Dr. Stewart Shull, MD

Dr. Stewart Shull, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, 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 (954) 260-5795 to schedule.

Dr. Stewart Shull, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1968. He is accepting new patients. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University in 1968 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Shull offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Acute Bowel Infarction: Early detection of acute bowel infarction through prompt medical attention when experiencing intense abdominal pain is essential to minimize long-term damage and ensure effective treatment.
• Diverticulitis: While not always avoidable, many cases of diverticulitis can be prevented or their severity lessened by proactive measures including maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following a fiber-rich diet to support healthy bowel movements.
• Intestinal Prolapse: Intestinal prolapse, where part of the intestine slips out of its normal position, can be prevented or its severity lessened through maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding chronic straining during bowel movements.
• Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and diet to reduce your risk of gallstones, a common cause.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Protecting your liver starts with understanding NAFLD – a condition caused by excess fat accumulating in the liver, often preventable through healthy eating and exercise habits.
• Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: While many pancreatic cystic lesions are benign, some can be precancerous, emphasizing the importance of proactive monitoring to prevent serious health issues.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Hepatocellular carcinoma can be a serious consequence of long-term liver damage, emphasizing the need for preventative measures such as avoiding risky behaviors and seeking timely medical care for liver diseases.

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

• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure helps alleviate symptoms associated with anal tags, contributing to improved hygiene and preventing related issues.

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. Stewart Shull 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 promptly seeking medical attention for intense abdominal pain, a patient was able to receive swift diagnosis and treatment, minimizing potential long-term complications from acute bowel infarction. This proactive approach ensured a positive outcome and restored peace of mind.
• By focusing on a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of diverticulitis, experiencing improved digestive health and greater peace of mind.
• By focusing on a healthy weight and mindful bowel habits, a patient reduced their risk of intestinal prolapse, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

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. Stewart Shull:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is highly 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 conditions, and in performing 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Shull will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without physical inflammation or damage.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Some common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact Dr. Stewart Shull for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Shull can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, like the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

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

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

5618 Oakmont Ave
Fort Lauderdale FL 33312
Phone: (954) 260-5795

Dr. Stewart Shull, 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): 1487617924

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. Stewart Shull 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.