Dr. Roland Shepard, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality care. As a partner in senior health featured on infoaging.org, Dr. Shepard understands the unique needs of this population. He specializes in managing complex digestive conditions common in seniors, such as colon cancer, GERD, swallowing disorders, and liver issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care. Dr. Shepard is not currently accepting new patients; however, you can call (813) 355-5962 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.
Dr. Shepard, born and raised in Florida, is a dedicated physician with over 35 years of experience in Gastroenterological care. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia in 1987, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at University Community Hospital. His focus is on providing collaborative, evidence-based care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is married with three children and enjoys spending time with friends and family. Dr. Roland Shepard provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Roland Shepard is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Shepard is a compassionate gastroenterologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. He excels in managing complex digestive conditions, such as colon cancer, GERD, and swallowing disorders, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that promotes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Roland Shepard can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Golden Rule
Humana
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Care HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Select
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Employer Group Open Access HMO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna PPO
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Neighborhood Health Partnership
- Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Select HMO
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
- TriCare for Life
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Roland Shepard 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:
- Gastroparesis: If you have gastroparesis, your stomach muscles don't work as well as they should, causing nausea and fullness, but treatment can help improve digestion and reduce these unpleasant feelings.
- Intestinal Diverticulosis: Many seniors develop small, harmless pouches in their intestines called diverticula; most don't need treatment, but if they cause symptoms like bleeding or infection, simple management can ease discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Duodenitis: If you're experiencing persistent upper abdominal pain or indigestion, it's worth discussing duodenitis with your doctor. This condition, an inflammation of the duodenum, is often successfully treated, allowing you to feel better and stay active.
- Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the esophagus that can cause life-threatening bleeding, but with careful monitoring and treatment, such as medication or procedures, seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Visceroptosis: Visceroptosis, a condition where internal organs sag, may cause symptoms like bloating or constipation in seniors. Thankfully, simple lifestyle tweaks and ongoing monitoring often help manage it.
- Biliary Atresia: Biliary atresia's impact on the liver can influence overall health in later life, so collaboration between the individual, their family, and medical professionals is key to maintaining quality of life and addressing any emerging health concerns.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are enlarged veins in the lower rectum and anus that often result in painful swelling, bleeding, and itching, manageable with various treatments for increased comfort.
- Acute Gastritis: If you're dealing with sudden stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, it could be acute gastritis. This condition usually responds well to treatment, helping you get back to enjoying your meals and daily routines.
- Abdominal Pain: If you're experiencing abdominal pain, knowing what's causing it is crucial. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying issue and create a personalized care plan to manage your pain and improve your well-being.
- Gastric Ulcer: Gastric ulcers are open sores in the stomach, often causing pain and discomfort; however, treatment with medication, dietary adjustments, and stress reduction can significantly improve your well-being and allow you to enjoy your daily life.
- Viral Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis affects the liver, and although it can cause symptoms like fatigue and jaundice, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications, allowing seniors to remain active and independent.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can impact your independence, but appropriate treatment, including medication and/or therapy, can greatly reduce the difficulties and improve your 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. Roland Shepard offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Wireless pH Testing: By providing detailed information about your esophageal acid exposure, wireless pH testing helps improve your quality of life by better managing GERD symptoms.
- Impedance Testing: To better manage your GERD symptoms, impedance testing helps differentiate between acid reflux and non-acid reflux, guiding your doctor in creating a personalized treatment strategy.
- pH Probe: For seniors experiencing persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, a pH probe test can help determine the cause and guide treatment decisions.
- Endoscopy: To monitor your liver health and detect any issues, endoscopy may be used to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
- Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your comprehensive care plan, duodenal polypectomy removes polyps from the duodenum, a part of your small intestine, minimizing your risk of future digestive issues.
- Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: This simple procedure helps assess the health of your rectum and lower colon, providing valuable information for your overall digestive health plan and identifying any issues early on.
- Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure helps seniors manage symptoms associated with hemorrhoids and anal tags, which may negatively impact their daily lives, providing relief through surgical removal.
- Gallbladder Scan: To manage your digestive symptoms, a gallbladder scan can provide valuable information for your doctor to determine whether your gallbladder is the source of your discomfort.
- Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure where a tiny sample of liver tissue is taken to help doctors diagnose and manage liver diseases.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening enables doctors to detect precancerous polyps and remove them before they develop into cancer, safeguarding a senior's long-term health.
- 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.
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. Roland Shepard 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:
- With improved digestion, a senior was able to enjoy meals with their family again, a cherished part of their routine, without the distress of nausea and fullness. The family felt a significant sense of relief and joy knowing their loved one could participate in these meaningful moments more easily.
- A senior woman, experiencing frequent intestinal discomfort, found relief through dietary adjustments and medication, prescribed by a gastroenterologist. She was able to return to enjoying her favorite activities and felt more secure at home, free from the anxiety of digestive issues.
- After seeking guidance for persistent upper abdominal pain, a senior couple found relief from duodenitis symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their favorite weekend dinners together without discomfort.
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
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Gastroenterological care with Dr. Roland Shepard:
- What is a Gastroenterologist?
- Dr. Shepard and his team are gastroenterologists, or GI doctors. They specialize in the health of your entire digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They diagnose, treat, and help prevent digestive problems, so you can maintain comfort and health.
- Why is a colonoscopy so important for older adults?
- A colonoscopy is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, which is common in seniors. Dr. Shepard can find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancerous, making it a critical, proactive step for long-term health and peace of mind.
- What can I expect during my first consultation with Dr. Roland Shepard?
- Your first consultation with Dr. Shepard will be a comprehensive conversation about your digestive health. We will 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'?
- Fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, means extra fat has accumulated in your liver. Fortunately, in early stages, it's often manageable with dietary changes and exercise. Dr. Shepard can help you monitor and manage this important health indicator.
- I have trouble swallowing sometimes. Is that a GI problem?
- Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a very important gastrointestinal symptom. Dr. Shepard 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 concerning. It involves a specific diet and a prescribed liquid solution to thoroughly clean the colon. A clean colon is essential for Dr. Shepard to perform a thorough and accurate examination. Our practice provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to make the preparation process as manageable as possible.
- What are the treatment options for painful hemorrhoids?
- Hemorrhoids are a common and often uncomfortable issue in older adults. Many cases can be effectively managed with dietary adjustments and at-home care. For persistent pain, Dr. Shepard offers minimally invasive in-office procedures like banding, which are quick, effective, and require little to no recovery time.
- 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 carefully considering other health conditions. Dr. Shepard works to find the safest and most effective therapies to ensure the best possible quality of life.
4224 N Tampania Ave
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 355-5962
Dr. Roland Shepard, 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): 1326034885
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. Roland Shepard 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.