Dr. Murali Shankar, MD

Dr. Murali Shankar, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Plantation, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Call (954) 475-1735 to schedule.

Dr. Murali Shankar, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plantation, FL with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Westside Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Shankar's dedication to comprehensive care stems from his rigorous medical training. He completed an internship at Govt Rajaji Hospital (1981), followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Interfaith Medical Center (1988), and fellowship training in the same field at Interfaith (1991). He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Since 1991, Dr. Shankar and his team have specialized in Hepatitis B and C, inflammatory Bowel Disease, and a full spectrum of GI care. He offers consultations in several languages, including Creole, German, Indian, and Spanish.

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

• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Early recognition and management of symptoms associated with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, such as vomiting blood, are crucial to preventing severe bleeding and further complications, showcasing the value of prompt medical attention.
• Giardiasis: Early identification and treatment of giardiasis are crucial for preventing dehydration and malnutrition, both common complications of this intestinal parasite infection.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• Ileus: Early detection of ileus, through awareness of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, is crucial to prevent serious complications like infection or bowel damage.
• Vomiting Disorders: Recurring vomiting episodes can disrupt nutrient absorption, impacting your liver and pancreas; proactive care is key to preventing these issues.
• Congenital Achalasia: Managing congenital achalasia effectively through early identification minimizes the risk of esophageal damage, ensuring healthier eating habits and improving quality of life.
• 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.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Managing risk factors such as unhealthy diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly reduce your chances of developing neoplasms (tumors) in your gastrointestinal tract.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Diffuse esophageal spasm is a condition causing painful chest pain and difficulty swallowing, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Colon Cancer: Protecting your digestive health includes being proactive about colon cancer: regular screenings can catch it in its early, treatable stages, preventing serious complications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall digestive health.

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

• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.

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. Murali Shankar 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 early warning signs of Mallory-Weiss syndrome and following a proactive management plan, a patient was able to prevent further complications and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the individual to take control of their health.
• By understanding the risks of giardiasis and following a proactive health plan, a family was able to quickly identify and address potential issues, preventing severe illness and ensuring a healthier future.
• By understanding and managing risk factors, a patient proactively reduced their risk of Hepatitis C, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their 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. Murali Shankar:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Murali Shankar and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of the 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Shankar will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about the colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and finding and removing polyps early. The one-day prep is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

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 consultation. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Murali Shankar can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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 vital procedure to detect and remove these polyps before they have a chance to progress, preventing colorectal cancer.

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. Murali Shankar for a thorough evaluation.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

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

8200 W Sunrise Blvd Ste D6
Plantation FL 33322
Phone: (954) 475-1735

Dr. Murali Shankar, 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): 1346363967

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. Murali Shankar 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.