Joanna Sheldon, APRN

Joanna Sheldon, APRN is a Family Medicine physician, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at Baptist Health Primary Care | Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Joanna APRN provides consultations primarily in English. All ages, from newborns to seniors, are welcome. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (786) 345-7208 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Joanna APRN, a certified advanced nurse practitioner at Baptist Health, specializes in primary care, and speaks fluent English and Spanish. She brings extensive experience to her practice, having started her career at Signify Health after earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Florida International University. She then worked at the Good Health Clinic, a nonprofit clinic dedicated to serving the uninsured in the Florida Keys. At Baptist Health, Dr. Joanna APRN assesses, diagnoses, and prescribes treatment plans for adult and geriatric patients in outpatient settings and via telehealth. Her commitment to forming lasting relationships with patients is evident in her numerous awards, including 2021 Nurse of the Year East Region Baptist Outpatient Services, 2015 Magnet Nurse of the Year Baptist Hospital of Miami, and 2011 Baptist Hospital Scholarship Scholar Nurse Partner. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she serves on the Advance Practice-Clinical Practice committee and is a member of various professional organizations. Dr. Joanna APRN is dedicated to helping patients maintain the best possible health, navigate difficult diagnoses, and feel supported by their entire healthcare team.

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

• Traveler's Diarrhea: Proper hygiene practices and pre-travel consultations can significantly reduce your risk of developing traveler's diarrhea.
• Pinched Nerve: Addressing a pinched nerve promptly through physical therapy and lifestyle modifications prevents further nerve compression and potential surgery.
• Callus: Managing calluses through proper foot care and appropriate footwear prevents progression to painful fissures, infection, or even pressure ulcers.
• Atypical Mole: Catching an atypical mole early through self-exams and professional screenings can prevent it from developing into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
• Common Cold: Supporting your immune system through a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient sleep and a balanced diet, can help your body fight off common colds more effectively.
• Hip Sprain: Understanding your risk factors for hip injury, such as age and activity level, allows for preventive measures like targeted strength training or protective equipment to reduce injury likelihood.
• Patellar Dislocation: Preventing patellar dislocation involves strengthening leg muscles to stabilize the kneecap and reduce the risk of this painful injury.

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

• Vitamin B12 Injection: Prevent deficiencies and support overall wellness with a vitamin B12 injection. This simple injection helps ensure you're getting enough of this vital vitamin, supporting energy levels and cognitive function.
• Paracentesis: A paracentesis is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from your abdomen to check for infection or other health problems, helping us catch issues early and prevent serious complications.
• Farnsworth Lantern Test: As part of your comprehensive health plan, consider a Farnsworth Lantern Test to identify potential color vision impairments that may impact your work, hobbies, or driving.
• Cholesterol Screening: A cholesterol screening helps check your blood cholesterol levels, allowing you to proactively manage your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Ultrasound, Abdominal Aortic: An abdominal aortic ultrasound is a painless scan that helps detect widening or weakening of the aorta, your body's largest artery, potentially preventing a life-threatening rupture.
• Fraxel Laser Treatment: Prioritize your skin health with Fraxel laser treatment; it's a proactive measure that can help diminish the effects of aging and environmental damage on your complexion.
• Skin Surgery: Regular skin checks and skin surgery when needed are important steps in preventing skin cancer and ensuring that skin issues are managed effectively.

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 Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Joanna APRN is dedicated to partnering with Family members and 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 the importance of pre-travel consultations, a family proactively discussed preventive measures with their healthcare provider, significantly reducing their risk of traveler's diarrhea during their upcoming trip. This proactive approach ensured a worry-free and enjoyable vacation.
• By addressing a suspected pinched nerve early with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, a patient avoided the need for surgery and maintained a healthy, active 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 Family Medicine care with Dr. Joanna APRN:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

A family physician, like Dr. Joanna APRN, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive, lifelong healthcare for all ages. They specialize in treating the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and coordinating all aspects of a patient's care, focusing on prevention.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Joanna APRN is a great opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Joanna APRN, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. An established relationship provides a crucial baseline for your health history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if you become ill. It also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain optimal well-being.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. Joanna APRN works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

How does Dr. Joanna APRN approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Joanna APRN understands that mental health is a critical part of overall well-being. We provide a safe space to discuss concerns, offer initial assessments, manage common medications, and coordinate referrals to therapists or psychiatrists when necessary.

What blood tests are typically included in a routine check-up?

Routine blood tests are personalized. Common screenings might include a complete blood count, cholesterol panel, and blood sugar to check for anemia, heart disease risk, and diabetes. Dr. Joanna APRN will only order tests that are appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Joanna APRN and our team can help with joint pain and minor sports injuries. We are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis, and treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and potentially joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on individual age and risk factors. Dr. Joanna APRN will create a personalized screening schedule to ensure you receive the appropriate tests, like colonoscopies or mammograms, at the right time for early detection.

Baptist Health Primary Care | Miami Beach
709 Alton Rd Ste 440
Miami Beach FL 33139
Phone: (786) 345-7208

Joanna Sheldon, APRN 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): 1598309023

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. Family Medicine like Dr. Joanna APRN 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 family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.