Meet our Men's Health Physicians

Men's Health Program at Florida Hospital East Orlando

In life, like in sports, you often need a game plan to help you stay organized, understand what you have to get done and hopefully, keep you on track for success. When it comes to meeting the health care needs of men, Florida Hospital East Orlando is your coach, and we have devised the perfect game plan for you!

Like any formidable opponent, the health concerns affecting men today won't just go away. However, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to living a healthy life.

Cancer

Ahmed Zakari, MD
Colorectal: "Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and it is estimated that approximately 52,000 men were newly diagnosed in 2009. The good news is that if detected early, colon cancer is very treatable," says Dr. Ahmed Zakari, oncologist specializing in Colorectal Cancer. A colonoscopy is recommended for men over the age of 50. This test will help detect polyps and other suspicious areas before they have a chance to become cancerous. It is also recommended that men maintain a low fat, high fiber diet, remain physically active and maintain a healthy weight as a way to help manage risk factors. 

Tarek Mekhail, MD
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and 4 out of 5 cases of lung cancer can be attributed to tobacco use. A persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath and chest pain all are possible symptoms of lung cancer. "Twenty-Five percent of lung cancer cases are found when a chest x-ray is performed for some other reason, while the other 75% experience symptoms which eventually lead to the diagnosis," says Dr. Tarek Mekhail, Oncologist specializing in Thoracic Cancer. 

Raul Castillo, MD
Prostate Cancer: While prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, it also has one of the best survival rates at 91% if it is detected and treated early. Because prostate cancer has very few specific signs or symptoms, the best way for early detection is to be screened on a regular basis. "A digital rectal exam (DRE) or Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) should be performed by a physician on an annual basis," says Dr. Raul Castillo, Oncologist.

Testicular: Like prostate cancer, testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of male cancer. "Early diagnosis is again very important, but can be difficult because there is no known cause or specific symptoms of the disease," says Dr. Castillo. All men should perform a testicular self-examination (TSE) every month in addition to having a routine physical performed by their physician.

Heart Health

Syed Ali, MD
Coronary Heart Disease: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. "The best way to prevent coronary heart disease is to monitor the risk factors that you can control, which include, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and obesity," says Dr. Syed Ali, Cardiologist with Florida Hospital East Orlando. You will want to have a physical once a year where a physician will be able to check your cholesterol and blood pressure and also order up an EKG or any other heart tests, especially if you have a family history of any heart disease.

Edwin Martinez, MD
Hypertension: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is at an elevated level. "An elevated blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart attack because the heart has to pump that much harder in order to circulate blood" says Dr. Edwin Martinez, Cardiologist with Florida Hospital East Orlando. Checking your blood pressure on a daily basis and visiting with a physician if your pressure remains elevated is the best way to control hypertension.

John Horowitz, MD
Vascular Disease: "Peripheral Artery Disease, commonly referred to as PAD, is a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the inner linings of the artery walls. These blockages restrict blood circulation, mainly in the arteries leading to the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs and feet," says Dr. John Horowitz, Vascular Surgeon with Florida Hospital East Orlando. Cramping or fatigue in the legs or buttocks during activity is a common early symptom of PAD. A low fat, low saturated diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and controlling your blood pressure all are ways to help prevent PAD.

Hernia

Kenley Davis, MD
Hernia: A hernia, or a protrusion of tissue, occurs when a muscle tear allows internal tissue, such as intestines, muscle or fat to bulge through the tear or weakness in the muscular wall. Hernia's are generally caused by increased pressure on your abdominal area caused by anything from lifting a heavy object to persistent coughing or sneezing. "Hernia's can be extremely painful and develop serious consequences if not treated correctly," says Dr. Kenley Davis, General Surgeon at Florida Hospital East Orlando. Minimally invasive, same-day laparoscopic surgery is usually the most effective way to treat a hernia

Sports Injuries

Brian Browning, DO
Back Pain: Lower back pain can result from a multitude of causes. "Overuse, sprains, muscle tension, joint problems and slipped discs can all cause back pain," says Dr. Brian Browning, Family Medicine Physician at Florida Hospital East Orlando. Regardless of the cause, the areas most commonly affected are the muscles, ligaments and tendons that comprise your lower back. Most back pain can be treated with rest and ice. However, if the pain persists for a period of time, you should follow-up with a physician.

Sean McFadden, DO
Joint Pain: Joint pain can occur in a variety of places, from your knees to your shoulders. Most of the time, joint pain is caused by overuse or a traumatic injury to a specific area of the body. Some injuries can be to the bones, whether it is fractures or breaks, while other injuries can occur when tears to ligaments or cartilage occur. "The treatment options will all depend on the severity of the injury. While some injuries can heal with rest or rehabilitation, others, generally those involving significant fractures or tears of major ligaments or tendons may require surgical intervention," says Dr. Sean McFadden, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Florida Hospital East Orlando.

Neurological

Abraham Thomas, MD
Stroke: A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts, cutting off oxygen and blood flow to specific regions of the brain. Without blood flow or oxygen, that part of the brain will die and impact normal function. Understanding the warning signs and getting to the Emergency Department quickly are the keys when dealing with a stroke. "Florida Hospital East Orlando was honored this year with the designation of "Primary Stroke Center" and will play an immense role in providing outstanding stroke care for the East Orlando community," says Dr. Abraham Thomas, Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Florida Hospital East Orlando. 

