Dr. Pushpak Taunk, MD

Dr. Pushpak Taunk, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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 (813) 974-2201 to schedule.

Dr. Pushpak Taunk, MD is a gastroenterologist in Tampa, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Taunk has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2008. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Thomas Jefferson University (2015) and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (2014), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Tampa General Hospital, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Taunk is fluent in Hindi and also offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Pushpak Taunk 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. Pushpak Taunk 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. Pushpak Taunk 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 Diverticulitis: Early detection of intestinal diverticulitis symptoms, like abdominal pain and fever, is crucial for preventing serious complications and getting prompt treatment that can prevent future flare-ups.
• 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.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis, inflammation of your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing this often manageable condition.
• Malnutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy digestive system. Managing malnutrition effectively prevents further complications and improves overall wellness.
• Hepatitis C: Early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C are crucial preventive measures to protect your liver from cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other severe health problems.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding esophageal motility disorders, which can disrupt food passage; proactive lifestyle choices and early detection help avoid long-term issues.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Managing your weight and avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure are key preventative measures against developing or worsening a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, safeguarding your digestive health.
• Congenital Achalasia: Congenital achalasia is a rare condition present from birth that affects the ability of the esophagus to move food to the stomach, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term complications like malnutrition and difficulty swallowing.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Managing pyloric stenosis effectively through prompt medical care prevents complications like severe vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Colon Cancer: Colon cancer, a serious but preventable disease, can be detected early through regular screenings, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Managing your alcohol intake significantly reduces your risk of developing alcoholic cirrhosis and its life-threatening complications, preserving your liver's function.
• Intestinal Fistula: Protecting your digestive health includes recognizing the signs of an intestinal fistula—an abnormal passage between your intestines—as early diagnosis is key to preventing severe 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. Pushpak Taunk offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: For early detection and treatment of abnormal tissue in your digestive system, endoscopic mucosal resection allows doctors to remove these areas and minimize potential health risks.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: A colonoscopy with polypectomy is a proactive procedure to screen for and remove precancerous polyps in your colon, helping prevent colon cancer.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy is a simple test that helps find problems in your small intestine, enabling early detection and treatment of conditions like bleeding or tumors, preventing more serious health issues down the line.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine and treat problems in your bile and pancreatic ducts, helping prevent serious complications like infections or blockages.
• Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure can help detect and address problems like blockages or infections early, improving your liver and pancreas health.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• 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. Pushpak Taunk 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, including regular check-ups and dietary adjustments, a patient successfully avoided a serious intestinal diverticulitis flare-up, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and proactively managing their diet, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of future flare-ups, leading to a more comfortable and predictable daily life.
• Following a personalized plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of duodenitis by focusing on a balanced diet and stress-reduction techniques, fostering a sense of well-being and proactive health management.

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. Pushpak Taunk:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and perform 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. Taunk will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. While gluten sensitivity shares some symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before adopting a gluten-free diet, as it can rule out other conditions.

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 GI tract.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy 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.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Taunk can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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. Taunk can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

13330 Usf Laurel Dr Fl 6
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 974-2201

Dr. Pushpak Taunk, 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): 1275794372

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. Pushpak Taunk 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.