Dr. Walter Morris Jr, MD

Dr. Walter Morris Jr, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond diagnosis to encompass the entire spectrum of digestive health, recognizing that prevention is paramount. 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. He serves all ages and patients should call (904) 477-5282 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Walter Morris Jr, MD is a gastroenterologist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 60 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1962. With over 60 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His extensive experience, combined with a commitment to preventive care, makes him an invaluable resource for maintaining digestive well-being throughout life. Dr. Walter Jr provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Colitis-Like Hematochezia: Preventing serious digestive complications starts with recognizing potential warning signs like colitis-like hematochezia; early detection through regular checkups and prompt attention to symptoms is essential.
• Hepatitis D: Understanding your risk factors for Hepatitis B, such as contact with infected blood, is vital, as it helps you proactively prevent Hepatitis D and protect your liver.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Preventing the development of biliary cirrhosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing conditions that can damage the bile ducts, allowing you to take control of your liver health and avoid liver failure.
• Stomach Stenosis: Regular checkups and addressing digestive issues promptly can help prevent the development of stomach stenosis, ensuring the health of your entire digestive system.
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Managing dermatitis herpetiformis involves following a gluten-free diet to reduce its impact on your digestive system and improve your skin health.
• Biliary Atresia: While not preventable, early identification of biliary atresia in newborns is crucial for managing this liver condition, potentially reducing the need for liver transplantation and improving the child's quality of life.
• Barrett's Esophagus: Early detection of Barrett's esophagus through screenings is crucial, as it can significantly reduce your chances of developing esophageal cancer, a life-threatening condition.

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

• Enteral Stenting: If you experience symptoms like difficulty swallowing or persistent digestive issues, enteral stenting can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause, improving your long-term digestive health.
• Removal or Destruction of Rectal or Intestinal Tumor (incl. Colonoscopy, Proctosigmoidoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy and Control of Hemorrhage): Early detection, better outcomes: This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other intestinal tumors, allowing for timely intervention and improving your chances of a successful recovery.
• Esophageal Stenting: As a proactive measure against severe esophageal issues, esophageal stenting helps restore the proper function of your esophagus, improving digestion and nutrition.
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, EMR helps detect and remove precancerous growths in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines, reducing your risk of cancer.
• Endoscopic Laser Therapy: Endoscopic laser therapy uses a thin, flexible tube with a laser to precisely treat abnormal growths or bleeding in your digestive tract, helping prevent complications and promoting long-term digestive health.
• Endoluminal Anti-Reflux Surgery: Take control of your digestive health: Endoluminal anti-reflux surgery offers a solution to persistent acid reflux, reducing long-term damage and discomfort.
• Opening of Bile Ducts: Assessing the opening of your bile ducts allows doctors to identify issues like gallstones or inflammation, leading to timely treatment.

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. Walter Jr 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and prompt attention to digestive symptoms, a patient successfully reduced their risk of developing serious colitis-like hematochezia complications. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to confidently manage their digestive health.
• By understanding their risk factors for Hepatitis B and proactively managing potential exposures, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, knowing they were actively protecting their liver health.
• By proactively managing underlying conditions and adopting a healthy lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing biliary cirrhosis, gaining peace of mind about their liver 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 Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Walter Jr:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, which Dr. Walter Jr. can help diagnose.

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.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

While some patients worry about the colonoscopy prep, modern solutions are much easier to manage than before. A clean colon is critical for a thorough examination, ensuring any polyps are detected and removed. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could be a sign of GERD, which if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Walter Jr. can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

1833 Boulevard
Jacksonville FL 32206
Phone: (904) 477-5282

Dr. Walter Morris Jr, 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): 1811097066

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. Walter Jr 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.