Dr. Robert Wharton, MD

Dr. Robert Wharton, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Robert Wharton MD in St Petersburg, 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. Please call (727) 349-6690 to schedule.

Dr. Robert Wharton, MD is a gastroenterologist in St Petersburg, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Wharton has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He earned his medical degree from Augusta University Medical College of Georgia in 1973, completing an internship at Jacksonville Hospital before undertaking residency training in Gastroenterology at Jacksonville Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and affiliated with HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Wharton provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Biliary Cirrhosis: Biliary cirrhosis can lead to liver failure if left untreated; regular checkups and proactive management of bile duct issues are key to early detection and preventing severe consequences.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption can be a hidden health concern; proactive health screenings and lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, can help you detect it early and prevent serious future problems.
• Enteritis: Early detection of enteritis through recognizing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain allows for prompt treatment, preventing severe dehydration and complications.
• Nausea: Understanding the causes of your nausea is key to preventing further digestive discomfort and potential long-term health issues; talk to your doctor if it's persistent.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods.
• Celiac Disease: Prevent serious complications from celiac disease by getting screened if you have symptoms like diarrhea or unexplained weight loss; early detection and management are key to maintaining a healthy digestive system.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Early detection of liver disease is crucial in preventing hepatorenal syndrome, a life-threatening condition affecting both the liver and kidneys.
• Diarrhea: Understanding the causes of your diarrhea, such as foodborne illness or a chronic condition, is crucial for implementing preventive strategies and avoiding future episodes.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Regular screenings and understanding your risk factors—like unhealthy eating habits—are key to early identification and management of diffuse esophageal spasm, thus preventing significant health consequences.
• Gallstones: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect gallstones early, enabling timely intervention and preventing the need for more invasive procedures down the line.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: Early detection of a hiatal hernia with obstruction is crucial, as it can cause serious complications if left untreated; lifestyle modifications and regular health screenings can contribute to preventing severe consequences.
• Congenital Anomaly Esophagus: Addressing a congenital anomaly in the esophagus promptly can help improve the child's quality of life, allowing for better nutrition and preventing secondary problems like lung infections or growth issues.

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

• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to 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. Robert Wharton 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 following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed bile duct issues, significantly reducing their risk of developing biliary cirrhosis and ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered them to live life to the fullest.
• By proactively scheduling screenings and adopting a balanced diet, a patient reduced their risk of gastrointestinal malabsorption, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• Recognizing early symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, a patient proactively sought guidance, reducing the risk of severe enteritis complications and ensuring a more comfortable recovery.

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 Wharton:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Wharton and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in 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 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Wharton 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, and Dr. Wharton can help diagnose this issue.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Wharton can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, IBS is a functional disorder that leads to symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without visible inflammation or damage to the GI tract.

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 contact Dr. Robert Wharton's office for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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.

Robert Wharton MD
4855 1st Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33713
Phone: (727) 349-6690

Dr. Robert Wharton, 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): 1588621908

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 Wharton 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.