Dr. Valentin Suma, MD

Dr. Valentin Suma, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at UF Health Cardiology - Deerwood Park in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), working as a crucial partner in preventive health for adults (18 years and older). 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. Dr. Suma is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 383-1011 to schedule.

Dr. Valentin Suma, MD is an internist in Jacksonville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University of Craiova Faculty of Medicine in 1998 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. With this extensive background and his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Suma provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hypertensive Heart Disease: Hypertensive heart disease means your high blood pressure is damaging your heart, making early detection and consistent blood pressure management crucial to prevent serious complications.
• Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? Don't ignore it – proactive monitoring and medical attention can help identify and manage potential heart or lung problems before they worsen.
• Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias, if left untreated, can lead to significant health issues. Regular visits with your doctor and adherence to treatment plans are key to preventing these problems.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Don't underestimate the significance of Adult Failure to Thrive (AFTT); addressing the underlying causes through regular health assessments and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your health and independence.
• Chest Pain: Experiencing chest pain? Don't delay – proactive checkups and understanding your risk factors can help prevent future heart problems and improve your long-term health.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Don't let coronary artery disease (CAD) sneak up on you; regular checkups and a heart-healthy lifestyle are crucial for early detection and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.
• Heart Disease: Early detection and treatment of heart disease can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent life-threatening events.
• Pericardial Disease: Preventive care, including regular heart health assessments, plays a vital role in identifying and addressing potential pericardial issues before they worsen.
• Atrial Septal Defect: An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the heart that can be found early through regular checkups, helping prevent future heart problems.
• Cardiomegaly: Cardiomegaly often develops gradually; therefore, proactive healthcare and lifestyle modifications are crucial in preventing its progression and related issues.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Protecting your heart and lungs starts with early detection and management of chronic lung diseases like pulmonary hypertension, reducing the risk of serious complications.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, or hypertension, significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, making regular check-ups crucial for early detection and prevention.

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. Valentin Suma 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): This simple blood test helps your doctor check your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, giving them a clear picture of your lung and kidney function and helping to prevent serious complications.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: Improve your heart health by utilizing HeartAware's risk assessment; it could reveal potential issues needing attention, allowing for early treatment.
• TCD Bubble Test: A transcranial Doppler (TCD) bubble test is a quick, non-invasive ultrasound that checks for air bubbles in your bloodstream, which can be a sign of a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: For comprehensive heart health assessment, a myocardial perfusion imaging scan helps identify issues with blood flow to the heart muscle, facilitating timely management of potential risks.
• Arrhythmia Screening: Proactive arrhythmia screening can identify potential heart rhythm problems before you experience symptoms, paving the way for better heart health.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Taking charge of your heart health starts with a chest pain evaluation, which can screen for conditions like heart attacks or angina.
• Cardiac Imaging: This advanced imaging helps ensure your heart is functioning optimally. By catching heart problems early through cardiac imaging, we can reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Nuclear Stress Testing: As part of your comprehensive heart health plan, a nuclear stress test screens for underlying heart conditions, allowing for timely intervention and improving your long-term health.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: Taking charge of your heart health starts with a dobutamine thallium stress test, a non-invasive procedure that helps screen for and prevent future heart-related issues.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: A cardiovascular stress test helps your doctor assess your heart's health and identify any potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing future heart issues.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Protecting your heart is paramount; a cardiac ultrasound offers a non-invasive way to assess its health, identifying potential problems before they cause symptoms or lead to complications.
• Cholesterol Screening: Protecting your future starts with a simple cholesterol screening, which helps assess your risk for heart disease and allows for early intervention.

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. Valentin Suma 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 consistently managing blood pressure and attending regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hypertensive heart disease, promoting a healthier future.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing lifestyle choices, a patient proactively identified and managed potential lung issues, leading to a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
• By diligently following a personalized heart health plan, a patient proactively managed their risk of arrhythmias, leading to a greater sense of well-being 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 Internal Medicine care with Dr. Valentin Suma:

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

An internist, like Dr. Suma, 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 medical conditions that affect adults.

How does Dr. Valentin Suma manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Suma excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. He acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, carefully managing your medications to avoid interactions, and prioritizing your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

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

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

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

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Suma carefully reviews all medications, a process called polypharmacy management, to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and simplify the treatment plan for optimal effectiveness.

I was told I have 'fatty liver disease.' What does that mean?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is when fat builds up in your liver, often linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Suma can help you understand lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and diet, to prevent it from worsening.

I have high blood pressure. What is your treatment philosophy?

Dr. Suma's approach to high blood pressure focuses on preventing heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. We aim for a personalized blood pressure target through a multi-faceted approach, starting with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and adding medication when needed. The goal is to achieve a safe blood pressure level while improving your overall health.

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

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

UF Health Cardiology - Deerwood Park
10475 Centurion Pkwy N Ste 201
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 383-1011

Dr. Valentin Suma, 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): 1821282401

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. Valentin Suma 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.