Dr. Mary Thomas, MD

Dr. Mary Thomas, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Lake City, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands that internists are your primary partners in lifelong health. She creates comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinates essential screenings, and manages complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. Please call (386) 755-3016 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mary Thomas, MD is an internist in Lake City, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Gandhiji University / Kottayam Medical College in 1987 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a strong commitment to her patients and their families. Dr. Thomas is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and is dedicated to providing high-quality, preventative care. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Shingles: Shingles prevention involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like vaccination to avoid this uncomfortable and potentially debilitating condition.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Preventive strategies, including identifying and avoiding allergens and irritants, are key to controlling eczema and contact dermatitis and preventing chronic skin problems.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing osteoarthritis effectively through regular checkups and adherence to your treatment plan is essential to prevent joint damage and maintain mobility.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Managing your risk factors for diverticulitis, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Tonsillitis: Recognizing the symptoms of tonsillitis allows for prompt medical attention, minimizing the risk of spreading the infection and reducing the severity of symptoms.
• Gastritis: Protecting your stomach lining through healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and stress management can help prevent gastritis and its complications.
• Difficulty With Walking: Maintaining your ability to walk is important for your overall health. Preventive care helps identify and address issues that can lead to walking difficulties, preserving your quality of life.
• Acute Bronchitis: Proper management of acute bronchitis symptoms, including sufficient rest and hydration, helps prevent complications and contributes to overall respiratory well-being, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventive interventions.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Preventing serious health issues starts with noticing swollen limbs – a sign of fluid overload – and seeking medical advice for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety proactively through preventive strategies like therapy or lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing other health problems.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may signal a more serious health problem, so early detection through regular medical evaluations is crucial.
• Iron Metabolism Disorders: Understanding your individual risk factors and working with your doctor to manage your iron levels is a vital aspect of comprehensive preventive healthcare.

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 Thomas 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 electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that checks your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, helping detect potential heart problems early.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Radio Surgery: To maintain your well-being, radio surgery offers a precise way to remove tumors, reducing the need for extensive surgical procedures and improving your recovery time.
• Thrombolysis: By receiving timely thrombolysis treatment, you can significantly reduce the risk of lasting damage from a blood clot that restricts blood flow to your vital organs.

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 Thomas 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 understanding her risk factors and getting vaccinated, a patient proactively reduced her chances of developing shingles, gaining peace of mind about her health.
• By identifying and avoiding common allergens, a patient significantly reduced eczema flare-ups, improving their daily comfort and quality of life.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing osteoarthritis, maintaining their active lifestyle and enjoying greater joint health.

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 Thomas:

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

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

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

Dr. Thomas excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on improving your overall quality of life.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Thomas's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. Key screenings, such as for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are incorporated into a comprehensive plan tailored to each individual's needs and risk factors. This collaborative process empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health.

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

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

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Thomas's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted approach that starts with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adds medication when needed to achieve that target.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are crucial for protecting this population. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these diseases.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Thomas excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

619 S Marion Ave
Lake City FL 32025
Phone: (386) 755-3016

Dr. Mary Thomas, 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): 1386756781

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 Thomas 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.