Dr. Willemijntje Hoogerwerf, MD

Dr. Willemijntje Hoogerwerf, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Saint Augustine, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Hoogerwerf, a Board Certified gastroenterologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine, earned her medical degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam Faculty Of Medicine. She completed an internship, gaining foundational clinical experience at Hopkins Bayview (graduated 1995), followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Hopkins Bayview (graduated 1997), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in University Tex Med Br (graduated 2000), deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 829-9557 to schedule.

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. Dr. Hoogerwerf's comprehensive approach, coupled with her deep understanding of women's health issues, functional bowel and motility disorders, and her extensive research on various gastrointestinal conditions, makes her a trusted resource for individuals of all ages. She is committed to EXCEPTIONAL CARE, INSIDE AND OUT, and offers consultations in Dutch.

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

• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders affect how your esophagus moves food, and catching them early through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like difficulty swallowing or nutritional deficiencies.
• Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist and paying attention to digestive symptoms can help detect ulcers early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Hemochromatosis: Preventing serious health problems associated with hemochromatosis, like liver damage and diabetes, starts with regular checkups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Preventive strategies focused on managing conditions like pancreatitis, which can increase your risk of developing a pancreatic pseudocyst, can significantly reduce potential harm.
• E. coli Food Poisoning: E. coli food poisoning, while treatable, can be prevented through diligent hygiene and careful food preparation; prompt medical attention prevents serious health consequences.
• Acute Gastritis: Preventative care for acute gastritis focuses on identifying and addressing potential causes such as frequent use of pain relievers or unhealthy dietary habits, ensuring swift treatment and preventing recurrence.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can signal serious underlying health problems, so early detection through regular checkups with your doctor is crucial for preventing complications.
• Constipation: Regular bowel movements are vital for digestive well-being; preventing constipation proactively safeguards your overall health.
• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Because sclerosing mesenteritis can cause complications like bowel obstruction, preventive measures such as regular check-ups with your doctor are essential.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding your risk factors for IBS and adopting proactive strategies, such as dietary adjustments and stress management, can significantly improve your digestive health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Pancreatitis: Managing underlying conditions like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia is key to preventing pancreatitis attacks and improving your overall digestive health.

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

• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Proactively safeguard your digestive health with capsule endoscopy—a non-invasive way to examine your small intestine for ulcers, polyps, and other issues that might otherwise go undetected.
• Anoscopy With Removal of Anal Tumor: An anoscopy with anal tumor removal is a procedure to proactively identify and remove abnormal growths in the anus, helping prevent the progression of potentially serious conditions.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Regular gastroenterology procedures, such as colonoscopies and endoscopies, offer crucial preventative screening opportunities, potentially saving your life by finding and removing precancerous polyps.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Prevent serious complications from constipation by proactively addressing fecal impaction.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• Anoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better rectal health, an anoscopy provides a visual check for issues like hemorrhoids, inflammation, or polyps, enabling prompt treatment.
• Rigid Sigmoidoscopy: This simple procedure, a rigid sigmoidoscopy, helps assess the health of your lower intestine, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment of any problems, including inflammatory bowel disease.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.

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. Willemijntje Hoogerwerf 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:

• Knowing their family history of hemochromatosis, a patient proactively scheduled regular blood tests, reducing their risk of developing serious health problems. This proactive approach provided them with peace of mind and empowered them to manage their health effectively.

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. Willemijntje Hoogerwerf:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is expertly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and also perform preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

Our practice provides comprehensive guidance on this topic. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps before they have the chance to become cancerous, preventing the development of colorectal cancer.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to evaluate issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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 progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may signal a more serious issue like GERD. Dr. Hoogerwerf can diagnose the cause and create a tailored treatment plan.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without such physical damage.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are much more gentle than in the past. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, allowing us to identify and remove polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

40 Groover Loop Ste 200
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 829-9557

Dr. Willemijntje Hoogerwerf, 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): 1548348089

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. Willemijntje Hoogerwerf 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.