Dr. Susan Smith, MD

Dr. Susan Smith, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at her clinic in Pensacola, 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 patients should call (850) 416-6768 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Susan Smith, MD is an internist in Pensacola, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte in 1994, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is affiliated with medical facilities Baptist Hospital and Gulf Breeze Hospital. Dr. Smith 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. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Vertigo: Regular health screenings and open communication with your doctor about vertigo symptoms are essential for preventing disabling conditions and improving your overall well-being.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Regularly assessing your skin for signs of eczema and contact dermatitis allows for timely intervention, reducing the severity of symptoms and minimizing long-term impact.
• Acidosis: Acidosis can signal underlying problems like kidney disease or diabetes; proactive health screenings and lifestyle changes are essential to reduce your risk and prevent significant health consequences.
• Malaise and Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or unwell? Don't ignore these symptoms; proactive healthcare helps detect and manage conditions like anemia or thyroid problems that cause fatigue and improve your overall health.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Regular check-ups and monitoring for risk factors like obesity and chronic respiratory illness help prevent asphyxia and hypoxemia by allowing for early intervention and management.
• Diabetes Type 1: While type 1 diabetes can't be prevented, early diagnosis and careful management of blood sugar levels are crucial to reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Managing GERD effectively, with medication or lifestyle changes, prevents serious complications like Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.
• Hypotension: Hypotension, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe health problems; regular monitoring and appropriate lifestyle adjustments can mitigate this risk.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Preventing COPD often means avoiding risk factors like smoking and air pollution, protecting your lungs for a healthier future.
• Proteinuria: Regular health checkups, including urine tests for protein, can help detect proteinuria early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing further kidney damage.
• Ataxia: Ataxia is a neurological condition causing problems with coordination, balance, and movement, and early detection through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent falls and injuries.
• Venous Embolism and Thrombosis: Early detection of blood clot risk factors, such as prolonged immobility or genetic predisposition, is vital to implementing preventative measures and minimizing the chance of developing a venous embolism or thrombosis.

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 Smith 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): To proactively monitor your overall health and detect potential issues early, an arterial blood gas test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and metabolic function.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: Taking a proactive step towards better health, the fecal occult blood test screens for colorectal cancer, enabling early intervention and improving your chances of successful treatment.
• Chronic Diabetes Management: Proactively manage your diabetes through regular checkups, blood tests, and personalized plans to prevent serious complications.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: This evaluation is a proactive step to understand your overall health status, detecting hidden issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, ultimately enhancing your well-being.
• Skin Procedures: Protecting your skin through proactive screenings helps prevent serious skin conditions and improve your overall health.
• Nuclear Imaging: Taking a proactive approach to your well-being, nuclear imaging helps your doctor assess the extent of certain diseases, guiding treatment decisions for better long-term health outcomes.

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 Smith 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 discussing any dizziness or vertigo symptoms, a patient proactively identified potential underlying causes, reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By regularly checking for skin changes and following a personalized skin care routine, a patient successfully managed their eczema and contact dermatitis, reducing flare-ups and improving their overall comfort.
• By proactively scheduling regular health screenings and adopting a balanced diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of acidosis, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their overall health.

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 Smith:

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

An internist, like Dr. Smith, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and managing the many medical conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Susan Smith manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Smith excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on improving your overall well-being. Our team works collaboratively to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to your specific needs.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Smith'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), along with lifestyle recommendations. We work in partnership to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Dr. Smith's practice emphasizes vaccinations as 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 especially important to protect against these common and serious threats. These vaccinations are a crucial part of maintaining health and well-being.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is a vital part of preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Smith will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and their impact on your personal risk.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Smith's practice is dedicated to helping manage type 2 diabetes. We offer comprehensive care, including regular A1c monitoring, medication management (oral or insulin), and personalized counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications.

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

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

Does Dr. Susan Smith provide care for patients in the hospital?

Dr. Smith and her team provide comprehensive care, including hospital-based consultations and coordination with our dedicated hospitalist team. This ensures seamless care transitions upon admission and discharge, maintaining continuity of your treatment plan.

5151 N 9th Ave
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (850) 416-6768

Dr. Susan Smith, 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): 1578588893

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 Smith 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.