Dr. Gladys Velarde, MD

About Dr. Gladys Velarde, MD

Dr. Gladys Velarde, MD is an Internal Medicine physician practicing at UF Health Cardiovascular Center - North in Jacksonville, FL. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Internal Medicine care to adults, addressing a wide range of health concerns. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Velarde is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (904) 383-1011 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Velarde's practice focus is on providing comprehensive, patient-centered medical care for adults (typically 18 years and older). With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Internal Medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her approach is deeply rooted in a commitment to collaborative care, recognizing the importance of a supportive environment for optimal health outcomes. Dr. Velarde's extensive background includes serving as a University of Florida professor of medicine, board-certified cardiologist, medical director of the UF Health Women's Cardiovascular Program, and program director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training Program. This extensive experience, combined with her board certification in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensures her patients receive the highest level of care. She also offers consultations in Portuguese.

Dr. Velarde's education and training, which include a medical degree from New York University Grossman School Of Medicine in 1992, followed by an internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia Presbyterian Center, and fellowship training at Boston Medical Center and Mount Sinai Hospital, has provided her with a strong foundation in internal medicine. Her diverse experience and commitment to patient well-being, coupled with her passion for medical education and community advocacy, make her a valuable asset to the UF Health Cardiovascular Center - North team.

Internal Medicine Conditions Addressed

Dr. Gladys Velarde addresses a wide range of Internal Medicine health concerns, including:

• Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can be fast, slow, or erratic.
• Gastroptosis: Gastroptosis is a condition where your stomach sags or drops down into your abdomen.
• Congenital Aortic Valve Disorders: Some people are born with problems in the heart valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the body.
• Aortic Ectasia: Aortic ectasia is a widening of the aorta, the major blood vessel in your body.
• Heart Murmur: A heart murmur can be a sign of a problem with one or more of your heart's valves or chambers.
• Heart Palpitations: A fluttering or pounding sensation in your chest, often described as a racing heart, is known as heart palpitations.
• Pulmonary Edema: Pulmonary edema is a serious condition where fluid in your lungs interferes with oxygen absorption.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: Unintentional weight loss, fatigue, and decreased muscle strength in an adult, along with a decline in overall function, characterize adult failure to thrive.
• Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or within the first five months after delivery.
• Hypertensive Heart and Chronic Kidney Disease: You have high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, both requiring medical attention.
• Mild Asthma: You experience infrequent asthma symptoms like chest tightness and coughing, indicating mild asthma.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Gladys Velarde addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Internal Medicine manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your Adult patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Internal Medicine Services Provided

Dr. Gladys Velarde offers a range of services to support your Adult patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Immunization Administration: This involves getting a shot to build immunity against specific illnesses.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: This service provides detailed images of your heart and chest using a non-invasive MRI scan.
• Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test: A pharmacologic nuclear stress test uses medicine to speed up your heart and a radioactive tracer to take pictures of your heart, helping detect problems with blood flow.
• Cardiac Imaging: Our cardiac imaging service provides detailed pictures of your heart to help diagnose and manage heart conditions.
• Thoracentesis: If you have excess fluid around your lungs, a thoracentesis might be used to remove it, relieving pressure and aiding diagnosis.
• Pacemaker Insertion or Replacement: Our internal medicine team provides expert care for pacemaker insertion and replacement procedures.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: This service involves placing a catheter into an artery to provide access for medications, fluids, or other treatments.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This test looks for microscopic amounts of blood in your poop that might indicate colorectal cancer.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This service uses special imaging to check how well your heart muscle is getting blood.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening (PAD): PAD screening checks for reduced blood flow in your legs and feet.
• Dobutamine Thallium Stress Test: To evaluate heart function, this test involves giving you dobutamine to raise your heart rate, followed by a thallium scan to image blood flow to your heart.
• Coronary Angioplasty: Our internal medicine service provides expert care for coronary artery blockages, including procedures like angioplasty.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Gladys Velarde. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Internal Medicine can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Adult patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Gladys Velarde:

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in adult patients. We provide comprehensive health management, often working with specialists to address complex conditions. Unlike family medicine, which may care for patients of all ages, internal medicine specializes in adult care.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Gladys Velarde?

Your first visit with Dr. Velarde will involve a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of your health goals and concerns. Please bring a list of all current medications and any relevant medical records for your convenience. This helps ensure a thorough and efficient visit.

Does Dr. Gladys Velarde accept my insurance?

Dr. Velarde's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please contact our office directly to verify your specific plan's coverage.

Does Dr. Gladys Velarde specialize in geriatric care?

Dr. Velarde has extensive experience in the care of older adults, incorporating a holistic approach to senior health needs. She is skilled in managing common age-related conditions and provides personalized care plans to meet the unique requirements of each patient.

Does Dr. Gladys Velarde address mental health concerns?

Dr. Velarde and her team prioritize the well-being of all patients. While not providing direct mental health services, they can readily coordinate care with appropriate specialists or offer referrals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Does Dr. Gladys Velarde offer same-day appointments?

Dr. Velarde's office strives to accommodate urgent needs. Please call to discuss your specific situation and determine the best course of action. Same-day appointments may be available depending on the urgency and nature of your concern.

Does Dr. Gladys Velarde offer telehealth appointments?

Dr. Velarde offers telehealth appointments for routine follow-up visits and some chronic disease management. These appointments are suitable for addressing concerns like medication adjustments or monitoring progress. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment and confirm if your specific needs can be addressed via telehealth.

Does Dr. Gladys Velarde offer men's health services?

Dr. Velarde's practice offers comprehensive men's health services, including preventative screenings and assessments tailored to age-related health concerns, such as prostate health and cardiovascular risk factors.