Dr. Sherif Zihni, MD

Dr. Sherif Zihni, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Plant City, FL, and is committed to crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing the overall wellness journey for all ages, from newborns to seniors. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Patients should call (813) 906-1411 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. Dr. Zihni, a family medicine physician in Plant City, FL with over 20 years of experience, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (Unibe) Escuela De Medicina in 2001 and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He offers consultations in Arabic and is accepting telehealth appointments.

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

• Hypertension: Don't let hypertension sneak up on you – proactive monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce your risk of developing this serious condition and its associated complications.
• Dysphagia: Protecting yourself from the complications of dysphagia starts with understanding its potential causes and seeking medical attention if you experience persistent swallowing difficulties.
• Bedsores: Early detection of bedsores is crucial; regular assessments and proactive skin care can prevent serious complications like infection and prolonged healing times.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Preventing the worsening of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome involves identifying symptoms early and adopting strategies to better manage energy levels, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
• Gout: Preventing gout involves understanding your risk factors, like diet and genetics, and taking steps to manage them, reducing the likelihood of painful attacks and long-term joint damage.
• Lipid Disorders: Managing lipid disorders through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, helps prevent serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes later in life.
• Nail Infection: Regular self-examination of your nails and prompt medical attention for any signs of infection will help prevent long-term damage and discomfort.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Protecting your lungs from COPD starts with avoiding smoking and managing other risk factors like air pollution exposure; regular check-ups can help catch the disease early.
• Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can often be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise and a balanced diet.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Regular STD testing is crucial for early detection and treatment, preventing long-term health complications and protecting your partners.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Managing GERD effectively, often through diet and medication, helps prevent more serious conditions like esophageal ulcers and Barrett's esophagus.
• Ingrown Nail: Addressing an ingrown toenail promptly can help prevent secondary infections and the need for more invasive procedures, highlighting the importance of timely self-care and medical attention.

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

• Wheelchair Evaluation: Prevent future mobility issues and enhance your quality of life with a comprehensive wheelchair evaluation tailored to your specific needs.
• Thyroid Screening: Ensure your thyroid is functioning optimally with a screening; early detection of thyroid disorders can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Early detection is key to managing STIs. A trichomoniasis screening is a quick and effective way to identify this infection and start treatment, avoiding potential complications.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: For children struggling in school, an independent educational evaluation provides an unbiased assessment to determine if learning disabilities or other educational needs exist, enabling tailored support.
• Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation is a simple step towards preventing melanoma and other skin cancers by identifying abnormal moles.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Proactively assess your risk of breast cancer through genetic testing; understanding your genetic predisposition empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a simple yet powerful way to bolster your immune system and prevent serious infections throughout your life.
• Detoxification Evaluation: This evaluation helps screen for potential heavy metal exposure or other toxin accumulation that may be affecting your energy levels, organ function, or overall health.
• Melanoma Screening: Protect your skin and your health by scheduling regular melanoma screenings; early detection is key to successful melanoma treatment.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Protecting your baby's future starts with fetal cardiac screening, a vital step in detecting and addressing potential heart conditions early on.
• STD Screening: STD screenings are a vital part of comprehensive preventive care, providing an opportunity to detect and address infections early, improving overall health outcomes.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Take control of your perimenopause and menopause journey with a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address potential symptoms and health risks.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Sherif Zihni is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 consistently tracking blood pressure and adopting a heart-healthy diet, a family significantly reduced their risk of hypertension and related health concerns, gaining peace of mind about their future well-being.
• By understanding potential causes of dysphagia and proactively addressing any swallowing difficulties, a family gained the peace of mind that early intervention could significantly reduce future 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Sherif Zihni:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

A family physician is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive, lifelong healthcare for all ages, from newborns to seniors. They treat the whole person, manage the health of the entire family, and focus on preventing illness while coordinating all aspects of a patient's care.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Zihni is a great opportunity to partner with him to maintain your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Establishing a relationship with Dr. Zihni now, even if you're healthy, is a valuable long-term investment in your well-being. Having a baseline for your health history allows for faster, more personalized care should you become ill. It also helps ensure you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your health.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Zihni works with patients to create a personalized management plan, including regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling, to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. This is a long-term partnership focused on your health and well-being.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Zihni and our team are experienced in treating joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Zihni's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. He discusses the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening based on current guidelines, and manages other men's health concerns like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar, to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Zihni will only order tests appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Zihni and our team regularly perform sports physicals for children and teens. This isn't just a form to sign; it's a comprehensive health evaluation to assess their well-being, identify any potential risks, and ensure they are physically fit for a safe athletic season.

1415 S Collins St
Plant City FL 33563
Phone: (813) 906-1411

Dr. Sherif Zihni, 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): 1013246990

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Sherif Zihni 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.