Dr. Paul Southard, MD

Dr. Paul Southard, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. He practices at his clinic in New Port Richey, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He prioritizes preventive health, recognizing that your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. He serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based care in a supportive environment. Please call (352) 683-3349 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Paul Southard, MD is a family medicine physician in New Port Richey, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Autonomous University Of Nuevo Leon, Faculty Of Medicine in 1981. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Southard provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing ankylosing spondylitis effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is crucial for preventing spinal stiffness and deformity.
• Soft Tissue Infection: Catching a soft tissue infection early through regular self-checks and prompt medical attention can prevent it from spreading and causing more serious problems.
• Foot Fracture: Preventing foot fractures starts with maintaining bone health through proper nutrition and regular weight-bearing exercise, reducing your risk of falls and fractures.
• Bladder Infection: Preventing bladder infections starts with good hygiene practices and staying hydrated to flush out bacteria, reducing your risk of developing this uncomfortable condition.
• High Fever: A high fever can be a sign of an underlying infection, so seeking prompt medical attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: IT band syndrome, characterized by pain along the outside of the knee, can often be avoided through regular stretching and strengthening exercises, emphasizing the preventive role of maintaining proper muscle balance and flexibility.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency is preventable with simple steps: regular sun exposure (safely!), a balanced diet, or supplements as recommended by your doctor, preventing future 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. Paul Southard offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Juvéderm® Ultra Plus XC Injection: Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC injections offer a non-surgical way to improve facial volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, allowing you to proactively maintain your desired appearance.
• Lavage: A lavage procedure helps cleanse and remove substances that may be causing harm, facilitating faster recovery and reducing the risk of long-term health problems, which is key for comprehensive wellness.
• Heel Bone Spur Removal: By proactively seeking treatment for heel bone spurs, you're investing in the long-term health of your feet and ensuring you can stay active and comfortable for years to come.
• Excision of Breast Tumor: Taking proactive steps towards breast health, an excision of a breast tumor allows for early detection and treatment of potentially cancerous cells.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): To ensure your brain's optimal health, an EEG provides a detailed snapshot of your brainwave patterns, aiding in the early diagnosis of conditions such as epilepsy.
• Excision of Cervix: Taking proactive steps towards cervical health, an excision of the cervix is a procedure that can help detect and remove precancerous or cancerous cells, preventing potential future health issues.
• Irrigation of Ear: Ear irrigation is a safe and effective way to clear away earwax that may be affecting your hearing or causing pain or discomfort, keeping your ears functioning at their best.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Paul Southard is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 and adhering to a proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of spinal stiffness and maintained a high quality of life. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their health journey.
• By regularly examining any cuts or sores and seeking prompt medical attention, a family maintained a healthy lifestyle, avoiding the potential complications of a soft tissue infection.

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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Paul Southard:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

Dr. Southard and our team are family physicians, meaning we are primary care doctors who provide comprehensive, lifelong care for patients of all ages. We focus on the whole person and the health of the entire family, emphasizing prevention and coordinating all aspects of your care.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Southard is a key opportunity to partner with us. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Paul Southard when you're healthy is a valuable investment in your long-term well-being. Having a known baseline allows for faster, personalized care if you become ill, and ensures you stay on track with preventive care to maintain optimal health.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing your primary care doctor, Dr. Southard, for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Southard and our team provide sports physicals for children and teens. We use this opportunity to thoroughly assess their overall health, identify any potential risks, and ensure they're ready for a safe and successful season.

How does Dr. Paul Southard approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Southard understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Our practice provides a supportive environment to discuss concerns like anxiety or depression, offering initial assessments and management of common medications. We can also coordinate referrals to therapists or psychiatrists as needed.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Paul Southard and our team provide comprehensive women's health services, including Pap smears, breast exams, and contraceptive counseling. This allows women to receive both primary and gynecologic care in one convenient location.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Southard is experienced in providing comprehensive care for infants and children, including well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members makes care convenient and coordinated.

6400 Trouble Creek Rd
New Port Richey FL 34653
Phone: (352) 683-3349

Dr. Paul Southard, 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): 1902963788

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Paul Southard 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.