Dr. Roniel Cabrera, MD

Dr. Roniel Cabrera, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at UF Health Digestive Disease Specialists in Gainesville, 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 (352) 273-9400 to schedule.

Dr. Cabrera's extensive experience in gastroenterology, hepatology, and liver transplantation stems from his role as an associate professor of medicine at the University of Florida. He earned his medical degree from Howard University and completed a comprehensive residency and fellowship training at UF Health. His clinical interests encompass a wide range of digestive conditions, including liver disease, cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis B and C, and liver transplantation. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Cabrera's commitment to patient care extends beyond his clinical practice, evidenced by his numerous awards, publications, and research in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• 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.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Having Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia means your esophagus cells have abnormal changes, making you more prone to cancer; proactive management through regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce this risk.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis can sometimes cause discomfort; proactive lifestyle choices focusing on good posture and core strength can help mitigate risk and prevent future issues.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Managing underlying conditions, such as gallstones or pancreatic cancer, is key to preventing bile duct obstructions and their potentially life-threatening consequences. Regular monitoring and proactive treatment are essential.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Preventing long-term health issues from esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm involves recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice, as timely treatment minimizes the risk of severe complications such as difficulty swallowing or food aspiration.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Lifestyle modifications that focus on avoiding activities that increase pressure in the esophagus, like forceful vomiting, are key preventative measures against the development of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, illustrating the power of proactive lifestyle choices.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an esophageal condition where immune cells cause inflammation; proactive monitoring and prompt treatment are vital to prevent long-term damage and difficulties with swallowing.
• Cholangitis: Cholangitis is an infection of your bile ducts, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like liver damage.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Preventing complications from a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, a condition where your stomach pushes into your chest cavity, involves recognizing risk factors like obesity and making proactive lifestyle adjustments.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.
• Acute Gastritis: Protecting your stomach lining from acute gastritis involves making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and managing stress, to reduce the risk of this painful condition.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your body's response to lactose allows for proactive management, reducing symptoms and preventing complications down the line.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Biliary Drainage: Proactive biliary drainage assessment helps identify potential gallbladder or bile duct problems before they become major health concerns.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: As a proactive measure to address digestive issues, this procedure uses a small tube to place a stent, opening narrowed or blocked passages and reducing the risk of serious complications.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Roniel Cabrera 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 understanding their risk factors and making healthy dietary choices, a patient proactively managed potential diffuse esophageal spasm issues, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free future.
• By diligently following the proactive monitoring plan, a patient successfully reduced the risk of Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia progressing to cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health future.
• By focusing on core strengthening exercises and improved posture, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort associated with gastroptosis, improving their quality of life and preventing further complications.

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. Roniel Cabrera:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and also perform 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. Roniel Cabrera 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. Roniel Cabrera can help diagnose this issue.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area often difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are much gentler than those of the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

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

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

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 schedule a consultation with Dr. Roniel Cabrera for a thorough evaluation.

UF Health Digestive Disease Specialists
1600 SW Archer Rd 12
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9400

Dr. Roniel Cabrera, 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): 1619901717

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. Roniel Cabrera 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.