Dr. Sara Rhodes, MD

Dr. Sara Rhodes, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Winter Park, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey. She serves adults (18 years and older). Please call (407) 679-3400 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Sara Rhodes, MD is an internist in Winter Park, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1989 and is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Tampa General Hospital. With this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her commitment to preventive medicine and collaborative care allows her to create targeted strategies for long-term health management, ensuring optimal well-being. Dr. Rhodes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pneumonia: Managing chronic conditions like asthma or COPD effectively helps to reduce your susceptibility to pneumonia and minimize the severity of symptoms should you develop it.
• Sarcoidosis: While sarcoidosis doesn't always have preventable risk factors, understanding your family history and working closely with your doctor to manage symptoms can help prevent severe consequences.
• Actinic Keratosis: Protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure is crucial to prevent actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin lesion that can be effectively managed with early detection and treatment.
• Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Mineral metabolism disorders, like problems with calcium or phosphorus levels, can weaken bones and increase your risk of fractures, so early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Low Back Pain: Managing low back pain effectively through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment reduces the risk of long-term complications like chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Mycobacterial Lung Infection: Regular screenings and proactive lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing a mycobacterial lung infection and protect your respiratory health.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Regular conversations with your doctor about herpes simplex infection, including symptoms and management, are crucial for preventive care and avoiding long-term health issues.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and manage chronic sinusitis, reducing the risk of severe complications and preserving your respiratory health.
• Migraine: Managing migraines effectively through early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce their frequency and severity, improving your overall quality of life.
• Food Poisoning: Practicing safe food handling and storage prevents food poisoning, a serious illness easily avoided with proactive measures.
• Radiculopathy: Managing risk factors like obesity and maintaining good posture can help prevent radiculopathy, a condition affecting the nerves branching from your spine, underscoring the value of proactive health management.
• Thyroid Goiter: Early detection of thyroid goiter allows for prompt treatment, preventing potentially serious complications and improving long-term health outcomes, making preventive care crucial.

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. Sara Rhodes 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): To ensure your heart's functioning well, an EKG is a valuable tool that can identify hidden heart issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future complications.
• 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.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: A herpes simplex screening helps detect the virus early, allowing for prompt treatment to manage outbreaks and prevent potential complications.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: Protecting your long-term health, this brief urinalysis screens for infections, abnormalities in your kidneys, liver, and other organs, helping prevent serious complications down the line.
• Embolization: To proactively manage your health, embolization can be used to treat conditions like uterine fibroids or arteriovenous malformations, reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.
• Outpatient Opioid Dependence Treatment: As part of your overall health plan, outpatient treatment for opioid dependence offers support and guidance to overcome addiction and improve your quality of life.

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. Sara Rhodes 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 and managing their chronic lung condition, a patient reduced their risk of pneumonia, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health.
• By understanding their family history and working closely with their physician, a patient proactively managed potential sarcoidosis symptoms, fostering peace of mind and a plan to potentially mitigate any future health concerns.
• By diligently applying sunscreen and scheduling regular skin checks, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing actinic keratosis, ensuring peace of mind and proactive skin health management.

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. Sara Rhodes:

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

An internist, like Dr. Rhodes, 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 medical conditions that can affect adults.

How does Dr. Sara Rhodes manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Rhodes excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Rhodes's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. Key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate) are incorporated, working in partnership with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

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

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

Cholesterol screening is a crucial part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Rhodes will order the test and take the time to explain your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride results, and how they relate to your personal risk.

Why do I need a pre-operative evaluation before surgery?

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Rhodes will perform a thorough evaluation of your heart, lung, and overall health to identify and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia and the stress of surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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

Dr. Rhodes carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential drug interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illnesses like pneumonia and the flu. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important for older adults. These vaccines can significantly reduce your risk of complications from these diseases.

5554 Lake Howell Rd
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 679-3400

Dr. Sara Rhodes, 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): 1780650242

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. Sara Rhodes 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.