Sandra Rosario-Cruz, APRN

Sandra Rosario-Cruz, APRN is a Family Medicine practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is a trusted partner in preventive health at AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Ocala in Ocala, FL. Your family medicine doctor is 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 serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 509-9165 to schedule.

Dr. Sandra APRN, an advanced practice registered nurse practitioner, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to a whole-person approach to her practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utica College of Syracuse University in 2012 and her Master of Science in Nursing from AdventHealth University in 2023, specializing in family medicine. Joining AdventHealth as a nurse in 2018, Dr. Sandra APRN strives to develop long-term relationships with patients and families to improve their overall health and well-being. She is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care, focusing on prevention and early intervention to maintain optimal health. Dr. Sandra APRN provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Seasonal Asthma: Proactive steps, like using preventative inhalers and avoiding known triggers, can help you stay ahead of seasonal asthma and minimize its impact on your daily activities.
• Lipedema: Lipedema is a chronic condition causing abnormal fat deposits primarily in the legs and buttocks, and early detection through regular checkups with your family doctor can help manage its symptoms and prevent complications.
• Neurological Diseases: Preventive care, including regular cognitive assessments and lifestyle modifications, plays a vital role in delaying or preventing the progression of neurological diseases.
• Cranial Trauma: Seeking immediate medical care for any head injury, no matter how small it seems, is vital for preventing lasting neurological damage.
• Degenerative Diseases Affecting Musculoskeletal System: Managing conditions like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis effectively, through medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, helps prevent further joint damage and disability.
• Muscle Cramp: Addressing muscle cramps early on can help you avoid more significant mobility issues and improve your overall quality of life, underscoring the value of preventive care.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Preventive strategies such as vaccination against influenza (flu) can greatly reduce your risk of contracting acute upper respiratory infections and experiencing severe symptoms.

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

• Skin Tightening: Protecting your skin from sun damage and regularly examining it for changes is crucial for preventing skin cancer and maintaining healthy skin.
• Abscess Incision and Drainage: Addressing an abscess promptly with incision and drainage prevents the spread of infection and promotes faster healing.
• Nexplanon® Etonogestrel Implant: Proactively manage your family planning with Nexplanon, a discreet and effective birth control method requiring minimal maintenance.
• Allergy Shots: Proactively manage your allergies and prevent future complications by exploring allergy shots, a proven method to lessen your sensitivity to allergens.
• Home Sleep Study: Ensure your health is optimized by scheduling a home sleep study; it's a simple way to identify and treat sleep apnea, preventing potential long-term health risks.
• Xeomin® for Cervical Dystonia: Proactively address the symptoms of cervical dystonia, a neurological movement disorder affecting neck muscles, with a consultation to explore Xeomin® as a potential treatment.
• Lumbar Medial Branch Block: This procedure helps determine if the facet joints in your lower back are the source of your pain, allowing for targeted treatment and proactive pain management.

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. Sandra 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:

• By proactively managing their seasonal asthma triggers and using preventative inhalers, a family found relief from frequent symptoms, enabling them to enjoy outdoor activities without worry.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing concerns with their family medicine provider, a patient was able to detect lipedema early, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.

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. Sandra APRN:

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

A family physician, like Dr. Sandra APRN, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive medical care for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family and coordinating all aspects of your care. This includes preventative health, from newborns to seniors.

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

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

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

Having a primary care physician like Dr. Sandra APRN, even when you're healthy, is a valuable long-term investment. Establishing a relationship allows for a baseline understanding of your health history, ensuring faster, more personalized care if needed, and helps you stay on track with preventative health measures.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age and health conditions. Common vaccines include the annual flu shot and tetanus boosters (Tdap), but others like shingles or pneumonia vaccines may be recommended. Dr. Sandra APRN will ensure you are up-to-date with the latest vaccination guidelines.

I have multiple health issues. How do you coordinate my care?

Dr. Sandra APRN is your central point of contact, coordinating care across all your specialists. She's skilled at managing multiple conditions, ensuring all treatments work together safely and effectively, and that your overall health plan is cohesive.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Sandra APRN and our team can treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

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

Dr. Sandra 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.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Sandra APRN and our team provide sports physicals for children and teens. It's more than just a form; we thoroughly assess their health, identify potential risks, and ensure they're ready for a safe and successful season.

AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Ocala
3515 SE 17th St Ste 100
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 509-9165

Sandra Rosario-Cruz, 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): 1558134692

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. Sandra 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.