Dr. Renard Rawls, MD

Dr. Renard Rawls, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. 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 (904) 381-9393 to schedule.

Dr. Rawls, with over 25 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Morehouse School Of Medicine in 1997 and completed his residency training in Gastroenterology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rawls joined Borland Groover after training at the University of Florida, where he was actively involved in clinical studies and published research. He continues his interest in clinical research with the Research Foundation as an active investigator, and is based out of the St. Vincent's Hospital office, fully trained in all endoscopic procedures. He adheres to a philosophy of EXCEPTIONAL CARE, INSIDE AND OUT, and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Preventing uncomfortable gas and bloating involves understanding your digestive system's needs and making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding potential future problems.
• Rectal Ulcer: A rectal ulcer is a sore in the rectum that, if left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection, highlighting the importance of regular colorectal screenings for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: A strong immune response to Hepatitis B vaccination significantly reduces your risk of developing chronic liver disease, a key aspect of comprehensive digestive health.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Hemochromatosis: Preventing serious health problems associated with hemochromatosis, like liver damage and diabetes, starts with regular checkups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
• Alcoholic Hepatic Failure: Alcoholic hepatic failure is a preventable condition. Making healthy lifestyle choices, including limiting alcohol, can safeguard your liver's long-term health.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: If you have a family history of FAP, proactive monitoring and colonoscopies are vital to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, thus preventing colorectal cancer.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Understanding the risk factors associated with diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, such as smoking and pregnancy, allows for proactive steps to minimize your chances of developing this condition and its associated complications.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a sign of underlying problems. Seeking prompt medical attention helps manage conditions effectively and improve your overall digestive health.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: By recognizing the early warning signs of autoimmune hepatitis and seeking prompt medical care, you can effectively minimize the risks of severe liver damage and improve your overall digestive well-being.
• Dysentery: Preventing dysentery starts with understanding its causes and taking steps to avoid exposure to contaminated food and water; this proactive approach protects your digestive system.

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

• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: As a preventative measure, endoscopic common bile duct stone removal helps eliminate gallstones before they cause pain, inflammation, or liver damage.
• Endoscopy: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: As a preventive measure, a colonoscopy with polypectomy helps detect and remove polyps, which can potentially become cancerous, ensuring the ongoing health of your digestive system.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube placement is a proactive step in managing your health, providing a safe and effective way to receive nutrition when oral intake is challenging.
• Endoscopic Polypectomy: Endoscopic polypectomy is a vital step in early cancer detection and prevention, providing a proactive approach to maintaining the health of your entire digestive tract.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.

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. Renard Rawls 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive lifestyle plan, a patient successfully managed potential hemorrhoid issues, gaining peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By understanding their digestive triggers and adopting a tailored diet, a patient successfully reduced uncomfortable gas and bloating, finding relief and improved daily comfort.
• By diligently following a proactive colorectal screening plan, a patient reduced their risk of developing rectal ulcers, ensuring a healthier future and peace of mind.

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. Renard Rawls:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) warrant a consultation with Dr. Rawls. This could be a sign of GERD, which can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Dr. Rawls can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Rawls can help you identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 detect and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the development of colon cancer.

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 modifications. However, managing it is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

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 that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive system.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a positive result still necessitates a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

3 Shircliff Way Ste 400
Jacksonville FL 32204
Phone: (904) 381-9393

Dr. Renard Rawls, 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): 1376535377

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. Renard Rawls 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.