Dr. Michael Wallace, MD

Dr. Michael Wallace, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Jacksonville, 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 (904) 914-8182 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Wallace, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL, with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida and Baptist Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Wallace earned his medical degree from Duke University School Of Medicine and completed an internship at Brigham And Womens Hospital, gaining crucial foundational clinical experience. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Brigham And Women'S Hospital|Medical University Of South Carolina, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Wallace is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Wallace provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a serious condition that develops when excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver, but by limiting alcohol intake, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your liver health.
• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Liver disease from alcohol is preventable! Moderating your alcohol consumption, combined with regular health monitoring, can significantly reduce your risk and safeguard your digestive system.
• Diarrhea: Regular bowel movements are generally healthy, but frequent or watery stools (diarrhea) may signal a problem; early detection through medical evaluation prevents long-term digestive damage.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: FAP causes numerous polyps to form in the colon and rectum, greatly raising your cancer risk; managing this condition through frequent screenings and surgeries can dramatically reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer.
• Mesenteric Panniculitis: Though the exact cause isn't known, managing underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, both risk factors for mesenteric panniculitis, can be key in preventing its development or reducing its severity.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Early detection of a pancreatic pseudocyst, often through regular check-ups if you have risk factors, is crucial for managing potential complications like infection or rupture.
• Esophageal Varices: Regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have a history of liver disease, are crucial for early detection of esophageal varices, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.
• Gallstones: Gallstones, small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, can be prevented through maintaining a healthy weight and diet, reducing your risk of developing serious complications later.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue, so addressing it early through preventative check-ups helps avoid more serious 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.
• Gastritis: Protecting your stomach health through a balanced diet and lifestyle helps prevent gastritis and reduces your risk of developing more severe digestive issues later on.

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

• 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.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: Protecting your digestive system starts with early detection. EUS uses ultrasound waves to visualize your digestive tract's inner lining and nearby organs, assisting in the early diagnosis of cancers and other diseases.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Taking proactive steps with gastroenterology procedures can help prevent serious digestive issues by identifying and addressing problems like colon cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease before they worsen.
• 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Biliary Drainage: Protecting your liver and preventing complications from bile duct issues begins with understanding and monitoring your biliary drainage.
• 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.

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 Wallace 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 the risks and making conscious choices about alcohol consumption, a patient significantly reduced their risk of alcoholic fatty liver disease, gaining peace of mind about their liver health.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively managing their bile duct health, a patient felt empowered to prevent cholangitis, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.
• By understanding their risk factors and making informed choices about alcohol consumption, a patient significantly lowered their chances of developing liver disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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 Wallace:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Wallace and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and performing 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. Wallace will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 disease or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve overall well-being.

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

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

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.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle modifications. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 914-8182

Dr. Michael Wallace, 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): 1942299821

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 Wallace 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.