Dr. Michael Zelig, MD

Dr. Michael Zelig, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at our Pensacola, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and has over 35 years of experience in the field. His commitment to preventive health is paramount; 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 (850) 474-8428 to schedule.

Dr. Zelig's extensive background in gastroenterology underscores his commitment to patient well-being. He earned his medical degree from State University Of New York Upstate Medical University Norton College Of Medicine in 1988 and completed internships and residencies at Montefiore Medical Center. Further specializing in Gastroenterology, he pursued fellowship training at Lahey Clinic/New England Deaconess Hospital. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Zelig's personal experience with Crohn's disease and peptic ulcer disease provides a unique perspective and empathy for his patients' experiences. He understands the importance of listening to and acknowledging patient concerns, and his approach is tailored to address each individual's unique needs. Dr. Zelig provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption can be a hidden health concern; proactive health screenings and lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, can help you detect it early and prevent serious future problems.
• Rectal Prolapse: Managing conditions that increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this issue.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a sign of underlying problems. Seeking prompt medical attention helps manage conditions effectively and improve your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• Bowel Strangulation: Early detection of conditions that can lead to bowel strangulation, such as hernias, is crucial for preventing serious health risks.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• 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.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Protecting your digestive system from intestinal obstruction involves promptly addressing symptoms like persistent constipation and abdominal pain, ensuring early intervention and preventing severe health consequences.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Regular checkups and responsible alcohol use are crucial for preventing liver damage and ensuring the long-term health of your entire digestive tract.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Protecting your gut health involves understanding intestinal ulcers: early detection through regular check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and improve treatment outcomes.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Understanding your family history and personal risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding is crucial for proactive management and reducing your chances of experiencing it.

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

• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube is a proactive measure to ensure you receive adequate nutrition if you're unable to eat normally.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: This procedure involves a thorough examination of your colon to identify and remove any abnormal growths (polyps), significantly lowering your chances of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Colonoscopy: A therapeutic colonoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to both screen for and remove precancerous polyps in your colon, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Prevent serious complications from constipation by proactively addressing fecal impaction.

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 Zelig 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 prioritizing regular health screenings and adopting a balanced diet, a patient proactively identified potential gastrointestinal malabsorption, reducing their risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By addressing underlying conditions like chronic diarrhea, a patient significantly reduced their risk of rectal prolapse, gaining confidence in their digestive health and overall well-being.
• By addressing anal or rectal pain promptly, a patient avoided potential complications and maintained a healthy digestive system, leading to improved overall well-being.

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 Zelig:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. Patients simply swallow a small pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through their digestive tract.

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.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are alternative screening options, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result on these tests still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps, preventing the development of cancer.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Zelig 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.

8333 N Davis Hwy
Pensacola FL 32514
Phone: (850) 474-8428

Dr. Michael Zelig, 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): 1578561197

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 Zelig 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.