Dr. Michael Sookra, MD

Dr. Michael Sookra, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Dr. Sookra serves adults (18 years and older) and welcomes inquiries about his availability to accept new patients. Please call (239) 343-3396 to confirm.

Dr. Michael Sookra, MD is an internist in Fort Myers, FL, affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Naples Community Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the field. His practice is centered on the prevention of illness through comprehensive health management, recognizing the critical role of proactive care in achieving optimal well-being. Dr. Sookra is dedicated to providing high-quality care and creating a supportive relationship with each patient. While he primarily provides consultations in English, he strives to ensure all patients feel heard and understood.

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

• Adult Failure to Thrive: Preventing further health problems starts with recognizing the signs of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT), which includes unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and decreased physical activity, making regular wellness visits crucial.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis emphasizes the significance of regular health monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate risk factors and prevent this potentially fatal condition.
• Joint Pain: Don't ignore persistent joint pain; it could indicate arthritis or other conditions that benefit from early intervention, preserving joint health and preventing worsening symptoms.
• Arrhythmias: Protecting your heart health includes being aware of arrhythmias. Through proactive monitoring and management, you can significantly lower your risk of future heart complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Knowing the symptoms of an acute upper respiratory infection allows for early treatment, reducing the severity of the illness and preventing missed work or school, a key aspect of preventive wellness.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath shouldn't be dismissed; it could signal a heart, lung, or other serious condition, emphasizing the need for regular preventive care to manage and mitigate risk.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Preventing asphyxia and hypoxemia involves proactive health measures like smoking cessation and managing chronic lung conditions to avoid breathing difficulties and oxygen deprivation.
• 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.
• Limb Pain: Limb pain, if persistent, could signal an underlying health issue, making early evaluation crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Quitting tobacco products is a key step in preventive care, reducing your risk of numerous health problems and improving your long-term health outlook.
• Venous Compression: Early identification and treatment of venous compression minimizes the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition affecting your blood vessels.
• Dyslipidemia: Managing dyslipidemia through lifestyle changes and/or medication helps reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions in the future, thereby improving your long-term health.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent serious infections, sometimes a simple procedure to drain an abscess or fluid collection is necessary – a key part of your overall health plan.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• 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: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): To ensure optimal brain health, an EEG helps screen for various neurological conditions, leading to early diagnosis and treatment, improving your overall quality of life.
• Electrophysiological Study: As part of your comprehensive heart health plan, an electrophysiological study helps detect abnormal heart rhythms and contributes to early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like atrial fibrillation.

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. Michael Sookra 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:

• Recognizing unexplained fatigue and weight loss early, a patient developed a proactive health plan, significantly reducing the risk of further health issues associated with Adult Failure to Thrive. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their well-being.
• By closely following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of rhabdomyolysis, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By understanding the early warning signs of potential joint issues and making lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their joint pain and enjoyed greater mobility and independence.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Michael Sookra:

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

An internist, like Dr. Sookra, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the diverse health issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Michael Sookra manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Sookra's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based strategy, 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 work together to create a plan that supports healthy lifestyle choices and early detection of potential problems.

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

Dr. Sookra's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure goal, often achieved through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and medication when needed. This multi-faceted strategy ensures the best possible health outcome.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

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, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this group. These vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of complications from these infections.

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. Sookra will order the test and thoroughly explain the results, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, to help you understand your personal risk.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Sookra carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most effective and simplest treatment plan possible.

9981 S Healthpark Dr
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 343-3396

Dr. Michael Sookra, 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): 1407202534

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. Michael Sookra 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.