Dr. Tara Dyson, MD

Dr. Tara Dyson, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Dyson 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. 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Tara Dyson, MD is a gastroenterologist in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital. She is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is not accepting new patients. While she is currently not accepting new patients, those interested can call (352) 273-9400 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Dyson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.
• Pancreatitis: Managing underlying conditions like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia is key to preventing pancreatitis attacks and improving your overall digestive health.
• Megacolon: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular bowel habits, can help prevent the development of megacolon and reduce the risk of associated problems, contributing to improved digestive health.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.
• Colorectal Polyp: Managing colorectal polyps effectively involves regular screenings and, if necessary, polyp removal procedures, preventing potential complications like colorectal cancer.
• Dysphagia: Managing dysphagia effectively, often through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, helps avoid malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively, including lifestyle changes and potentially medical interventions, prevents severe discomfort and potential complications such as blood clots or infections.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm are conditions where your esophagus doesn't relax properly, making it hard to swallow; early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like malnutrition and esophageal damage.
• Stomach Stenosis: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing digestive symptoms promptly can aid in the prevention of stomach stenosis and ensure the optimal functioning of your stomach.
• Indigestion: Managing indigestion effectively prevents discomfort and potential complications such as ulcers or heartburn, promoting the long-term health of your entire digestive system.
• Gastritis: Addressing risk factors like H. pylori infection and long-term NSAID use can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastritis and maintain your overall digestive well-being.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive 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. Tara Dyson offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Liver Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a colon cancer screening; it's a simple test that can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.

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. Tara Dyson 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 subtle signals of abdominal discomfort and working with a specialist, a patient was able to address potential digestive issues early, reducing the risk of future complications and regaining a sense of well-being.
• By addressing underlying conditions like gallstones, a patient significantly reduced their risk of pancreatitis attacks, gaining valuable peace of mind about their digestive health.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and consistent bowel habits, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing megacolon, gaining peace of mind and improved digestive 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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Tara Dyson:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Tara Dyson and her team are gastroenterologists, specialists who are experts in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They diagnose and treat 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Dyson 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. Dyson can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

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.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. However, they can cause pain if they block the flow of bile, and Dr. Tara Dyson can help diagnose this issue.

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. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Dyson is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9400

Dr. Tara Dyson, 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): 1194797605

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. Tara Dyson 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.