Dr. Rubena Smith, MD

Dr. Rubena Smith, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Bradenton, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. She serves Adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (941) 782-8529 to schedule.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Papua New Guinea, Faculty of Medicine in 1998, completed an internship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1994, and then undertook residency training in Internal Medicine at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Adults (18 years and older), graduating in 2016. Her commitment to preventive care is rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes proactive lifestyle choices, starting with a focus on attitude, lifestyle, exercise, and food. Your health journey begins with you at any age, when you realize that your best health and happiness can be achieved with a change in these areas. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Understanding the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause, and discussing these options with your doctor, is an essential aspect of preventive healthcare for women.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Managing fluid overload and preventing limb swelling is crucial for preventing damage to your organs; regular doctor visits are essential for timely intervention.
• Muscle Cramping: Addressing muscle cramps proactively through preventive health strategies, like hydration and balanced nutrition, can minimize their frequency and improve your quality of life.
• Headache: Don't ignore persistent headaches; seeking medical attention allows for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing long-term health issues.
• Sinusitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage sinusitis before it leads to more severe health problems.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Managing intestinal diverticulosis involves proactive steps like dietary changes and increased fluid intake to prevent painful diverticulitis flare-ups.
• Acidosis: Regular blood tests are crucial for detecting acidosis early, as prompt treatment can prevent its progression into serious complications affecting your heart, kidneys, and other vital systems.
• Gait Abnormality: Preventive care includes assessing how you walk; identifying problems early can significantly reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Preventive care is key to catching conditions like bladder infections or kidney stones that can cause blood in your urine; early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of lasting health problems.
• Diabetes Type 2: Managing your risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as weight, diet, and physical activity, is key to preventing this chronic disease and its associated health problems.
• Fever: A fever, or elevated body temperature, can be a sign of infection and prompt attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding and addressing the triggers for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is crucial for preventing flare-ups and improving your 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. Rubena Smith 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of lung problems.
• 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: Take control of your blood sugar with diabetes counseling, a proactive step to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• 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.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively protect your lungs and overall well-being through evidence-based counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your future health through a wellness examination; this thorough assessment helps detect issues before they become major health concerns, ensuring you stay active and healthy.

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. Rubena Smith 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 understanding the options for hormone replacement therapy and discussing them with their physician, a patient proactively managed potential menopausal symptoms, gaining peace of mind and a healthier transition.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed fluid overload, preventing potential limb swelling and preserving overall organ health. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• By focusing on proper hydration and a balanced diet, a patient significantly reduced the frequency of muscle cramps, improving their overall comfort and daily activities. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Rubena Smith:

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

An internist, like Dr. Smith, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many health issues adults face.

How does Dr. Rubena Smith manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Smith excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care between specialists, optimizing your medication regimen to avoid interactions, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Smith'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 develop a plan that supports your overall well-being.

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

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Smith will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), including their implications for your personal risk.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Rubena Smith can help you understand lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, to prevent further liver issues.

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

Dr. Smith takes a careful and thorough approach to medication management, regularly reviewing all medications (polypharmacy management) to check for potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and ensure the most simple and effective treatment plan possible.

I have a complex or undiagnosed set of symptoms. Can you help?

Yes, internists are experts in complex diagnostics. Dr. Rubena Smith excels at investigating challenging symptoms, ordering the appropriate advanced tests, and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

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

4502 Cortez Rd W Ste 200
Bradenton FL 34210
Phone: (941) 782-8529

Dr. Rubena Smith, 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): 1649687567

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. Rubena Smith 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.