Dr. Robert Baker, MD

Dr. Robert Baker, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Orlando, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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 (407) 245-3124 to schedule.

Dr. Baker, a Board Certified Gastroenterologist, brings over 40 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1983, completed an internship at Orlando Regional Medical Center in 1986, and subsequently undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Orlando Regional Healthcare System and Tulane University Hospital and Clinics, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training at a Tulane University affiliated hospital, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is also Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Baker's commitment to patient-centered care is evident in his philosophy of actively listening to each patient's unique story and concerns, a practice he has dedicated over 25 years to. He is a proud CEO of his own private practice and is deeply involved in several charitable organizations. Dr. Robert Baker provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Regular screenings and proactive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing NAFLD, a common liver condition linked to obesity and diabetes, and prevent future health issues.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• 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.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Regular testing for Hepatitis B antibodies helps determine the strength of your immune response and allows for early intervention if needed, protecting your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Congenital Achalasia: Since congenital achalasia affects the esophageal muscle's ability to relax, proactively identifying this condition in infants allows for early treatment, reducing the likelihood of severe health complications down the line.
• Vomiting Disorders: Persistent vomiting might signal an underlying digestive issue; early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent long-term complications.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Hiatal Hernia: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like heartburn or chest pain, are crucial for early detection and management of a hiatal hernia.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Early diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is crucial for preventing long-term damage to your intestines and improving your overall quality of life with timely medical intervention.
• Acute Gastritis: Understanding and managing the risk factors for acute gastritis, like H. pylori infection or excessive alcohol use, can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing this painful condition.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers can cause significant discomfort and even lead to bleeding or infections. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain medications can significantly decrease your risk.

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

• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Anoscopy: To ensure the health of your lower digestive tract, an anoscopy is a simple examination that helps detect and prevent serious conditions by identifying them in their early stages.
• 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.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Investing in gastroenterology procedures ensures a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, helping detect issues early and facilitating effective treatment strategies to maintain long-term wellness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Hemorrhoidectomy or excision of anal tags is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids or skin tags around the anus, improving comfort and preventing further complications.
• 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.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.

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. Robert Baker 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 following a personalized plan of regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, achieving peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By following a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed an esophageal ulcer, reducing the risk of long-term complications and regaining a sense of well-being.
• By diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed underlying liver conditions, significantly reducing their risk of esophageal varices and gaining 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. Robert Baker:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Baker and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists who focus on the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and in performing 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. Baker will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam to detect and remove polyps, so the one-day prep is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

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

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. Robert Baker for a thorough evaluation.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to thoroughly investigate and remove any polyps that may be present.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, thus preventing the disease.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

100 W Gore St Ste 300
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 245-3124

Dr. Robert Baker, 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): 1225003858

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. Robert Baker 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.