Sheila Baez-Torres, MD
Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine (responsible for sending signals that control movement) fail to produce the chemical as it should. The disease can lead to trembling, slow movement, stiff muscles and difficulty with walking orstanding. "While the disease is progressive and there is no known cure, there are medications available which can help control your symptoms," says Dr. Sheila Baez-Torres, Neurologist with Florida Hospital East Orlando.

Urological

Stephen Dobkin, MD
Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction occurs in as many as 30 million men and is typically caused by treatable physical problems. "Erectile dysfunction can be recognized as a potential harbinger of medical conditions such as abnormal cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease," says Dr. Stephen Dobkin, Urologist at Florida Hospital East Orlando. Treatment options include oral medications, therapy and in some cases, surgery.

Male Voiding: Male voiding is when the bladder can not be emptied normally. The causes of this can be waiting too long to urinate, urinating too frequently or trying to urinate when the muscles keeping the urine in the bladder are clamped down.

Vasectomy: A vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control. "Technology has afforded men the opportunity for a non-surgical option for a vasectomy, which is of great benefit to the patient," says Dr. Dobkin. A physician can now make a tiny puncture into the skin with a special instrument. This allows the physician to carry out the procedure as he/she normally would, only this time with very little bleeding, no stitches and much quicker healing with little or no scarring.

"One of the greatest urological concerns for men is Prostate Cancer. Although it is one of the more common forms of male cancer, is it also one of the more treatable, as long as it is caught early. That is why it is important for men to have a DRE or PSA done every year," says Dr. Dobkin.

Gastrointestinal

Seela Ramesh, MD
GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter - the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach and occurs when the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus, which can cause a pain and burning in the chest. Hiatal hernias, certain foods, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy can all be causes of GERD. Sometimes simple lifestyle and dietary changes are all that is necessary to treat GERD. In other situations, an antibiotic or other kind of intervention may be prescribed to help alleviate some of the symptoms. "GERD is a treatable disease and quality of life can be improved to normal levels. Treating GERD early is also a way to prevent long-term complications from the disease," says Dr. Seela Ramesh, Gastrointestinal Physician with Florida Hospital East Orlando.

Aniq Shaikh, MD
Ulcers: An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach where acid and pepsin are present. The most common symptom of an ulcer is a gnawing or burning pain in the stomach between the breast bone and navel. Lesser symptoms include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite and weight. In some severe cases, the ulcer will bleed, causing blood to appear in vomit or stool. "Ulcers are often diagnosed by performing an upper GI series, which is an x-ray of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, or by an endoscopy, which involves lightly sedating the patient and utilizing a small camera, which travels down the mouth, into the esophagus and stomach, which will allow a physician to get a better view on screen of the entire upper GI track," says Dr. Aniq Shaikh, Gastrointestinal Physician with Florida Hospital East Orlando.

Keith Moore, MD
Diverticulosis: Diverticulosis is a condition which develops when pouches form in the wall of the colon. Generally, these pouches do not cause any symptoms unless they develop into diverticular disease, which causes abdominal pain or cramping, particularly on the left side. Why these pouches form is not completely understood. "Normally, a diet with high fiber produces stool that is bulky and can move easily through the colon. If a diet is low in fiber, the colon must exert more pressure than usual to move the small, hard stool. Because the stool remains in the bowel for so long, pressure is increased against weak spots in the colon, which in turn form the pouches," says Dr. Keith Moore, Gastrointestinal Physician with Florida Hospital East Orlando. 

Podiatry

Gerald Bornstein, DPM
Diabetic Foot Care: Diabetes can often cause nerve damage that can take away feeling in your feet. In addition to nerve damage, diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it more difficult for an injury to heal or to fight off infection. "Inspecting your feet daily for any sort of abnormalities, washing your feet with lukewarm water, wearing clean socks, inspecting your shoes before you put them on, never walking barefoot and wearing socks to bed are all ways to help protect your feet from some of the problems that diabetes can cause," says Dr. Gerald Bornstein, Podiatrist at Florida Hospital East Orlando. You also want to make sure you are visiting a podiatrist on a regular basis for check ups as well as treatment for corns and calluses.

Joseph Conte, DPM
Athletic Foot Injuries: Ankle sprains are graded on a scale of 1-3 (1 - mild, 2 - moderate, 3 - severe), depending on the severity of the tear in the ligament. The majority of ankle sprains are those in which the foot twists inward, causing damage to the lateral ligaments on the outside of the foot, commonly referred to as an inversion injury. Many ankle sprains are able to heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. "Surgery is usually required when the ankle injury is recurrent or the person is experiencing persistent pain. If the ligament is severely torn and detached from the bone, surgery would be required to re-attach the ligament to the bone. Lesser surgery, usually arthroscopic is generally done to help remove bone fragments, scar tissue or damaged cartilage that may be a contributing factor to pain in the ankle," says Dr. Joseph Conte, Podiatrist with Florida Hospital East Orlando.

Sleep Disorders

Fransisco Remy, MD
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each episode generally lasts long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and these episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. "There are two distinct forms of sleep apnea. Obstructive occurs when an airway is blocked, usually when the soft tissue in the throat collapses during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath due to instability in the respiratory control center," says Dr. Francisco Remy, Pulmonary Disease Physician with Florida Hospital East Orlando. Those who are at greater risk for sleep apnea include males, those over the age of 40, being overweight, having a large neck size, family history of sleep apnea or a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies or sinus problems. Sleep apnea can lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes and depression.

To take a timeout and to learn more about risk factors and symptoms, request a Men's Health Brochure with screening guide by calling 407-303-6479. Visit our website at www.floridahospitaleast.com and call 407-303-DOCS for an appointment to get your health check today.