Dr. Michele Carter, MD

Dr. Michele Carter, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with each patient to create personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of their entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep them feeling their best for years to come. 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 388-8868 to schedule.

Dr. Michele Carter, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 1991 and is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Carter earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in 1991 and is accepting new patients. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Early detection of intestinal diverticulitis symptoms, like abdominal pain and fever, is crucial for preventing serious complications and getting prompt treatment that can prevent future flare-ups.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: While not cancerous, a benign neoplasm in your digestive tract can sometimes interfere with normal function; early detection enables appropriate treatment to minimize disruption.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively, including lifestyle changes and potentially medical interventions, prevents severe discomfort and potential complications such as blood clots or infections.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis through regular blood tests and screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.
• Vomiting Disorders: Identifying the cause of your vomiting is crucial for preventing recurrent episodes and protecting the health of your entire digestive system.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding, even if minor, needs prompt attention as early detection can prevent serious complications like anemia and shock.
• Colorectal Polyp: Early detection of colorectal polyps through colonoscopies allows for their removal before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis is long-term inflammation of your stomach lining, and catching it early through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like ulcers or stomach cancer.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Protecting your esophagus from ulcers starts with understanding and managing conditions like GERD, as untreated acid reflux is a major cause of esophageal ulcers.
• Esophagitis: By adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing esophagitis and related complications.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis can be a warning sign of other underlying issues. Preventive measures include healthy eating and prompt medical attention to ensure early diagnosis and prevent chronic inflammation.

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

• 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.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• 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.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.

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. Michele Carter 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 recognizing and addressing early signs of abdominal discomfort, a patient proactively managed potential intestinal diverticulitis, reducing the risk of future complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By adhering to a personalized screening plan, a patient detected a benign neoplasm early, enabling timely intervention and minimizing potential digestive issues. This proactive approach ensured a positive outcome and restored peace of mind.
• By focusing on dietary changes and increasing fiber intake, a patient significantly reduced their hemorrhoid risk, enjoying a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Michele Carter:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Carter is a gastroenterologist, a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Michele Carter 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 through a long-term approach. Advanced therapies manage inflammation, while nutritional guidance and regular monitoring prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice, persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Carter for a thorough evaluation.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive system.

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 changes. However, managing it is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

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 detect and remove these polyps, preventing the possibility of cancer developing.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, as it's a serious condition requiring medical diagnosis. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Carter is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

1536 N Jefferson St
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 388-8868

Dr. Michele Carter, 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): 1063416824

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. Michele Carter 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.