Dr. Rabia Shaikh, MD

Dr. Rabia Shaikh, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure your overall wellness and optimal long-term health. Dr. Shaikh serves adults (18 years and older) and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to actively participate in your health journey. Please call (863) 816-5884 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rabia Shaikh, MD is an internist in Lakeland, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1995 and is affiliated with HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. With such extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in her field. Dr. Shaikh believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Managing eczema effectively through regular checkups and prescribed treatments can help prevent long-term skin damage, secondary infections, and emotional distress.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Early identification of hip and thigh osteoarthritis allows for timely interventions such as physical therapy and medication, preventing more significant joint damage.
• Thyroid Goiter: Early detection of thyroid goiter allows for prompt treatment, preventing potentially serious complications and improving long-term health outcomes, making preventive care crucial.
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath may indicate an underlying condition, making regular health screenings vital for early detection and timely management to maintain your overall wellness.
• Acute Laryngitis: Protecting your vocal cords through early detection of acute laryngitis helps prevent prolonged voice loss and potential complications.
• Gout: Don't let gout control your life; proactive management with your internist, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, can help you live comfortably and prevent complications.
• Cystic Fibrosis: Regular monitoring and treatment for cystic fibrosis are key preventative measures against respiratory and digestive complications, maintaining a healthier and more productive life.
• Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia often has subtle symptoms, underscoring the need for attentive health monitoring and prompt medical attention to prevent long-term health problems.
• Acute Pharyngitis: Understanding and addressing risk factors like exposure to sick individuals can help prevent acute pharyngitis and other infections, showcasing the role of preventative strategies.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Though often self-limiting, recognizing pinkeye's symptoms early and seeking care can help manage discomfort and prevent secondary infections.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Managing DVT effectively involves working closely with your internist to minimize your risk of blood clots and long-term health problems.
• Shingles: Shingles prevention involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like vaccination to avoid this uncomfortable and potentially debilitating condition.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This easy test checks for hidden blood in your stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, giving you the chance to take action and protect your health.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Drug Allergy Testing: Drug allergy testing is a crucial step in personalized medicine, allowing for safer treatment plans and avoiding future adverse reactions.
• Hemoglobin Testing: Hemoglobin testing is a crucial step in preventing long-term health complications by identifying underlying issues such as anemia or blood-related diseases early on.

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 Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Rabia Shaikh 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 Adult Patient's life:

• By consistently following a prescribed treatment plan and attending regular checkups, a patient successfully managed their eczema, reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups and improving their overall quality of life.
• By understanding their risk factors and engaging in regular exercise, a patient proactively managed their hip and thigh health, preventing further joint damage and maintaining their active lifestyle.
• By prioritizing regular checkups and adhering to a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential thyroid issues early, ensuring optimal thyroid function and preventing potential complications down the road.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Rabia Shaikh:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Shaikh, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Rabia Shaikh manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Shaikh excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing medications to prevent interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Shaikh's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care for adults. This involves key screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs. We partner with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging through proactive measures and lifestyle recommendations.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Shaikh will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Shaikh excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Shaikh will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), including their implications for your personal risk.

What happens during a 'Welcome to Medicare' or annual wellness visit?

A "Welcome to Medicare" or annual wellness visit is a vital opportunity to establish a proactive health plan. It involves creating a personalized prevention schedule, reviewing all medications, assessing for health risks, and ensuring all of your healthcare is coordinated and effective.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, we can help manage your type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive approach includes regular A1c monitoring, prescribing oral medications or insulin as needed, and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications affecting your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

4315 Highland Park Blvd Ste A
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 816-5884

Dr. Rabia Shaikh, 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): 1912906074

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. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Rabia Shaikh 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 internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.