Dr. Sarah Altajar, MD

Dr. Sarah Altajar, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to preventive health strategies. 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 913-0666 to schedule.

Dr. Altajar, a Board Certified Gastroenterologist and Internal Medicine physician, brings over five years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care to her practice. She earned her medical degree from Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College Of Medicine in 2018, followed by an internship and residency at Boston University Medical Center, and a fellowship at University Of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, further specializing in her field. Her education, encompassing a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Tufts University School of Medicine, and significant clinical experience, demonstrates her commitment to thorough and compassionate patient care. Dr. Altajar is committed to providing exceptional patient care, with a focus on treating each patient with the utmost compassion and personalized attention. She is also proficient in Arabic, offering consultations in this language. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that considers each patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms or a disease.

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

• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, or acid reflux, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication to prevent serious complications like esophageal damage and cancer.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia can be a warning sign of various esophageal or other digestive disorders. Regular screenings and awareness can help detect the condition early, leading to better health outcomes and preventing severe consequences.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Regular liver function tests and discussions with your healthcare provider are critical steps in preventing alcoholic cirrhosis and managing its progression if diagnosed.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for IBS and adopting proactive strategies, such as dietary adjustments and stress management, can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas-bloat syndrome, while often uncomfortable, can be a sign of underlying digestive issues; addressing it early through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can prevent more serious complications.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that can often be prevented by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and managing underlying conditions like viral hepatitis.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: A diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, can cause heartburn and other issues, highlighting the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent complications.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Liver disease from alcohol is preventable! Moderating your alcohol consumption, combined with regular health monitoring, can significantly reduce your risk and safeguard your digestive system.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and support overall digestive health.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are vital for digestive well-being; preventing constipation proactively safeguards your overall 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. Sarah Altajar offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Upper GI Series: Protecting your digestive system is key to your overall well-being; an upper GI series provides detailed images, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

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. Sarah Altajar 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 scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns with their healthcare provider, a patient was able to identify and address a potential issue with abdominal pain early, preventing it from becoming a more serious problem.
• By implementing dietary changes and medication as advised, a patient significantly reduced their GERD symptoms, preventing potential long-term complications and improving their overall well-being.
• By attending regular screenings and diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential dysphagia issues early, significantly reducing the risk of developing more serious digestive conditions. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to maintain a healthy 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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Sarah Altajar:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Altajar will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

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 it is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day prep is a small investment for long-term peace of mind.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a vital tool to detect and remove these polyps, preventing the possibility of cancer.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

9408 SW 87th Ave
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (305) 913-0666

Dr. Sarah Altajar, 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): 1568966745

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. Sarah Altajar 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.