Dr. William Foody, MD

Dr. William Foody, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at our Saint Augustine, FL clinic, 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. Dr. Foody serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 829-9557 to schedule.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, Dr. Foody brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and completed an internship at the US Air Force and US Air Force Medical Center. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Wright-Patterson Medical Center, and fellowship training at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Air Force Institute of Technology, Medical College of Virginia, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. A military veteran, Dr. Foody served in both the United States Navy and Air Force, culminating in a distinguished career. He and his family have relocated to Florida from San Antonio, Texas, where he was an assistant clinical professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Foody's practice is guided by a philosophy of EXCEPTIONAL CARE, INSIDE AND OUT. Dr. William Foody provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Duodenitis: Managing duodenitis effectively involves identifying and addressing underlying causes like infections or autoimmune disorders, thus preventing further damage to your digestive system.
• E. coli Food Poisoning: Preventing E. coli food poisoning starts with safe food handling practices, ensuring early detection of symptoms minimizes complications like severe dehydration.
• Congenital Achalasia: Because congenital achalasia is a birth defect impacting food passage to the stomach, regular check-ups can lead to timely intervention, avoiding difficulties in eating and potentially serious health problems.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for managing cyclical vomiting and preventing long-term health issues.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: By focusing on preventive measures like a fiber-rich diet and regular exercise, you can significantly lower your chances of developing intestinal diverticulitis and maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Stomach Diseases: Protecting your stomach health through preventive measures like a balanced diet and stress management can significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach diseases and their serious complications.
• Intestinal Ischemia: Understanding and managing risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes is crucial in preventing intestinal ischemia, a condition that severely limits blood flow to the intestines, ensuring better digestive health.
• Intestinal Abscess: An intestinal abscess is a serious infection that can be prevented through good hygiene practices and prompt treatment of infections to avoid complications like sepsis.
• Ileus: Ileus, a blockage in your intestines, can be prevented by staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber to support regular bowel movements.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that, while not preventable, can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and early intervention to minimize its impact on your daily life.
• Gastroptosis: By maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture, you can proactively reduce the risk of developing gastroptosis and minimize potential complications related to digestive health.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Early detection of a duodenal ulcer through endoscopy or other diagnostic methods is key to preventing long-term damage and the need for more extensive treatments.

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

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): As a proactive step in managing your digestive health, ERCP allows doctors to directly visualize and address blockages or abnormalities in your bile and pancreatic ducts, potentially preventing long-term damage.
• Hemorrhoid Banding: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids with banding helps prevent bleeding, discomfort, and the need for more extensive treatments down the line.
• Destruction of Anal Tumor: Taking proactive steps to destroy an anal tumor can significantly improve your chances of a complete recovery and prevent further complications.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Pancreatic Biopsy: A pancreatic biopsy is a procedure where a small tissue sample is taken from your pancreas to check for diseases like cancer or inflammation, helping your doctor create a tailored treatment plan.
• 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.
• Biliary Drainage: Maintaining efficient biliary drainage is key to preventing serious liver complications and ensuring your digestive system operates optimally.
• 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: Gastroenterology procedures encompass a range of tests and treatments that help detect digestive problems early, allowing for prompt intervention and better health outcomes.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• Capsule Endoscopy: As part of your commitment to preventative health, consider capsule endoscopy: a convenient, non-invasive procedure to visualize your small bowel, potentially identifying and treating problems before they escalate.

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. William Foody 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 the potential triggers for duodenitis and making dietary adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their discomfort and prevented further complications, allowing them to enjoy a healthier digestive system.
• By meticulously following safe food handling guidelines, a family successfully avoided E. coli food poisoning, ensuring a worry-free summer vacation filled with delicious, safe meals.
• A family, proactively scheduling regular check-ups, received early intervention for their child's congenital achalasia, preventing future difficulties with eating and ensuring a smoother development path.

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. William Foody:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Foody and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat various conditions and perform preventive screenings, such as 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. Foody 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 gentler than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, identifying and removing any potential issues. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten consumption damages the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. This long-term approach fosters a strong patient-physician relationship.

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 further evaluate and remove any detected polyps.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) may indicate a more serious condition like GERD. If you experience this, a consultation with Dr. Foody can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Some 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. William Foody for a thorough evaluation.

100 Whetstone Pl Ste 105
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 829-9557

Dr. William Foody, 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): 1114906195

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. William Foody 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.