Dr. Ronald Lee, MD

Dr. Ronald Lee, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road in Gainesville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring your care aligns with the highest standards of 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 (352) 508-6602 to schedule.

Dr. Lee brings a wealth of experience to his practice, having joined Digestive Disease Associates in 2008 after completing his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where he was chief medical resident from 2004 to 2005. A New York native, he earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2001, and a bachelor's degree in Biology from Columbia University in 1997, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. His rigorous medical training, encompassing an internship, residency, and fellowship at renowned institutions, has equipped him with the expertise to provide comprehensive care. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Lee's special interests include pancreatobiliary disease, complex polypectomy, endoluminal stenting, and therapeutic endoscopy, reflecting his commitment to advanced and innovative approaches to patient care. He offers consultations in Chinese.

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

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can help prevent gallstone formation, thus protecting your gallbladder and liver from potential damage.
• Esophagitis: Preventing esophagitis involves understanding and addressing its root causes, such as frequent vomiting or medication side effects, to protect your esophagus from damage.
• 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.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Preventive care includes paying attention to your body. If you have anal or rectal pain, schedule a checkup to identify and address the cause before it worsens.
• Eosinophilic Gastritis: Managing eosinophilic gastritis effectively involves understanding your risk factors and working with your doctor to develop a personalized plan. This proactive approach helps to prevent the condition from progressing and causing more serious complications.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding diverticulosis: these small pouches in your intestines may not cause issues, but a fiber-rich diet and regular checkups can prevent problems later.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding, even if minor, needs prompt attention as early detection can prevent serious complications like anemia and shock.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus signals an increased chance of esophageal cancer, but early detection through endoscopy and biopsies is key to prevent its progression; consistent healthcare engagement is crucial for prevention.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system involves being aware of gastrojejunal ulcers; lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent their formation and reduce the risk of severe complications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Taking steps to prevent or manage GERD, such as dietary changes and medication, can safeguard your digestive system's health and prevent future problems.
• 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.

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

• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• 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.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.

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. Ronald Lee 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 recognizing early IBS symptoms and following a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing severe abdominal pain and related complications, gaining greater control over their digestive health.
• By focusing on a healthy diet and weight management, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstones, ensuring a healthier gallbladder and liver. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make lasting lifestyle changes.
• By understanding and addressing potential triggers like frequent vomiting, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing esophagitis, gaining greater peace of mind about their digestive health.

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. Ronald Lee:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Lee and our team of gastroenterologists are specialists trained to care for 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 we also perform preventive screenings, such as 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. Lee will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical damage.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

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, and it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health 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 progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Digestive Disease Associates - Newberry Road
6400 W Newberry Rd Ste 302
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 508-6602

Dr. Ronald Lee, 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): 1053528497

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. Ronald Lee 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.