Dr. Stephen Gerrish, MD

Dr. Stephen Gerrish, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal 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 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. Call (813) 304-2140 to schedule.

Dr. Stephen Gerrish, MD is a gastroenterologist in Tampa, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of patient needs and family dynamics to his practice. He has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Saba University School Of Medicine in 2002 and further specialized with fellowship training in Ochsner Clinic Foundation (2008). He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. I believe that every patient deserves exceptional quality care from their physician, and recognize the importance of patients and doctors as partners, working closely together to create better results. Dr. Gerrish offers consultations in Spanish. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

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

• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia is a precancerous condition where the lining of your esophagus changes, increasing your risk of esophageal cancer; regular screenings can help detect it early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing cancer development.
• Duodenal Cancer: While uncommon, duodenal cancer highlights the importance of overall digestive health maintenance. Regular check-ups and addressing any persistent symptoms promptly may aid in early diagnosis.
• Biliary Colic: Don't ignore that sudden, severe abdominal pain – it could be biliary colic. Addressing gallstones early through lifestyle modifications or medical intervention prevents potentially life-threatening complications.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease and diverticulitis and by addressing any dietary factors that might contribute.
• Gastritis: Early detection of gastritis is key to preventing serious complications like ulcers or stomach bleeding; regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify potential problems early.
• Chronic Osmotic Diarrhea: Maintaining your digestive health is key to overall well-being: if you experience chronic osmotic diarrhea, seeking professional help can help determine the root cause and allow for timely intervention, preventing potential complications and improving your quality of life.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Understanding your risk factors for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and undergoing regular screenings can aid in early diagnosis and timely intervention, minimizing long-term consequences.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Don't let heartburn become a chronic problem; proactive steps to prevent and manage GERD are crucial for overall digestive health.
• Chronic Infectious Diarrhea: Managing chronic infectious diarrhea effectively involves identifying and addressing the underlying infection to protect your digestive system's long-term health and prevent future episodes.
• Fistula: Preventing fistulas involves managing underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis that can increase your risk, protecting your digestive system's health.
• Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Because sclerosing mesenteritis can cause complications like bowel obstruction, preventive measures such as regular check-ups with your doctor are essential.
• Gastroenteritis: Managing gastroenteritis effectively, including staying hydrated, means preventing long-term consequences like dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

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

• Opening of Bile Ducts: This procedure helps doctors view the opening of your bile ducts, enabling the detection of diseases such as cholangitis or cancer, and early interventions.
• Bravo pH Testing: Proactive management of acid reflux symptoms is vital, and Bravo pH testing helps determine the severity of your condition and guide treatment choices for lasting relief.
• Biliary Drainage: Supporting healthy biliary drainage helps your liver function properly and prevents issues like gallstones and jaundice.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Gastroparesis Therapy: Take control of your digestive health by exploring gastroparesis therapy options to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Endoscopic Polypectomy: Taking charge of your digestive health, endoscopic polypectomy allows for the early detection and removal of abnormal growths in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
• Snare Polypectomy: Snare polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove polyps found during a colonoscopy or endoscopy, reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: A colonoscopy with polypectomy is a proactive procedure to screen for and remove precancerous polyps in your colon, helping prevent colon cancer.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.

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. Stephen Gerrish 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 diligently following the recommended screening schedule, a patient was able to detect Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia early, significantly reducing their risk of esophageal cancer and gaining peace of mind.
• By diligently following a personalized digestive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of duodenal cancer, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to overall well-being.
• By adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of biliary colic, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Stephen Gerrish:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician 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, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start earlier. Dr. Gerrish will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. These tests can detect potential issues, but if positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to thoroughly investigate and remove any polyps.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Gerrish can help diagnose this issue.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage within the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage to the digestive tract.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. While gluten sensitivity may share some symptoms, a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is crucial before making dietary changes.

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. Gerrish. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Gerrish can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

2102 S Macdill Ave Ste D
Tampa FL 33629
Phone: (813) 304-2140

Dr. Stephen Gerrish, 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): 1639369226

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. Stephen Gerrish 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.