Dr. Michele Lewis, MD

Dr. Michele Lewis, 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 Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she 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. Call (904) 914-8182 to schedule.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Lewis brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her interests include pancreatic and biliary diseases, genetic disorders of the pancreas, and adult cystic fibrosis. She earned her medical degree from Medical University Of South Carolina in 2005 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Lewis's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michele Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Diverticulosis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding diverticulosis: these small pouches in your intestines may not cause issues, but a fiber-rich diet and regular checkups can prevent problems later.
• Bowel Strangulation: Preventing bowel strangulation involves promptly addressing any symptoms of intestinal blockage to avoid severe complications like tissue death.
• Esophagitis: Managing chronic conditions like GERD that may lead to esophagitis is key to preventing long-term damage and maintaining the overall health of your digestive system.
• Rectal Ulcer: Rectal ulcers can be a sign of an underlying issue, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to identify and manage the root cause and prevent further damage to the rectal lining.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Lifestyle modifications that focus on avoiding activities that increase pressure in the esophagus, like forceful vomiting, are key preventative measures against the development of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, illustrating the power of proactive lifestyle choices.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Pancreatic pseudocysts, though not always cancerous, can still cause significant problems if left untreated; preventive care and managing underlying conditions are essential.
• 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.
• Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: Protecting your liver from the damaging effects of alcohol is crucial; early detection of liver problems through regular checkups can help prevent alcoholic hepatic failure.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Preventing the progression of reflux esophagitis to more serious conditions, like esophageal cancer, is possible with proactive management, including lifestyle adjustments and medical attention when needed.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Protecting your digestive health means being aware of IBD, a condition causing inflammation in your intestines; proactive lifestyle choices and medical attention can significantly reduce its impact.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Having Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia means your esophagus cells have abnormal changes, making you more prone to cancer; proactive management through regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce this risk.
• Stomach Stenosis: Regular checkups and addressing digestive issues promptly can help prevent the development of stomach stenosis, ensuring the health of your entire digestive system.

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

• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• 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: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: This procedure relieves discomfort and complications associated with severe constipation, promoting better gut health.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your health, a proctosigmoidoscopy helps identify polyps or other irregularities in your lower digestive tract, preventing potential issues before they become major problems.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.

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 Lewis 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 focusing on a high-fiber diet and regular checkups, a patient proactively managed their risk of intestinal diverticulosis, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• Recognizing the early signs of a potential intestinal blockage, a patient proactively sought guidance, reducing their risk of bowel strangulation and ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and enabled them to confidently manage their overall well-being.
• By proactively managing GERD symptoms and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing esophagitis, achieving greater digestive health and peace of mind.

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 Lewis:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Michele Lewis and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Michele Lewis 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. Lewis can help identify your 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?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result 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 is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, which is difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, and it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

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

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Lewis for a thorough evaluation.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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, proper management is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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

Dr. Michele Lewis, 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): 1134118003

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 Lewis 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.