Dr. Susan Hanson-Leal, MD

Dr. Susan Hanson-Leal, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Lake Worth, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. She 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. She serves Adults (18 years and older) and welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in achieving your health goals. Please call (561) 548-1750 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Susan Hanson-Leal, MD is an internist in Lake Worth, FL. She is affiliated with medical facilities HCA Florida JFK Hospital and HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. Her commitment to evidence-based medicine and collaborative care creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hanson-Leal is committed to providing the highest quality of care, and understands the importance of proactive health management. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Susan Hanson-Leal 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. Susan Hanson-Leal 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. Susan Hanson-Leal 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:

• Heart Disease: Early detection and treatment of heart disease can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent life-threatening events.
• Hypokalemia: Maintaining adequate potassium intake through diet or supplements, as advised by your doctor, can help prevent hypokalemia and its associated health risks.
• Dysphagia: Protecting your health includes being aware of swallowing difficulties; discussing any changes with your doctor can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term issues.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medication, is crucial for preventing disability and maintaining your overall well-being.
• Insomnia: Insomnia disrupts your body's natural rhythms, impacting your immune system and increasing susceptibility to illness; prioritizing sleep hygiene is a vital preventive measure.
• Lactose Intolerance: Managing lactose intolerance through dietary modifications or enzyme supplements helps prevent nutritional deficiencies associated with calcium and vitamin D intake.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis effectively can prevent long-term complications like anemia or malnutrition, safeguarding your overall well-being.
• Difficulty With Walking: Difficulty walking can be a sign of underlying health issues, so addressing it early through preventive checkups can help identify and manage potential problems before they worsen.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Knowing the symptoms of an acute upper respiratory infection allows for early treatment, reducing the severity of the illness and preventing missed work or school, a key aspect of preventive wellness.
• Bedsores: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and incontinence can significantly reduce your risk of developing bedsores, keeping you healthier and more mobile.
• Kidney Infection: A kidney infection, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like kidney damage or sepsis, highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt treatment for optimal kidney health.
• Gastritis: Early detection of gastritis, often through recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice, allows for timely treatment and prevents serious long-term damage.

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

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Early detection and treatment of abscesses or fluid build-up, through incision and drainage, helps prevent the spread of infection and potential organ damage.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: Take control of your future by documenting your healthcare preferences and making your end-of-life decisions known.
• 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.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about your heart's health, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care and prevent future health issues.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Protecting your future, a fecal occult blood test is a crucial preventive measure that can identify colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Immunization Administration: Immunizations are a crucial part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your health against serious illnesses.
• Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps identify potential weight-related health concerns early, allowing for timely intervention and improved long-term health outcomes.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Take control of your health by getting personalized support and strategies to quit smoking and improve your respiratory health.

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. Susan Hanson-Leal 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 scheduling regular checkups and adopting a heart-healthy diet, a patient significantly lowered their risk of heart disease, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By carefully following a personalized potassium-rich diet plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of hypokalemia and its potential complications, gaining confidence in their overall health.
• Recognizing subtle changes in swallowing, a patient proactively discussed their concerns with their physician. This early intervention allowed for prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential long-term complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Susan Hanson-Leal:

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

An internist, like Dr. Hanson-Leal, is a primary care doctor who specializes in the care of adults. While family physicians treat patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many health issues that affect adults.

How does Dr. Susan Hanson-Leal manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Hanson-Leal excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, managing medications to prevent interactions, and focusing on improving your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Hanson-Leal's approach to preventive care emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based plan tailored to each patient's individual needs and risk factors. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), working in partnership with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

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

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

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix (for shingles), and pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are particularly important for this age group. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of complications from these common infections.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often linked to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

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

A pre-operative evaluation is a crucial safety step. Dr. Hanson-Leal 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.

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 reach a safe, personalized blood pressure target. This personalized plan ensures your long-term health and well-being.

5301 S Congress Ave
Lake Worth FL 33462
Phone: (561) 548-1750

Dr. Susan Hanson-Leal, 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): 1013180843

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. Susan Hanson-Leal 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.