Dr. Rifat Sarwar, MD

Dr. Rifat Sarwar, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to creating comprehensive preventive care plans. 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. She serves Adults (18 years and older) and is passionate about helping patients understand and take control of their health journey. Please call (863) 604-5005 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Rifat Sarwar, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. She is affiliated with Corewell Health Lakeland St Joseph Hospital and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Sarwar graduated from Fatima Jinnah Medical College For Women, University Of Health Sciences Lahore in 1970 and completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Harlem Hospital Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older). She approaches care with a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in managing their health. Dr. Sarwar provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Fibromyalgia: Because fibromyalgia often impacts quality of life, preventative care including early intervention and ongoing health monitoring, guided by your internist, helps ensure optimal well-being.
• Tinnitus: While tinnitus itself isn't always preventable, proactive management of potential causes, such as high blood pressure or certain medications, can help protect your hearing.
• Vertigo: Preventive health includes addressing vertigo promptly, as it can interfere with daily life and indicate potential conditions requiring ongoing management.
• Difficulty With Walking: Changes in your ability to walk may indicate developing problems with your muscles, nerves, or joints. Regular checkups for preventive care can help catch these early.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Maintaining sufficient vitamin D is a key component of preventive care, as it contributes to overall bone health and immune function.
• Urinary Incontinence: Managing urinary incontinence through preventive strategies and medical intervention helps safeguard your overall health, dignity, and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
• Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Diabetic polyneuropathy can significantly impact your quality of life; proactive diabetes management, including regular foot exams and lifestyle changes, helps prevent it.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive blood pressure monitoring to catch it early and reduce long-term health risks.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively, with the help of your doctor, means controlling uric acid levels to reduce pain, inflammation, and the risk of future flares.
• Sleep Apnea: Don't underestimate the impact of sleep apnea on your long-term health. Managing this condition through lifestyle changes and/or medical treatment can prevent many serious complications.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: By effectively managing tobacco use disorder, you're actively participating in your preventive care, significantly reducing your risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Early diagnosis and treatment of reflux esophagitis are essential for preventing complications, ensuring a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

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

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Allergy Testing: Don't let allergies control your life! Allergy testing helps diagnose the root cause of your symptoms, leading to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
• Alternative Therapy: Integrating alternative therapies into your wellness plan may help you find natural ways to address symptoms and improve your overall well-being, complementing your internist's recommendations.
• Suture Uncomplicated Lacerations: Taking proactive steps to close minor cuts helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing, ensuring your overall well-being.
• Patient-Centered Medical Home: A Patient-Centered Medical Home proactively manages your health, coordinating care and screenings to catch potential problems early.

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. Rifat Sarwar 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 proactively managing potential triggers and consistently monitoring symptoms, a patient experienced a significant reduction in fibromyalgia-related pain and improved overall quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently engage in activities they enjoyed.
• By addressing potential causes like high blood pressure, a patient proactively reduced their risk of tinnitus, gaining peace of mind about their hearing health.
• By addressing their vertigo symptoms early with the guidance of a medical professional, a patient regained their balance and confidence in daily activities, significantly improving their quality of life.

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. Rifat Sarwar:

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

An internist, like Dr. Sarwar, 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. Rifat Sarwar manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Sarwar excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Sarwar's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. Key screenings for adults, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer (colorectal, breast, prostate), are integrated into the plan. This partnership focuses on minimizing health risks and promoting healthy aging through proactive strategies and lifestyle recommendations.

Does Dr. Rifat Sarwar provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Sarwar and our team provide comprehensive care, including hospital consultations and coordination with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures a smooth transition to and from the hospital, maintaining continuity of care throughout your stay.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Sarwar will conduct a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key preventable factors like managing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, treating atrial fibrillation, and counseling on smoking cessation to significantly lower your stroke risk.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Sarwar 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 high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure target.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver. It's often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Sarwar can help you understand lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver problems.

10536 Martinique Isle Dr
Tampa FL 33647
Phone: (863) 604-5005

Dr. Rifat Sarwar, 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): 1568432896

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. Rifat Sarwar 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.