Dr. Karl Smith, MD is an oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a partner in senior health featured on infoaging.org, he is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He is a general oncologist, providing expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, such as breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your well-being and quality of life.
Dr. Karl Smith, MD is an oncology specialist in Jacksonville, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Putnam Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1972, followed by an internship at David Grant Usaf Medical Center in 1973. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, graduating in 1981. Dr. Smith is Board Certified in Gynecological Oncology and Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creates a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (904) 244-5626 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Smith provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Karl Smith is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Karl Smith is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors facing cancer. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to create a tailored treatment plan, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each patient. His approach prioritizes not only effective cancer management but also maintaining the highest quality of life for older adults.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Karl Smith can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Golden Rule
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Karl Smith 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:
- Gynecologic Cancer: Facing a gynecologic cancer diagnosis can be challenging, but modern medicine offers various treatments tailored to seniors' needs, helping manage symptoms and preserve their well-being.
- Vaginal Cancer: Vaginal cancer treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on the stage and individual's health, helping many seniors manage this condition and remain active.
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and while it can be challenging, treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can often help manage the cancer and improve comfort.
- Biliary Tract Cancer: For older adults diagnosed with biliary tract cancer, located in the system that drains the liver, treatment plans are tailored to their overall health and aim to improve their comfort and well-being, enhancing quality of life.
- Thyroid Cancer: Even after a thyroid cancer diagnosis, many seniors lead active and fulfilling lives with appropriate medical management; regular checkups and open communication with your doctor can enhance your overall well-being.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow and form tumors in the lungs, and treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, can help manage the disease and improve breathing and overall comfort.
- Skin Cancer: Many skin cancers are successfully treated through simple procedures like excision, helping seniors stay active and enjoy their daily lives.
- Lymphosarcoma: This blood cancer, called lymphosarcoma, can be managed through various treatments that aim to reduce symptoms and enhance overall health, contributing to a better quality of life for older adults.
- Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer is treatable, and with the help of your healthcare team, you can develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you maintain your independence.
- Vulvovaginal Rhabdomyosarcoma: Vulvovaginal rhabdomyosarcoma is a serious but treatable cancer affecting the muscles of the genital area. Treatment plans often involve a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcome and preserve overall well-being.
- Fallopian Tube Cancer: Developing in the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, fallopian tube cancer often responds well to early detection and treatment, allowing many seniors to maintain their independence.
- Nodular Lymphoma: Nodular lymphoma is a slow-growing blood cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, often forming noticeable lumps, but with treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, many seniors can experience long periods of remission and a good quality of life.
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. Karl Smith offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy of Breast: To ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of any breast abnormalities, a biopsy helps doctors determine if a suspicious lump or area is cancerous.
- Cancer Screening: As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, cancer screenings play a vital role in detecting cancers like breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers early, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.
- Colon and Rectal Surgery: Colon and rectal surgery helps remove cancerous tumors from the colon or rectum, improving your chances of recovery and long-term health.
- Laparoscopic Surgical Procedure: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, laparoscopic surgery may be used to remove cancerous tissue in organs like the colon, facilitating a less disruptive treatment process for older adults.
- Liver Biopsy: To get a clearer picture of your liver health and determine the best treatment plan for any detected cancers or diseases, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy.
- Lymph Node Biopsy or Excision: By examining a lymph node, a biopsy or excision assists doctors in staging your cancer, helping them understand its progression and plan appropriate treatment strategies.
- Salpingo Oopherectomy: Salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove both fallopian tubes and ovaries, sometimes done to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with a high genetic predisposition.
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 Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Karl Smith 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:
- A senior woman, diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, found significant symptom relief through tailored treatment plans, enabling her to enjoy daily walks with her grandchildren again.
- With targeted treatment and support, a senior woman regained her confidence and energy, enjoying evening walks with her grandchildren again.
- After undergoing treatment for cervical cancer, a senior woman regained her energy and confidence, enjoying walks in the park with her grandchildren again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Gynecological Oncology)
- American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Karl Smith:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Smith is a medical oncologist, a doctor specializing in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other cancer specialists, such as surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists, may also be part of your care team. These specialists often collaborate to develop the best treatment plan for you.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Smith will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a plan. It will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Smith will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you to create a personalized approach.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Smith considers your overall health, fitness, and personal goals more important when determining the best cancer treatment. He specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, which may be adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the specific cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Smith works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care, offered by Dr. Smith's practice, focuses on symptom relief and stress reduction for serious illnesses like cancer, and can be given alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care provided when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Side effects are a major concern, but common ones like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are often manageable with excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today, helping maintain quality of life during treatment.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance, a safe and standard approach, involves closely monitoring your prostate cancer with regular blood tests and biopsies. This approach avoids immediate treatment for slow-growing, low-risk cancers, which may never cause harm, and avoids the possible side effects of treatment.
655 W 8th St
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 244-5626
Dr. Karl Smith, 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): 1962495036
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 provider named. Oncology like Dr. Karl Smith 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.