Smitha Joseph, APRN

Smitha Joseph, APRN is a Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Endoscopy at Orlando in Orlando, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She understands that 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Smitha APRN's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a gastroenterology specialist in Orlando, FL, she is accepting new patients. Her commitment extends beyond diagnosis to encompass education and proactive management, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to maintain optimal digestive health. She is committed to providing the highest quality of care and is happy to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Smitha APRN provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (407) 303-2570 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Adverse Reaction to Food: Food intolerance or allergy is often a precursor to more significant digestive problems, so prompt attention to any adverse reaction is a vital step in proactive digestive health.
• Duodenal Polyp: A duodenal polyp is a small growth in the duodenum (the first part of your small intestine) that, while often harmless, requires monitoring to prevent potential complications like cancer.
• Digestive Disorders: Taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle can dramatically lower your chances of developing chronic digestive disorders.
• Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: Regular screening and prompt medical attention are key to managing Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, as early intervention can lessen the severity of its effects on your digestive health.
• Acute Appendicitis: While appendicitis isn't always preventable, understanding the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for minimizing complications and ensuring a quicker recovery.
• Abdominal Cancer: Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing abdominal cancers, allowing for early detection and improved treatment outcomes.
• Microscopic Colitis: Managing microscopic colitis effectively minimizes the risk of dehydration and malnutrition, which are significant concerns associated with persistent diarrhea.

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

• Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: As part of your commitment to digestive health, consider Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, a procedure that repairs the valve between your stomach and esophagus, reducing the risk of acid reflux and other related problems.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Proactively addressing hemorrhoids and anal tags through surgical removal can alleviate pain, bleeding, and itching, enhancing your overall digestive health.
• Balloon Assisted Deep Enteroscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better digestive health, balloon-assisted deep enteroscopy provides detailed images of your small intestine, aiding in the early diagnosis of tumors, inflammation, or bleeding.
• Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Cancer Care: Take control of your liver, pancreas, and bile duct health with hepato-pancreatic-biliary cancer care, which involves screenings and tests that can detect these cancers early, when treatment is most effective.
• Non-Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Explore non-surgical options for hemorrhoid treatment to alleviate discomfort and maintain digestive health.
• Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Stone Removal: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, this procedure uses a scope to remove gallstones, reducing the risk of future bile duct problems.
• High Resolution Esophageal Manometry: High-resolution esophageal manometry offers a detailed picture of your esophageal function, allowing for early intervention in conditions that could lead to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or other digestive problems.

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. Smitha APRN 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:

• Recognizing early signs of food intolerance, a patient implemented a tailored dietary plan, significantly reducing digestive discomfort and improving overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently enjoy a wider variety of foods without worrying about adverse reactions.
• A patient, proactively managing their duodenal polyp, felt confident knowing early detection and consistent monitoring minimized potential risks and provided peace of mind.
• By adopting a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a family significantly reduced their risk factors for developing chronic digestive disorders, fostering a healthier lifestyle for years to come.

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. Smitha APRN:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Smitha APRN and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to care for the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We diagnose and treat conditions and perform preventive screenings like 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. Smitha APRN will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Smitha APRN is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet is a cornerstone of IBS management. Dr. Smitha APRN can help identify trigger foods and may recommend specific dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This allows for detailed images of the small intestine, which is difficult to visualize with traditional scopes.

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

IBD, like Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional disorder, causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same visible inflammation or damage.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Smitha APRN can help diagnose this issue.

AdventHealth Medical Group Interventional Endoscopy at Orlando
601 E Rollins St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 303-2570

Smitha Joseph, 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): 1265910327

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. Smitha 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 gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.