Dr. Ginger Clark, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at UF Health Digestive Disease Specialists in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over). She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in your senior health journey, Dr. Clark possesses specialized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues. She works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Dr. Clark is currently welcoming new patients; please call (352) 273-9400 to schedule an appointment.
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, Dr. Clark brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 2003 and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her clinical practice is focused on liver disease with specialization in genetic and metabolic liver diseases. Dr. Clark's care philosophy is rooted in a commitment to understanding each patient's unique needs and preferences, while providing the highest quality, evidence-based care. She is a dedicated associate professor of medicine and program director of the gastroenterology fellowship, and her commitment to her field is further demonstrated by her involvement in numerous industry-sponsored and NIH-funded studies. Dr. Ginger Clark provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Ginger Clark is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ginger Clark is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. She expertly manages complex digestive conditions, including colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. Dr. Clark prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, working collaboratively to create a personalized care plan that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ginger Clark can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ginger Clark provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Anal or Rectal Pain: Anal or rectal pain can be a symptom of various conditions, and it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life.
- Intestinal Diverticulosis: Diverticulosis involves tiny pockets forming in your large intestine; while often symptom-free, it can occasionally lead to complications, but these are often treatable to ensure you maintain a comfortable life.
- Vomiting Disorders: If an older loved one is experiencing vomiting, seeking medical advice is crucial to determine the root cause and develop a personalized plan to help them feel better and remain independent.
- Thiamin Deficiency: A lack of thiamin can impact a senior's health, leading to problems like poor appetite and weakness; however, dietary adjustments and sometimes medication can help manage the condition and improve their overall well-being.
- Esophageal Ulcer: If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing or persistent chest pain, it might be an esophageal ulcer; timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a better quality of life.
- Vitamin_Deficiency: Vitamin deficiency in older adults can happen due to poor diet, medication interactions, or digestive issues, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems, but it's often manageable with dietary changes or supplements to improve energy levels and overall well-being.
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis: If you've consumed large amounts of alcohol over many years, you may develop alcoholic cirrhosis, a condition causing liver damage that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical care to slow progression and improve your quality of life.
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis can make eating painful and uncomfortable, but it's treatable. By addressing the underlying cause and adopting appropriate management strategies, you can reduce your symptoms and live a fuller, more enjoyable life.
- Chronic Gastritis: Experiencing persistent stomach upset? Chronic gastritis is a condition where your stomach's lining is irritated, often manageable with lifestyle adjustments and medication, allowing you to enjoy your meals and maintain your well-being.
- Viral Enteritis: Managing viral enteritis in older adults involves prioritizing hydration to prevent complications, resting, and avoiding solid foods until symptoms improve; most cases resolve without specific medical intervention, improving your comfort and well-being.
- Bowel Strangulation: A serious intestinal blockage called bowel strangulation can severely restrict blood flow to a section of intestine; prompt medical care, frequently involving surgery, is crucial to avoid critical health problems and maintain your health.
- Ascites: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in your belly, often a symptom of liver problems, and specialized treatment can help you feel better and more comfortable.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Ginger Clark offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure helps ensure comprehensive care for seniors by addressing issues affecting bile flow and preventing complications.
- Screening Colonoscopy: For seniors, a screening colonoscopy is a powerful tool to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, giving you peace of mind and contributing to a longer, healthier life.
- Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test uses a small sensor to monitor your stomach acid levels over time, providing valuable information for creating a personalized GERD treatment plan.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: This screening helps diagnose colorectal cancer at its earliest stages, significantly increasing survival rates and improving the quality of life for seniors.
- Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps find colon polyps or cancer early, when treatment is most effective, giving seniors a better chance at a long and healthy life.
- Liver Function Test: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's ability to process toxins and nutrients.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To manage symptoms like bleeding or changes in bowel habits, your doctor might recommend rigid proctosigmoidoscopy to pinpoint the cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.
- pH Probe: This small device measures the acidity in your stomach, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive issues like heartburn and GERD.
- Manometry: To better understand and manage conditions like GERD or difficulty swallowing, your doctor may recommend manometry, a procedure that assesses the muscle function in your digestive tract.
- Impedance Testing: If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing, impedance testing helps your doctor locate the source of the problem, which is crucial for developing an appropriate management approach.
- Colonoscopy: This procedure helps manage your colorectal health by directly visualizing your colon, allowing for the removal of potentially harmful growths before they become cancerous.
- Instrumental Diagnostic Evaluation for Dysphagia: Instrumental diagnostic evaluation for dysphagia helps doctors identify the underlying causes of swallowing problems in seniors, allowing for effective intervention and prevention of complications.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.
Dr. Ginger Clark is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After seeking expert guidance for persistent anal pain, a senior couple found relief from discomfort, allowing them to enjoy their evening walks together again.
- After careful guidance from a gastroenterologist, a senior was able to resume their beloved gardening hobby without the discomfort previously associated with intestinal diverticulosis. The family felt a sense of relief and renewed peace of mind knowing the condition was being effectively managed.
- With the guidance of a gastroenterologist, a senior couple found relief from persistent vomiting, allowing them to enjoy their favorite weekly dinner outings with friends again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Ginger Clark:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Clark and her team are gastroenterologistsspecialists who diagnose, treat, and prevent digestive system issues, from the esophagus to the pancreas. They help seniors maintain comfort and health by expertly managing a wide variety of digestive diseases.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is crucial for older adults because it's the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, a common concern in seniors. Dr. Clark can identify and remove small growths called polyps before they develop into cancer, making it a vital proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Ginger Clark?
- Your first visit with Dr. Clark will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We'll review your symptoms, diet, medications, and health history. This thorough evaluation is the first step toward creating a personalized plan to address your concerns.
- What does it mean if I have 'fatty liver disease'?
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means extra fat has collected in your liver. In early stages, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can often help manage or even reverse it. Dr. Clark can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a serious disease?
- While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause significant discomfort with symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping, it is not a serious disease that damages the intestine or increases cancer risk. Dr. Ginger Clark can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to significantly reduce your symptoms through diet, lifestyle changes, and potentially medication.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Clark can perform evaluations, such as an upper endoscopy (EGD), to investigate the cause, which could range from reflux to other esophageal conditions. The goal is to ensure you can eat safely and comfortably.
- What is the preparation for a colonoscopy like?
- We understand that colonoscopy preparation can be a concern. It involves a specific diet and prescribed liquid solution to clean the colon thoroughly. This is essential for Dr. Clark to perform a complete and accurate examination. Our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to make the preparation as straightforward as possible.
- How do you manage Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in seniors?
- Managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in older adults requires a careful, personalized approach. The goal is to control inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain nutrition while considering other health conditions. Dr. Clark works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
UF Health Digestive Disease Specialists
1600 SW Archer Rd 12
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9400
Dr. Ginger Clark, 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): 1386728475
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Ginger Clark are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.