Dr. Stephen Clum, MD

Dr. Stephen Clum, MD is a Pulmonology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Dr. Clum is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (813) 974-2201 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Stephen Clum, MD is a pulmonologist in Tampa, FL and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2001. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Cape Coral Hospital and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Clum is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal 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. Dr. Stephen Clum provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, could be a sign of underlying respiratory issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent them from worsening.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Managing chronic bronchitis effectively involves lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups to prevent debilitating breathing issues and improve your overall quality of life.
• Chronic Bronchiolitis: Chronic bronchiolitis is a progressive disease, making preventive measures like avoiding irritants and adhering to treatment plans essential to mitigate its impact on your breathing.
• Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? Don't ignore it; proactive management of this symptom can help prevent the progression of chronic respiratory diseases.
• Hypoxemia: Low blood oxygen, or hypoxemia, can be a sign of underlying lung problems; proactive screenings and lifestyle changes can help prevent serious complications.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Managing chronic respiratory diseases helps avoid severe episodes of asphyxia and hypoxemia, demonstrating how proactive healthcare and adherence to treatment plans are vital for better lung health.
• Benign Pleural Neoplasm: Early detection of a benign pleural neoplasm, even though it's not cancerous, allows for timely monitoring and reduces the risk of it impacting your breathing or causing other lung issues.
• Swine Flu: Managing swine flu effectively, including rest and medication as directed by your doctor, helps to shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the illness.
• Pneumoconiosis and Pneumonopathy: Early detection of pneumoconiosis and pneumonopathy, often through regular check-ups and workplace monitoring, is crucial to prevent irreversible lung damage and improve quality of life.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Preventing the progression of an acute upper respiratory infection to a chronic respiratory issue involves timely treatment and rest, ensuring your lungs remain healthy.
• Cough: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have a persistent cough, are essential for preventive care and early intervention in lung health.
• Bronchiolitis: While bronchiolitis usually resolves on its own, timely medical attention can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalizations, particularly in infants.

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 Clum 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): An arterial blood gas test helps your doctor check how well your lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide, allowing for early detection of breathing problems.
• Bronchoscopy with Robotic Assist: To proactively safeguard your lung health, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy provides a minimally invasive way for your doctor to accurately diagnose and treat lung conditions before they worsen.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a proactive treatment for sleep apnea, helping to restore normal breathing patterns during sleep and promoting better health.
• Sleep Study: A sleep study helps identify sleep disorders like apnea that can worsen heart and lung health, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life.
• Airway Surgery: Proactive airway surgery can help remove abnormal growths or tissue from your airways, potentially preventing the development of more serious lung diseases.
• Minimally Invasive Resection of Mediastinal Tumor: Taking proactive steps to ensure your health by having a small incision surgery to remove a chest mass and improve your chances of recovery from lung or other chest issues.
• Pleural Evacuation: As part of your preventative lung health strategy, pleural evacuation addresses fluid buildup, improving lung function and enabling the early diagnosis of various conditions.

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 Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. Stephen Clum 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 understanding the triggers of their wheezing and implementing a proactive management plan, a patient felt empowered to confidently navigate their respiratory health and prevent future episodes.
• By adopting a proactive approach to managing their breathing, a patient significantly reduced the risk of chronic bronchitis symptoms, gaining confidence in their ability to live a full life.

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 Pulmonary care with Dr. Stephen Clum:

What is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. They are experts in a wide range of conditions, from asthma and COPD to lung cancer and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is key, as lung cancer is most treatable when caught early. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Clum to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Many pulmonologists are also board-certified in Critical Care Medicine. In the ICU, they lead the team managing critically ill patients, specializing in life-support systems and complex conditions like sepsis and acute respiratory failure.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look directly inside the airways of your lungs. This allows Dr. Clum to diagnose issues like lung infections, bleeding sources, or take a biopsy of a suspicious area, such as a lung nodule.

My CT scan showed a 'lung nodule.' Does this mean I have cancer?

While a lung nodule on a CT scan can be concerning, the vast majority are benign. Dr. Clum is highly experienced in evaluating lung nodules, considering factors like size, appearance, and your individual risk, to determine the best course of action, which often involves careful monitoring.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically has reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

How can I prevent my asthma or COPD from getting worse?

Preventing asthma or COPD from worsening is a partnership with Dr. Clum. Key strategies include using your inhalers correctly, avoiding triggers like smoke and pollen, getting recommended vaccinations, and having a clear action plan for flare-ups.

What is a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a series of breathing tests that measure lung function, similar to an EKG for your lungs. Dr. Clum uses PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD, assess their severity, and monitor how well treatments are working.

2 Tampa General Cir
Tampa FL 33606
Phone: (813) 974-2201

Dr. Stephen Clum, 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): 1861578478

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. Pulmonology like Dr. Stephen Clum 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 pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.