Dr. Mark Friedman, MD

About Dr. Mark Friedman, MD

Dr. Mark Friedman, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Moffitt Cancer Center, Magnolia Campus in Tampa, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care for individuals with digestive system disorders. Dr. Friedman is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He provides comprehensive medical care for patients with disorders of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call (813) 566-0338.

Dr. Friedman earned his MD degree at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2005. His extensive training includes an Internal Medicine Residency at George Washington University Medical Center, followed by a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Albany Medical College. This rigorous training, along with over 15 years of dedicated experience in Gastroenterological care, provides him with a wealth of clinical knowledge and a compassionate approach to patient care. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He further specialized in his area of expertise through fellowship training and has held various positions, including Associate Member in the department of GI Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center and an Assistant Professor in the department of Oncological Sciences at the University of South Florida. Dr. Friedman’s clinical interests include colorectal cancer screening, genetic colorectal cancer syndromes, and surveillance of pre-malignant intestinal conditions. He provides consultations primarily in English.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Mark Friedman addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Rectal Prolapse: Rectal prolapse is a condition where part of the rectum protrudes through the anus.
• Gallbladder Cancer: Gallbladder cancer develops in the gallbladder, affecting its ability to store and release bile for digestion.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers are open wounds in the inner layer of the bowel, causing pain and discomfort.
• Splenomegaly: Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen.
• Retroperitoneum Cancer: Retroperitoneal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues behind the abdomen.
• Malnutrition: A serious health state where your body is not getting enough nutrients to function is known as malnutrition.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia means the lining of your esophagus has changed due to acid reflux, and some of the cells show precancerous changes.
• Rectal Ulcer: An ulcer in the rectum, called a rectal ulcer, can be caused by a variety of factors and requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Bowel Strangulation: Bowel strangulation is a serious condition where blood flow to a section of the intestine is cut off.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance is a common condition affecting the ability to digest the sugar in milk and milk products.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Intestinal diverticulitis is a condition where small pockets in your colon become inflamed, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis describe irritation and swelling in your digestive tract's lining, from causes like allergies or autoimmune disorders.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Mark Friedman addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Gastroenterology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your 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.

Gastroenterological Services Provided

Dr. Mark Friedman offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Colon Cancer Screening: Through colon cancer screenings, doctors can identify and treat colon polyps or cancer at its early stages.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection through colorectal cancer screening significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: A duodenal polypectomy involves the endoscopic removal of a polyp from the beginning of your small intestine.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure where a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon for abnormalities.
• Sigmoidoscopy: During a sigmoidoscopy, a small camera helps your doctor examine the lining of your rectum and sigmoid colon for signs of disease.
• Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove polyps or take tissue samples for further testing.
• Impedance Testing: Impedance testing helps doctors identify issues with the electrical signals in your digestive tract, specifically your esophagus.
• Ultrasound: Our gastroenterological ultrasound service uses sound waves to create images of your digestive system, helping diagnose potential problems.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This service screens for hepatitis B virus infection.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This service screens for hepatitis C virus infection.
• Gallbladder Scan: This gallbladder scan helps your doctor evaluate your gallbladder's health.
• Removal or Destruction of Rectal or Intestinal Tumor (incl. Colonoscopy: This service offers procedures to remove or destroy tumors in your rectum or intestines, including colonoscopy.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Mark Friedman. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Gastroenterology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your 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 Gastroenterologies 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. Mark Friedman:

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist diagnoses, treats, and prevents a wide range of digestive diseases.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Mark Friedman?

Your first visit with Dr. Friedman will involve a detailed discussion of your digestive health symptoms and medical history. A physical examination will follow, and we may discuss potential diagnostic tests or treatment plans. Please bring a list of your medications and any prior test results for review.

Does Dr. Mark Friedman accept my insurance?

Dr. Friedman's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call the office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for your appointment.

Does Dr. Mark Friedman treat liver conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease?

Dr. Friedman is experienced in treating liver conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. He uses a comprehensive approach, including blood tests, imaging, and potentially liver biopsy, to diagnose these conditions accurately. He then develops personalized treatment plans to promote liver health.

Does Dr. Mark Friedman manage conditions of the pancreas, like pancreatitis?

Dr. Friedman is experienced in diagnosing and managing pancreatic conditions, including pancreatitis. He investigates potential causes, manages symptoms, and monitors for complications associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis.

What non-surgical treatments does Dr. Mark Friedman offer for hemorrhoids?

Dr. Friedman offers effective, minimally invasive in-office procedures for internal hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoid banding and infrared coagulation. These treatments are often successful in relieving symptoms and are a viable alternative to surgery.

What is the approach to treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Dr. Friedman's approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is multifaceted, focusing on symptom management. This may include dietary strategies like the low-FODMAP diet, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and targeted medications to address specific symptoms like pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

How does Dr. Mark Friedman manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Dr. Friedman's approach to managing IBD focuses on achieving long-term remission through a combination of tailored medication regimens, including various biologics, and diligent disease monitoring. A collaborative care model involving the patient, nurse, and dietitian is integral to this process. Regular follow-up appointments and communication are key to successful IBD management.