Dr. Okeefe Simmons, MD

Dr. Okeefe Simmons, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is a highly-regarded physician practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adhering to 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 (305) 504-2911 to schedule.

Dr. Okeefe Simmons's commitment to preventive care is deeply rooted in his extensive training and experience. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, graduating from medical school at the University of Miami with research honors, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where he was named an emerging liver scholar. He then completed fellowship training at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, becoming the first triple fellowship-trained physician in gastroenterology, bariatric endoscopy, and obesity medicine in the country. This extensive training, coupled with over 2000 endoscopic procedures, numerous research publications, and textbook chapters, demonstrates his deep expertise. He 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. He is a member of multiple medical organizations and actively teaches gastroenterology fellowship trainees at the Miami Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center, ensuring the next generation of specialists also prioritize preventative care. Dr. Simmons is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Okeefe Simmons provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Understanding your risk factors for IBD and seeking medical advice promptly is key to preventing severe flare-ups and related health issues.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders affect how your esophagus moves food, and catching them early through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like difficulty swallowing or nutritional deficiencies.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers damage to the small intestine, and early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet can prevent long-term health problems.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis through dietary adjustments and stress management can help prevent flare-ups and maintain the overall health of your digestive tract.
• 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.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition requiring proactive management to avoid cirrhosis and liver failure; regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans are essential for maintaining long-term liver health.
• Acute Gastritis: Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of your stomach lining, often preventable by avoiding irritants like excessive alcohol and NSAIDs, thus protecting against more serious complications.
• Gastritis: Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, can be prevented by managing stress, avoiding excessive alcohol, and making healthy food choices to protect your digestive system's lining.
• Vomiting Disorders: Understanding and addressing vomiting can prevent serious dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, keeping your entire digestive system healthy.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis through regular blood tests and screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.

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

• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Ensure your digestive system's well-being by scheduling a fecal occult blood test; it's a quick and easy way to screen for colorectal cancer and other potential issues.
• 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.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• 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.

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. Okeefe Simmons 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 adopting a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of reflux esophagitis, finding relief from discomfort and improved digestive health.
• By understanding their risk factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to manage their symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential esophageal motility issues early, reducing the risk of future complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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. Okeefe Simmons:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Okeefe Simmons and our team of gastroenterologists are specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies to maintain your digestive health.

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. Okeefe Simmons will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

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

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

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

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. Okeefe Simmons for a thorough evaluation.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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 and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

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

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease 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.

2820 NE 214th St Ste 1002
Miami FL 33180
Phone: (305) 504-2911

Dr. Okeefe Simmons, 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): 1962898007

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. Okeefe Simmons 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.