For gastroenterologist Dr. David Schwimmer, treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is personal. The South Florida native who recently joined the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Digestive Health Center has ulcerative colitis. Luckily, he’s been able to manage his disease.

For many, IBD in the form of either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can run their life. “The ultimate goal is to live a normal life,” said Dr. Schwimmer. “We want the disease to be an afterthought.”

Dr. Schwimmer said there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for IBD. It’s unique to each patient, and various combinations of treatment can be used. “It’s important to treat everyone individually and carefully listen to what they need to decide the best course of action.” Treatment can include one of a variety of medications that can be given orally, intravenously or subcutaneously. Also, since people can lose a lot of weight, treatment can include nutritional optimization, working with nutritionists and dietitians.

With Dr. Schwimmer’s extensive interest in and experience with treating IBD, many primary doctors seek his input, regularly referring patients to him. He looks forward to working with more patients in Palm Beach County, and believes the Digestive Health Center’s affiliation with TGH offers the practice access to a robust academic health system.

“Surgery becomes an option when medications prove no longer effective. Our affiliation with Tampa General Hospital offers us access to phenomenal colorectal physicians.”

Dr. Schwimmer received his Bachelor of Science in cellular and molecular biology with honors from the University of Michigan, and earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern — Parkland Hospital in Dallas, and trained for his fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

Dr. Schwimmer is an active member of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Gastroenterological Association. He has published in major medical journals and presented at medical conferences speaking on the treatment, outcomes and management of IBD patients. Dr. Schwimmer has also served as an IBD expert for articles, appearing in multiple media outlets.

Don’t Call It “Fatty” Anymore: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Has a New Name

Acknowledging the breadth of metabolic dysfunction associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Regardless, individuals with risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome, should be screened for MASLD, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE).

Nearly 96 percent of Americans with MASLD are unaware they have the chronic disease. When left untreated, MASLD can result in the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and even death.

The AACE recently released new guidelines for the early screening and diagnosis of MASLD, hoping to mitigate its progression and raise awareness to allow for earlier identification, disease management and referrals to specialists. If detected and managed early, it’s possible to prevent MASLD from progressing, and treatment could reduce the amount of damage and fat in the liver.

Dr. Sonja K. Olsen, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, is trained in the AACE’s updated screening for MASLD. She offers it at the TGH Digestive Health Center. The pain-free screening consists of a FibroScan, a noninvasive diagnostic device used to measure the fat content of the liver, and liver stiffness, which is a marker for scarring.

Dr. Olsen brings more than a decade of experience in providing world-class digestive and liver care, and specializes in liver disease and disorders, including those related to MASLD. Her vast experience and unique credentials are why many local primary doctors and endocrinologists refer their patients with MASLD to her care.

Dr. Olsen is the only physician in the Palm Beach County region with specialized expertise in the management of patients with end-stage liver disease, both before and after liver transplantation. She treats patients with colon, liver and bile duct cancer; gallbladder disease; alcohol-related and nonalcohol-related liver disease; drug-related liver injury; and all forms of hepatitis.

A doctor’s order is needed for the screening, and patients with high-risk factors are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to determine if a screening for MASLD is appropriate.

The TGH Digestive Health Center, with offices in both West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, can be reached by calling (561) 739-4TGH.