Dr. Virginia Critelli, MD

Dr. Virginia Critelli, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at her Pensacola, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to helping you achieve optimal digestive health through personalized preventive plans. 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, and while she is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (850) 626-9626 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Critelli, a native of Upstate New York, brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to her patients and their families. A graduate of Saint Lawrence University and The State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, where she completed her residency and a fellowship in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, Dr. Critelli is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She earned her medical degree from University At Buffalo Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences in 1987 and completed residency training in Gastroenterology at Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Her practice, which began in New York in 1994, has evolved through various Atlanta-area gastroenterology practices, culminating in her joining Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates in 2008. Dr. Critelli's expertise encompasses inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer screening, and GERD. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Gastroenterological Society. Dr. Virginia Critelli provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Indigestion: Preventing indigestion through dietary adjustments and stress management is crucial for maintaining the overall health and functionality of your stomach and intestines.
• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• 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.
• Hiatal Hernia: Addressing a hiatal hernia through dietary adjustments and, if needed, medication prevents progression to more severe conditions that may require surgery.
• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Celiac Disease: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding celiac disease, a condition where gluten intake damages your gut; proactive testing and dietary changes can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Congenital Anomaly Bile Duct: Because congenital bile duct anomalies can cause significant health problems later in life, it's crucial to know the risk factors and ensure early diagnosis for effective management and prevention of complications.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Protecting your digestive health starts with addressing discomfort. Anal or rectal pain might indicate a manageable condition like a fissure; early intervention prevents long-term issues.
• Acute Gastritis: Early detection and management of acute gastritis are vital because it can lead to more serious digestive problems if left untreated; prompt medical attention and lifestyle changes are key.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: If you have a family history of FAP, proactive monitoring and colonoscopies are vital to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, thus preventing colorectal cancer.
• Gastroptosis: Preventive measures like regular exercise and a balanced diet may help strengthen abdominal muscles, potentially reducing the likelihood or severity of gastroptosis and associated symptoms.

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

• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.

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. Virginia Critelli 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 their digestive health needs and making dietary changes, a patient experienced significant relief from constipation, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
• By understanding the triggers of their indigestion and implementing dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort, leading to greater peace of mind and improved overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns with their gastroenterologist, a patient was able to identify and address the cause of their abdominal pain early, preventing potential complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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. Virginia Critelli:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Critelli and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists who have extensive training in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Critelli will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing any potential issues are addressed.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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 some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

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 schedule a consultation with Dr. Virginia Critelli for a thorough evaluation.

1717 N E St Ste 401
Pensacola FL 32501
Phone: (850) 626-9626

Dr. Virginia Critelli, 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): 1861454738

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. Virginia Critelli 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.