Dr. Ruben Perez, MD

Dr. Ruben Perez, MD is a Internal Medicine Physician practicing at AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine at Winter Haven in Winter Haven, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and 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. He serves Adults (18 years and older), and while he is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (863) 595-4130 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Perez brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in 1993, followed by an internship at Memorial Hermann Hospital. He then completed his residency training in Internal Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older) at Internal Medicine, and Mem Hermann Hlthcare Sys. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His continued research interests include geriatrics and diabetes, and he will be receiving the Geriatrics Recognition Award for his intensive studies in this field. As a primary care physician, Dr. Perez specializes in caring for adults with a wide range of health concerns, from common illnesses to complex, chronic medical problems. Dr. Ruben Perez provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting or straining, empowers you to take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing them and maintain healthy bowel habits.
• Essential Tremor: Regular health screenings and communication with your doctor about any tremors are crucial for early detection and management of essential tremor, improving long-term outcomes.
• Acne: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage underlying factors contributing to acne, promoting better overall health.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Addressing tobacco use disorder through professional help and support systems is essential for preventing long-term health complications and promoting well-being.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Blood in your urine, or hematuria, might indicate an underlying issue in your urinary tract or kidneys, making regular screenings a key part of preventive care.
• Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, a condition where your potassium levels are too high, is often preventable with lifestyle changes and medication adjustments, ultimately safeguarding your heart health.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Unbalanced mineral levels can affect your overall health, including your bones, kidneys, and heart; proactive management through regular checkups and lifestyle modifications helps prevent future health issues.
• Bladder Infection: Preventing bladder infections starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good hygiene to avoid complications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Preventing GERD complications starts with understanding your risk factors and making lifestyle changes like diet and weight management to avoid frequent heartburn and potential esophageal damage.
• Urinary Incontinence: Don't let urinary incontinence control your life; proactive healthcare and timely diagnosis can significantly reduce its impact and prevent associated health issues.
• Viral Infection: Effective management of viral infections, including adequate rest and hydration, supports your overall immune system and reduces the chances of secondary infections.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Managing eczema effectively through regular checkups and prescribed treatments can help prevent long-term skin damage, secondary infections, and emotional distress.

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. Ruben Perez 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): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Simplify your healthcare experience by having one team coordinate all aspects of your complex medical needs, leading to better health management.
• Diabetes Counseling: Proactively manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications through personalized diabetes counseling.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Protecting yourself from serious heart problems begins with an EKG; this screening helps identify potential risks and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: As part of your comprehensive health plan, a fecal occult blood test helps screen for colorectal cancer, significantly improving the odds of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Immunization Administration: Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is a proactive step to protect yourself from preventable diseases.
• Wellness Examination: Take charge of your health with a wellness examination; it's a comprehensive assessment that screens for various diseases and conditions, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.

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. Ruben Perez 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:

• Recognizing the risk factors for hemorrhoids, a patient implemented lifestyle changes to improve their bowel habits, successfully preventing the development of these uncomfortable conditions. This proactive approach provided them with a sense of control and confidence in their overall health.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing any tremor concerns, a patient proactively managed potential essential tremor, maintaining a positive outlook on their well-being.
• By addressing underlying issues with a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed acne, improving their overall well-being and confidence.

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. Ruben Perez:

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

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

How does Dr. Ruben Perez manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Perez 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 avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Perez's approach to preventive care is personalized and evidence-based, focusing on a partnership between patient and physician. Key screenings, such as those for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), are incorporated to identify and address potential health risks early. This collaborative effort aims to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Perez and our team carefully review all medications (polypharmacy management) to check for interactions, reduce unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhalers, providing supplemental oxygen as needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

What is the role of an Internist in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus?

Dr. Perez plays a central role in managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus by coordinating overall health. While a rheumatologist may focus on specialized medications, Dr. Perez manages other health aspects like heart health, kidney function, and bone density, ensuring comprehensive care.

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. Perez can help you understand crucial lifestyle changes, like diet and weight loss, to prevent further liver damage.

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

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a personalized, safe blood pressure target.

AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine at Winter Haven
350 1st St N
Winter Haven FL 33881
Phone: (863) 595-4130

Dr. Ruben Perez, 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): 1932178308

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. Ruben Perez 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.