarding your liver's long-term health.
• Medical Marijuana: To optimize your health, let's talk about your use of medical marijuana, explore potential risks, and work together to develop a safe and effective healthcare plan.

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. Mary Sessums 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 consistently following a preventive heart health plan, including regular screenings and a balanced diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of heart disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain and improved their overall mobility, allowing them to enjoy their daily activities without limitations.
• By implementing a personalized dietary plan and regular exercise routine, a patient experienced significant improvement in their bowel regularity, reducing the risk of future complications and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

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. Mary Sessums:

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

An internist, like Dr. Sessums, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions adults can face.

How does Dr. Mary Sessums manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Sessums excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Sessums and her team take a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We encourage open communication and proactive lifestyle choices for optimal well-being.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Sessums plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, coordinating overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Sessums manages other health aspects affected by these conditions, such as heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Sessums 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.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Sessums can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent it from progressing.

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

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for potential health risks, and ensuring all your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Sessums will order the test and take the time to explain your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride results, and how they relate to your personal risk.

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

Dr. Mary Sessums, 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): 1235593096

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. Mary Sessums 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.