Dr. Roland Shepard, MD

Dr. Roland Shepard, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, 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), Dr. Shepard understands the importance of preventive medicine. 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 while he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (813) 355-5962 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Shepard, born and raised in Florida, is married with three children and enjoys spending time with friends and family. With over 35 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 the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia in 1987, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at University Community Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Dr. Shepard's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Roland Shepard provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Duodenal Ulcer: A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the upper part of your small intestine, and understanding its risk factors, like H. pylori infection, can help prevent its development and serious complications.
• 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.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Intestinal diverticulitis is a painful condition where pouches in your intestines become inflamed, and preventing it often involves maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated to promote healthy bowel movements.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Excessive alcohol use can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that can be avoided by moderating your alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Managing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) effectively through lifestyle adjustments and medical care is critical for preventing its progression and maintaining overall digestive health.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Preventing gastrointestinal bleeding involves managing risk factors like NSAID use and promptly addressing conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Alcohol-related liver damage can be serious, but by adopting a preventative approach that includes lifestyle modifications and screenings, you can minimize the risks and protect your liver and digestive well-being.
• Stomach Carcinoma: Managing stomach carcinoma effectively involves adhering to your doctor's treatment plan to prevent complications, improve your quality of life, and increase your chances of long-term remission.
• Giardiasis: Protecting yourself from giardiasis, a common intestinal infection, starts with good hygiene and safe food handling; early diagnosis is key to preventing prolonged symptoms and complications.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Managing risk factors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and unhealthy diets can significantly reduce your chances of developing upper digestive tract cancers, promoting long-term digestive 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. Roland Shepard offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: For improved digestive function and the prevention of blockages, a transendoscopic stent can help restore normal flow in your digestive tract, improving your overall health.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Anal Cauterization: To address bleeding and discomfort from hemorrhoids, anal cauterization offers a proactive treatment to improve your anal health.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.

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. Roland Shepard 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:

• A family proactively addressed a potential congenital esophagus anomaly, ensuring early intervention and significantly improving their child's long-term health prospects. This allowed for better nutritional intake and prevented potential complications like lung infections or growth delays.
• By following a personalized dietary plan, a patient successfully maintained a healthy weight and balanced nutrient intake, reducing their risk of malnutrition-related digestive issues. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By understanding the risk factors for duodenal ulcers, like H. pylori infection, and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing complications, 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. Roland Shepard:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Shepard and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including your 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. Shepard will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity may share some symptoms, a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Shepard is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and potential removal of polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves using advanced therapies to control inflammation, providing personalized nutritional guidance, and performing regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows Dr. Shepard to identify potential problems in the small intestine.

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. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

4224 N Tampania Ave
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 355-5962

Dr. Roland Shepard, 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): 1326034885

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. Roland Shepard 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.