Dr. Michael Dougherty, MD

Dr. Michael Dougherty, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Merritt Island, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he's committed to being your primary partner in lifelong health. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 637-3002 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Dougherty, MD is a family medicine physician in Merritt Island, FL, affiliated with Rockledge Regional Medical Center and Cape Canaveral Hospital. He is accepting new patients. He earned his medical degree from American University Of The Caribbean School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. As a proud member of the Optum family of primary care doctors, specialists, and care teams, he's focused on providing comprehensive care for people ages 65+ and helping you achieve your personal health goals. We focus on your total well-being while helping you to prevent health problems and get support to manage any chronic conditions you may have. Dr. Dougherty provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acute Bronchitis: Regular checkups with your family doctor can help you identify and manage risk factors for acute bronchitis, improving your overall respiratory health and preventing severe symptoms.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Understanding your own body's signals and seeking medical attention when experiencing symptoms can help prevent an acute upper respiratory infection from worsening and leading to more serious health issues.
• Joint Pain: Addressing joint pain promptly can help prevent the progression to chronic conditions, improving your overall quality of life and reducing the need for extensive treatment.
• Muscle Spasm: Catching muscle spasms early can help prevent them from becoming chronic problems, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes.
• Nail Infection: Regular self-examination of your nails and prompt medical attention for any signs of infection will help prevent long-term damage and discomfort.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively, whether through dietary changes or medication, prevents dehydration and discomfort, supporting your overall well-being.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Sebaceous cysts are small, fluid-filled bumps under the skin that, while usually harmless, benefit from early detection to prevent potential infections or cosmetic concerns.
• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; addressing this issue early through preventive measures and regular check-ups with your doctor can significantly improve bladder control.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Early detection of a UTI is crucial for preventing serious health issues and ensuring timely treatment to minimize discomfort and potential long-term problems.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Early detection of vitamin B deficiency, often through simple blood tests, allows for timely intervention and prevents long-term health problems.

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. Michael Dougherty 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): As part of your comprehensive health plan, an arterial blood gas test can help diagnose and monitor lung diseases, metabolic disorders, and other health conditions requiring timely intervention.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Take a proactive step towards heart health with an EKG; this quick test screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart rhythm issues that may need attention.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Early detection saves lives: the fecal occult blood test is a non-invasive screening tool that can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Schedule your immunization appointments to prevent contracting vaccine-preventable diseases and maintain peak physical condition.
• Springs for Braces: Addressing misaligned teeth early with braces springs can reduce the need for more extensive and costly orthodontic procedures down the line.
• Foot and Ankle Dislocation Treatment, Closed: Taking proactive steps to treat foot and ankle dislocations helps maintain your overall mobility and quality of life by restoring proper joint function.
• Labiaplasty: This procedure focuses on reshaping the labia, leading to improved comfort, self-esteem, and potentially addressing functional concerns.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Michael Dougherty is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 attending regular checkups and discussing potential risk factors, a family proactively managed their respiratory health, reducing the likelihood of experiencing acute bronchitis symptoms. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthier respiratory system for the entire family.
• By recognizing early symptoms and following a proactive plan, a family successfully managed an acute upper respiratory infection, preventing it from escalating into a more serious illness. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed the family to maintain their daily routines.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Michael Dougherty:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

A family physician, like Dr. Dougherty, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages. They are trained to treat a wide range of conditions and focus on preventative care, coordinating all aspects of a patient's health needs, including those of the whole family.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Dougherty is a great opportunity to partner with him on your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Dougherty when you're healthy provides a crucial baseline for your health history. This allows for faster, more personalized care if you become ill and ensures you stay on track with preventive care to maintain good health. It's a long-term investment in your well-being.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Dougherty's practice provides comprehensive women's health services, including routine exams like Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This makes it a convenient option for women seeking primary and gynecologic care in one location.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Dougherty's office will ensure you are up-to-date with the latest recommendations.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Dougherty works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This plan includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life, fostering a long-term partnership.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Dougherty will create a personalized screening schedule, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Dougherty's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. We discuss prostate cancer screening options (PSA testing) based on current guidelines and manage other men's health concerns, including erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

2404 N Courtenay Pkwy # D
Merritt Island FL 32953
Phone: (321) 637-3002

Dr. Michael Dougherty, 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): 1245735133

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Michael Dougherty 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.