Dr. Richard Dobhan, MD

Dr. Richard Dobhan, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Pensacola, 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 (850) 477-2597 to schedule.

Dr. Richard Dobhan, MD is a gastroenterologist in Pensacola, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Dobhan has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease, Esophageal Disorders, and Gastrointestinal Disorders. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 1993. He completed an internship at National Naval Medical Center (graduated 1994), followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Naval Medical Center (graduated 1999), and fellowship training within the same institution, deepening his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with Baptist Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Richard Dobhan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Esophageal Varices: Preventing esophageal varices involves managing underlying liver conditions like cirrhosis, as these swollen veins in your esophagus can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Hepatorenal syndrome highlights the importance of proactive liver health; regular monitoring and treatment can help avoid this severe complication.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Early detection of intestinal prolapse is crucial, as it can help prevent complications like bowel obstruction or severe pain, therefore routine check-ups with your doctor are vital.
• Duodenitis: Managing duodenitis effectively involves identifying and addressing underlying causes like infections or autoimmune disorders, thus preventing further damage to your digestive system.
• Anal Sphincter Dysplasia: Early detection of anal sphincter dysplasia is crucial for managing this condition affecting the anal sphincter muscles and avoiding long-term bowel problems.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: Preventing complications from a hiatal hernia, where your stomach pushes into your chest and blocks food, requires proactive healthcare; regular checkups can help detect this condition early and prevent further issues.
• Gastric Ulcer: Managing risk factors such as H. pylori infection and excessive alcohol consumption is key to preventing the development of gastric ulcers.
• Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcers, sores in your stomach or intestine, highlight the importance of proactive digestive health management, encompassing regular checkups and addressing risk factors to prevent serious outcomes.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Managing risk factors such as unhealthy diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly reduce your chances of developing neoplasms (tumors) in your gastrointestinal tract.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Preventive healthcare strategies for infants include awareness of pyloric stenosis symptoms; early detection leads to timely treatment and a better outcome.
• Hiatal Hernia: Addressing a hiatal hernia through dietary adjustments and, if needed, medication prevents progression to more severe conditions that may require surgery.

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

• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure helps ensure the smooth flow of bile, preventing complications like jaundice or pancreatitis by addressing potential blockages or inflammation.
• 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.

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. Richard Dobhan 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 managing their liver condition with the guidance of a gastroenterologist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing esophageal varices, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and allowed them to confidently focus on their well-being.
• By diligently following a proactive liver health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hepatorenal syndrome, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• Recognizing early symptoms and promptly seeking medical guidance, a patient successfully managed their noninfectious gastroenteritis, avoiding potential long-term complications and regaining their daily comfort.

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. Richard Dobhan:

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 they perform important 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. Dobhan will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Dobhan can help diagnose this issue.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

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.

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, it's important to manage NAFLD to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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

Some 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. Richard Dobhan for a thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients have concerns about colonoscopy preparation, modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. This one-day preparation is a small investment for long-term peace of mind.

5147 N 9th Ave Ste 311
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (850) 477-2597

Dr. Richard Dobhan, 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): 1265412654

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. Richard Dobhan 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.