Dr. Roberto Garcia, MD

Dr. Roberto Garcia, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Dr. Garcia is currently welcoming new adult patients (18 years and older) to embark on this proactive health journey. Please call (813) 926-4058 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Roberto Garcia, MD is an internist in Tampa, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad De San Carlos, Facultad De Ciencias Medicas in 1975, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at Mt Sinai Medical Center, Umdnj University Hospital, and University Of S Fl College Of Med. This extensive background, coupled with his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creates a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is affiliated with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and is accepting new patients. Dr. Garcia's compassionate care and wealth of clinical knowledge, honed over four-plus decades, are invaluable assets in his practice. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Dry Skin: Regular assessment of your skin's hydration status is vital for early detection of potential skin disorders and helps in preventing unnecessary discomfort or complications.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore persistent abdominal pain – it could signal a problem requiring early intervention, reducing your risk of long-term complications.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Catching a common cold early can prevent it from turning into something more serious, like pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures.
• Chronic Pain: Early detection and proactive management of chronic pain are crucial steps in preventing further complications and improving long-term health outcomes.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Early detection and management of menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes or mood changes, is crucial for preventing long-term health complications associated with hormone imbalances.
• Ringworm: Ringworm, if left untreated, can become persistent and problematic; timely management is key to preventing long-term skin issues.
• Dyshydrotic Eczema: Understanding the risk factors for dyshidrotic eczema, such as stress and contact with certain irritants, is key to preventing outbreaks and improving your overall well-being.
• Gout: Gout is a manageable condition, but prevention is key: by maintaining a healthy weight and diet, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this painful type of arthritis.
• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety proactively through preventive strategies like therapy or lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing other health problems.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may signal a more serious health problem, so early detection through regular medical evaluations is crucial.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Early detection of vitamin D deficiency is crucial for preventing long-term health issues like osteoporosis and muscle weakness.
• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, so early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining your overall health.

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. Roberto Garcia 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by participating in smoking cessation counseling; it can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
• Wellness Examination: A wellness examination is your annual health tune-up, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status, facilitating early detection and preventing future complications.
• Sexual Health Management: Take charge of your sexual health; screenings can detect infections and concerns before they become major problems.

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. Roberto Garcia 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 regularly assessing skin hydration, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential dry skin issues, avoiding discomfort and preventing further complications. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy skin condition.
• By understanding the potential causes of their persistent abdominal pain and following a proactive care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing long-term issues, leading to greater peace of mind.
• By understanding the early warning signs of an acute upper respiratory infection and taking preventative steps, a patient was able to manage symptoms and avoid more serious complications, ensuring a healthier, more productive lifestyle.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Roberto Garcia:

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

An internist, like Dr. Garcia, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the health of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the various medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Roberto Garcia manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Garcia's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that fosters a healthy lifestyle.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Garcia can help you understand lifestyle changes, like weight loss and dietary adjustments, to prevent further liver complications.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Garcia will order the test and take the time to explain your results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and how they relate to your personal risk.

Can you help me understand my risk for stroke?

Yes, Dr. Garcia 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.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Garcia's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, and medication when needed. This multi-faceted strategy ensures a safe and effective management plan.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Garcia's practice emphasizes vaccination as a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23 are particularly important for this group. These vaccines help protect against debilitating and potentially life-threatening infections.

10940 Sheldon Rd
Tampa FL 33626
Phone: (813) 926-4058

Dr. Roberto Garcia, 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): 1265452999

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. Roberto Garcia 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.