Dr. Michael Sternthal, MD

Dr. Michael Sternthal, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Coral Springs, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Please call (954) 724-8004 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Sternthal, MD is a gastroenterologist in Coral Springs, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Sternthal has extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Pancreatic Disease, and more. He earned his medical degree from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 1992, completed an internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in 1993, and subsequently completed residency training in Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1995, followed by fellowship training in the same institution in 1997. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Broward Health Coral Springs. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. 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. Dedicated to excellence in gastroenterology care, we are sure you’ll find that our Digestive CARE physicians are among the very best in Florida. Dr. Sternthal offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Esophageal Cancer: Preventing esophageal cancer starts with understanding your risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, and taking steps to reduce them.
• Enteritis: Early detection of enteritis through recognizing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain allows for prompt treatment, preventing severe dehydration and complications.
• Bowel Strangulation: Understanding your individual risk factors for bowel strangulation and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is essential for maintaining digestive health.
• Ascites: Early detection of ascites is vital because it can indicate serious health problems like liver failure; regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve your outcomes.
• Duodenitis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding duodenitis: early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Managing risk factors like difficulty swallowing or certain medical conditions can help prevent the formation of an esophageal diverticulum, a pouch that can develop in your food pipe.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition early on can help your body better absorb nutrients, reducing your risk of digestive problems and boosting your immune response.
• Viral Hepatitis: Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles significantly reduces your risk of contracting viral hepatitis, safeguarding your digestive system's overall health.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Understanding and addressing risk factors such as bulimia or chronic alcoholism can significantly reduce your chances of developing Mallory-Weiss syndrome, demonstrating the critical role of preventive healthcare in digestive health.
• Vomiting Disorders: Persistent vomiting might signal an underlying digestive issue; early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent long-term complications.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system from duodenal ulcers involves recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely treatment to avoid potential bleeding or perforation.

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

• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with capsule endoscopy, a painless procedure that allows doctors to visualize your small intestine and detect abnormalities early.
• ERCP With Spincterotomy: To maintain the health of your entire digestive system, ERCP with sphincterotomy is a procedure that can address blockages in your bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, reducing your risk of serious complications.
• 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.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: Transendoscopic stent placement is a procedure that proactively opens up blocked areas in your digestive system, improving the flow of food and preventing complications.

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. Michael Sternthal 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 understanding their risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing esophageal cancer, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health.
• Recognizing early symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, a patient proactively sought gastroenterological guidance, effectively managing enteritis and preventing severe dehydration. This proactive approach ensured a swift recovery and minimized the risk of further complications.
• Recognizing their family history, a patient proactively explored preventative measures with a gastroenterologist, significantly reducing their risk of bowel strangulation and gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.

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. Michael Sternthal:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is expertly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform preventive screenings, such as 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Sternthal will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Sternthal can help you identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy to fully evaluate the findings and remove any polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, requiring a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet. A gastroenterologist can accurately assess your specific situation and ensure the best possible care.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues such as heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can, over time, develop into cancer, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

3001 Coral Hills Dr Ste 250
Coral Springs FL 33065
Phone: (954) 724-8004

Dr. Michael Sternthal, 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): 1992781876

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. Michael Sternthal 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.