Dr. Wayne Schonfeld, MD

Dr. Wayne Schonfeld, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Hollywood, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (954) 961-8400 to schedule.

Dr. Wayne Schonfeld, MD is a gastroenterologist in Hollywood, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1977 and has a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to offer his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Schonfeld's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Anal or Rectal Pain: Regular health monitoring is key to preventing serious digestive problems. Anal or rectal pain should be discussed with your doctor to rule out underlying conditions and maintain optimal gut health.
• Nausea: While occasional nausea is normal, frequent nausea may indicate a problem with your digestive system, highlighting the importance of proactive healthcare to maintain gut health.
• Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are abnormal veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause severe bleeding; proactive management of risk factors like alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis significantly lowers your chances of developing them.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Gastrointestinal malabsorption means your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients properly, which can lead to serious health problems if not caught early; regular checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent complications.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Protecting your esophagus from the damage of reflux esophagitis starts with understanding its causes and risk factors, enabling early detection and reducing the chances of long-term complications like Barrett's esophagus.
• Gastric Ulcer: Protecting your stomach health involves early detection of gastric ulcers, which can be achieved through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as constipation or pregnancy, allows for proactive measures to prevent their occurrence or manage existing symptoms.
• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications and ensures timely treatment.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system from duodenal ulcers involves recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely treatment to avoid potential bleeding or perforation.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Understanding the risk factors associated with diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias, such as smoking and pregnancy, allows for proactive steps to minimize your chances of developing this condition and its associated complications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD's persistent acid reflux can lead to serious complications if left untreated; preventive measures are key to maintaining a healthy esophagus and stomach.

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

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Cancer Care: Be proactive about your health by seeking hepato-pancreatic-biliary cancer care, which uses advanced testing to detect cancers in the liver, pancreas, and biliary system, leading to improved outcomes.
• Colonoscopy, Proctosigmoidoscopy, and Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with preventative screenings like colonoscopies, proctosigmoidoscopies, or sigmoidoscopies, which can detect colon cancer and other conditions early.
• Diet Counseling: Prevent digestive issues and improve your overall well-being by learning how to fuel your body properly with a personalized dietary plan designed to meet your unique needs and support your digestive health.
• Endoscopic Pseudocyst Drainage: As part of your comprehensive digestive health plan, endoscopic pseudocyst drainage allows for the early treatment of fluid-filled cysts, minimizing potential long-term problems.
• Gallbladder Procedure: A gallbladder procedure is a proactive choice to diagnose and treat gallbladder diseases, preventing potential long-term health consequences and ensuring your digestive health is optimized.

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. Wayne Schonfeld 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 scheduling regular checkups and discussing any discomfort, a patient proactively addressed potential issues, maintaining optimal digestive health and reducing the risk of more serious problems. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and confidence in managing their overall well-being.
• By understanding the underlying causes of their frequent nausea and making dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and improved their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a more fulfilling and symptom-free life.
• By addressing underlying liver disease and alcohol consumption, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing esophageal varices, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their 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. Wayne Schonfeld:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, to maintain digestive health.

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. Schonfeld 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. Schonfeld 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.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Schonfeld can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to fully evaluate the findings and remove any suspicious polyps.

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 important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. Some types can, over time, develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps, preventing the potential for cancer.

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. Wayne Schonfeld for a thorough evaluation.

11011 Sheridan St
Hollywood FL 33026
Phone: (954) 961-8400

Dr. Wayne Schonfeld, 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): 1013918556

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. Wayne Schonfeld 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.