Dr. Matthew Smith, DO

Dr. Matthew Smith, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his Wellington, FL clinic. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. 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 (561) 798-6356 to schedule.

Dr. Matthew Smith, DO is a gastroenterologist in Wellington, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a dedicated history to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1983, followed by an internship at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (1984). Furthering his expertise, he completed residency training in Gastroenterology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (1986) and pursued fellowship training in University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine (1988), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by both the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Smith is affiliated with HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments and provides consultations primarily in English.

Our commitment is to ensure the South Florida Community receives the ultimate access to a broad range of high-quality gastroenterology services including diagnostics and treatments. Dr. Smith's extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to preventative care, makes him an invaluable partner in your health journey. He is a recognized expert in Esophageal Disorders, and his comprehensive approach to gastroenterology ensures personalized care for each patient. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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

• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Infectious diarrhea, often caused by contaminated food or water, can be prevented through careful hygiene practices and safe food handling, protecting you from dehydration and serious complications.
• Viral Hepatitis: Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles significantly reduces your risk of contracting viral hepatitis, safeguarding your digestive system's overall health.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: By understanding your risk factors and seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms, you can manage esophageal motility disorders and prevent their progression into more challenging health issues.
• Rectal Ulcer: Rectal ulcers can be a sign of an underlying issue, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to identify and manage the root cause and prevent further damage to the rectal lining.
• Malnutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy digestive system. Managing malnutrition effectively prevents further complications and improves overall wellness.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis, inflammation of your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing this often manageable condition.
• Nausea: Preventative strategies for digestive health include recognizing that recurrent nausea can signal a serious condition and seeking timely medical evaluation.
• Duodenal Ulcer: A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the upper part of your small intestine, and understanding its risk factors, like H. pylori infection, can help prevent its development and serious complications.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may help reduce your risk of developing gallstones, a common cause of bile duct obstruction, and keep your digestive system functioning properly.
• Abdominal Disorders: Protecting your digestive system through regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help detect abdominal disorders early, preventing serious complications.
• 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.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the stomach's pyloric valve, can be identified early through regular checkups, preventing serious feeding difficulties and dehydration in infants.

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

• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a preventative measure to screen for various conditions affecting the anus and rectum, allowing for timely interventions to improve your overall digestive health.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Investing in gastroenterology procedures ensures a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, helping detect issues early and facilitating effective treatment strategies to maintain long-term wellness.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• 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: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.

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. Matthew Smith 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 diligently practicing safe food handling techniques and prioritizing hand hygiene, a family significantly reduced their risk of experiencing infectious diarrheal illness, promoting peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.
• By practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles, a patient significantly reduced their risk of viral hepatitis, fostering peace of mind about their digestive system's health.
• By understanding their esophageal motility risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention, a patient proactively managed their condition, preventing potential future complications and enjoying 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. 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. Matthew Smith:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Smith and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat conditions affecting these organs and perform 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. Matthew Smith will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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.

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. Matthew Smith for a thorough evaluation.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) warrant a consultation with Dr. Smith. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Smith can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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 are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. This long-term approach fosters a strong patient-physician relationship.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening. These tests can detect potential issues, but if positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to fully evaluate and remove any polyps.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Smith can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

1447 Medical Park Blvd Ste 205
Wellington FL 33414
Phone: (561) 798-6356

Dr. Matthew Smith, 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): 1952320897

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. Matthew Smith 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.