Dr. Paul Sievert, MD

Dr. Paul Sievert, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist deeply committed to proactive, comprehensive care at his Jacksonville, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal digestive health. 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. Please call (904) 427-8965 to schedule.

Dr. Paul Sievert, a board-certified gastroenterologist at UF Health Jacksonville and medical director of the UF Southside Digestive and Liver Specialists, brings over 25 years of experience in the field. A University of Florida assistant professor of medicine, Dr. Sievert received his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1996, followed by an internship at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and a residency in Gastroenterology at the Medical College of Virginia. He further specialized with a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, solidifying his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that can form in your esophagus, and while often harmless, early detection through regular checkups helps prevent complications like infection or difficulty swallowing.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Gastrojejunal ulcers emphasize the significance of proactive digestive health; by addressing risk factors and seeking early medical attention, you can prevent this painful and potentially dangerous condition.
• Hepatitis C: Managing Hepatitis C effectively minimizes the risk of transmission to others and prevents the progression of this chronic liver disease, ensuring better long-term health.
• 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.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Experiencing frequent gas and bloating? Don't ignore it – seeking professional advice can help pinpoint the cause and prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Congenital Achalasia: If you have a family history of esophageal disorders, screening for congenital achalasia from infancy can be vital in preventing chronic digestive issues and ensuring proper nutrition.
• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux, or heartburn, can be a sign of a larger digestive issue, so early detection and management are key to preventing long-term damage and complications like Barrett's esophagus.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Managing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) effectively involves regular check-ups and adherence to your treatment plan to reduce inflammation in your esophagus and avoid the risks of strictures and other complications.
• Acute Gastritis: Protecting your stomach lining from acute gastritis involves making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and managing stress, to reduce the risk of this painful condition.
• Proctoptosis: Regular health screenings can help identify proctoptosis early, allowing for less invasive treatment options and reducing the likelihood of long-term digestive problems.

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

• 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.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Ensure the health of your lower digestive tract with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This screening procedure helps find and remove precancerous polyps, lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.

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. Paul Sievert 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 and managing underlying conditions like cirrhosis through lifestyle changes, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing ascites, gaining peace of mind and control over their health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized plan, a patient proactively managed potential esophageal diverticulum issues, ensuring a comfortable and healthy future. Early detection allowed for risk reduction and peace of mind.
• By addressing potential risk factors and adhering to a proactive digestive health plan, a patient avoided the development of a gastrojejunal ulcer, maintaining a healthy and comfortable 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. Paul Sievert:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in 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. Sievert will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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

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. Paul Sievert for a thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are significantly more comfortable than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, allowing for early detection and removal of polyps. This one-day prep is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) could indicate GERD and should be evaluated. Dr. Sievert can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to 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 the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

10475 Centurion Pkwy N Ste 201
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 427-8965

Dr. Paul Sievert, 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): 1871560144

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. Paul Sievert 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.