Dr. Stephen Berkes, MD

Dr. Stephen Berkes, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at his clinic in Sarasota, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. He 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. He serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (941) 921-0777 to schedule.

Dr. Stephen Berkes, MD is an internist in Sarasota, FL and has over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Szegedi Medicine Study University in 1962. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Blake Hospital. He is accepting new patients. With over 60 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Szegedi Medicine Study University in 1962 and completed an internship at St Joseph Hospital For Specialty Care, graduating in 1971. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in Rhode Island Hospital, graduating in 1975, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Stephen Berkes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sleep Apnea: Don't underestimate the impact of sleep apnea on your long-term health. Managing this condition through lifestyle changes and/or medical treatment can prevent many serious complications.
• Osteoporosis: By understanding your individual risk factors for osteoporosis and adopting a preventive strategy that includes diet, exercise, and medication if needed, you can maintain bone health and prevent debilitating fractures.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. Preventive measures like adopting a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk and severity of symptoms.
• Anemia: Anemia, a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells, can be prevented through regular blood tests and addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies to maintain overall health and energy levels.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Preventive care during and after menopause includes screenings for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, helping to identify and address potential problems early.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent them from spreading to your kidneys, causing more severe health issues.
• Limb Swelling Caused by Fluid Overload: Preventing serious health issues starts with noticing swollen limbs – a sign of fluid overload – and seeking medical advice for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing hyperlipidemia effectively involves adopting heart-healthy habits and, when needed, taking medications to keep your cholesterol under control.
• Gait Abnormality: Preventive care includes assessing how you walk; identifying problems early can significantly reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Preventing COPD often means avoiding risk factors like smoking and air pollution, protecting your lungs for a healthier future.
• Back Pain: Understanding the causes of your back pain and adopting preventive measures, such as proper posture and exercise, can help avoid long-term complications.
• Constipation: Preventive health measures, including regular hydration and fiber intake, are crucial for preventing and managing constipation, thus avoiding future complications.

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. Stephen Berkes 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): For the proactive management of your health, an arterial blood gas test is used to assess your blood's pH and gas levels, offering a crucial insight into how well your body is working and enabling timely interventions.
• Cholesterol Screening: Protecting your future starts with a simple cholesterol screening, which helps assess your risk for heart disease and allows for early intervention.
• Diabetes Screening: Diabetes screening helps detect high blood sugar levels early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.
• 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.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Proactive bone density testing can identify osteoporosis risk factors before you experience any symptoms, enabling proactive treatment to protect your bone health.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Taking a proactive step towards your health, a prostate cancer screening can identify potential issues before they become serious health concerns.
• Thyroid Screening: Take charge of your health with a thyroid screening; it can identify problems like an underactive or overactive thyroid before noticeable symptoms appear.

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. Stephen Berkes 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 addressing sleep apnea concerns proactively, a patient experienced improved sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue, significantly enhancing their overall well-being. This proactive approach also helped to mitigate the risk of long-term health problems.
• By understanding her individual risk factors and following a personalized plan including diet and exercise, a patient proactively managed her bone health, gaining confidence in her ability to prevent future fractures.
• By adopting a heart-healthy diet and managing their weight, a patient significantly reduced their GERD symptoms and avoided potential long-term complications. This proactive approach provided them with increased peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.

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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Stephen Berkes:

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

An internist, like Dr. Berkes, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have specialized training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions adults can experience.

How does Dr. Stephen Berkes manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

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

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Berkes and his team take 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). We work together to develop a plan that best fits your individual needs and preferences.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. Important vaccines include high-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance, and Pneumovax 23. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Berkes can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent further liver damage.

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

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

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Our goal is not just to lower your blood pressure numbers, but to prevent serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We take a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed to achieve a safe, personalized blood pressure target for you.

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

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

3231 Gulf Gate Dr Ste 101
Sarasota FL 34231
Phone: (941) 921-0777

Dr. Stephen Berkes, 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): 1386795375

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. Stephen Berkes 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.