Dr. Somal Shah, MD

Dr. Somal Shah, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 335-1272 to schedule.

Dr. Somal Shah, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL. Dr. Shah has extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Esophageal Disorders, and Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University and completed an internship at Barnes Jewish Hospital, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Barnes Jewish Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in University Of Miami, deepening his expertise. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Shah practices general gastroenterology and hepatology including procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and feeding tube placement. He treats a variety of conditions, including diseases of the stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Rectal Ulcer: A rectal ulcer is a sore in the rectum that, if left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection, highlighting the importance of regular colorectal screenings for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Lactose Intolerance: By recognizing and managing lactose intolerance, you can prevent potential nutritional deficiencies and improve your quality of life.
• Abdominal Disorders: Many abdominal disorders can be managed effectively with proactive lifestyle changes and medical attention, reducing your risk of severe health issues.
• 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.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: A hiatal hernia with obstruction means a portion of your stomach is pushing up into your chest, blocking food passage and potentially leading to serious complications if left untreated, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for optimal digestive health.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: A bile duct obstruction, where something blocks the tubes carrying bile from your liver and gallbladder, highlights the importance of regular check-ups to catch and treat problems early, preventing serious liver damage.
• Esophagitis: Early detection of esophagitis is crucial to prevent serious complications like esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Mallory-Weiss syndrome, a tear in the lining of your esophagus, is often preventable by managing conditions like chronic vomiting or forceful coughing, highlighting the importance of proactive health strategies.
• Rectal Prolapse: Early detection of rectal prolapse is key to preventing complications like bowel obstruction or incontinence; regular checkups and awareness of symptoms are crucial.
• Colorectal Polyp: Preventing colorectal cancer often starts with finding and removing colorectal polyps. This emphasizes the crucial role of regular screenings in maintaining good digestive health.
• Stomach Cancer: Early detection of stomach cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved survival rates, emphasizing the importance of preventive screenings.
• Pouchitis: Preventing pouchitis, a common complication after surgery for ulcerative colitis, involves adhering to dietary recommendations, taking prescribed medications, and promptly addressing any symptoms to avoid long-term problems.

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

• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• Anoscopy: As part of your routine healthcare, an anoscopy offers a direct visual assessment of your anal canal and rectum, facilitating the early detection and management of any concerning changes.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Taking proactive steps with gastroenterology procedures can help prevent serious digestive issues by identifying and addressing problems like colon cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease before they worsen.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: As a proactive step in maintaining digestive health, a proctosigmoidoscopy involves a brief examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling the early detection of polyps and other health concerns.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Liver Biopsy: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.

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. Somal Shah 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 colorectal screenings, a patient successfully identified and addressed a potential rectal ulcer early, significantly reducing the risk of complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By understanding their lactose intolerance and making dietary adjustments, a patient was able to avoid digestive discomfort and enjoy a wider variety of foods without worry.
• By diligently following a personalized plan for proactive abdominal health management, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future complications, achieving greater peace of mind.

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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Somal Shah:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is expertly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform important preventive screenings, such as 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Somal Shah will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's important to distinguish this from a gluten sensitivity, as a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to detect and prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. This allows us to visualize the small intestine for potential problems.

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 optimize quality of life.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be a concern, but modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

3661 S Miami Ave Ste 907
Miami FL 33133
Phone: (954) 335-1272

Dr. Somal Shah, 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): 1295946168

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. Somal Shah 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.