Best Infectious Disease Doctors in St. Petersburg

Introduction to Infectious Diseases in St. Petersburg

Overview of Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases encompass a wide range of illnesses caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These conditions can vary greatly in severity and impact, from common ailments like the flu to more complex diseases that require specialized treatment.

In St. Petersburg, Florida, the need for expert care in infectious diseases is particularly significant due to the city's diverse population, tropical climate, and status as a major tourist destination. These factors can contribute to the prevalence and spread of various infectious agents.

The Role of Infectious Disease Specialists

Infectious disease specialists are medical professionals who have undergone extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. In St. Petersburg, these specialists typically complete a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, followed by a fellowship in infectious diseases.

The data provided shows that many infectious disease specialists in St. Petersburg, such as Dr. Aisha Khan and Dr. Christopher Garnett, are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics, indicating their high level of expertise.

These specialists play a key role in patient care by managing complex infections, advising on antibiotic use, and developing treatment plans for difficult cases. They also contribute significantly to public health efforts by monitoring disease trends, participating in infection control programs, and advising on measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in the community.

Choosing an Infectious Disease Specialist in St. Petersburg

Factors to Consider

Credentials and Board Certifications

• Importance of American Board of Internal Medicine certification
• Additional certifications such as American Board of Pediatrics for pediatric infectious disease specialists

Experience and Areas of Specialization

• Years of practice in infectious diseases
• Subspecialties within infectious diseases (e.g., pediatric, HIV/AIDS)

Hospital Affiliations

• Connections to reputable hospitals in St. Petersburg
• Access to advanced medical facilities and resources

Patient Reviews and Ratings

• Importance of star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Consideration of the number of reviews

The Importance of Finding the Right Fit

Communication Style and Language Preferences

• Availability of multilingual doctors (e.g., Dr. Aisha Khan speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu)
• Importance of clear and effective doctor-patient communication

Accessibility and Location

• Proximity to patient's residence or work
• Availability of telemedicine options

Insurance Coverage and Cost Considerations

• Verifying if the specialist is in-network
• Understanding potential out-of-pocket costs

Top-Ranked Infectious Disease Specialists in St. Petersburg

Dr. Aisha Khan

Credentials and Ratings

• 5-star rating with 6 patient reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine and Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Fellowship at Stony Brook University Hospital
• Graduated from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Residency at University of Florida-Jacksonville

Languages and Accessibility

• Fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu
• Contact information: (631) 716-9026

Dr. Christopher Garnett

Credentials and Ratings

• 5-star rating (based on 1 review)
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Adult Medicine and Infectious Disease Medicine

Education and Experience

• Completed internship at Emory Internal Medicine Residency Program in Atlanta, GA
• Fluent in English and Spanish

Contact Information

• Phone: (504) 821-2601

Dr. Jeanette Cancel

Credentials and Ratings

• 4.2-star rating based on 5 patient reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine

Education and Hospital Affiliations

• Graduated from Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
• Affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital, and HCA Florida Northside Hospital

Contact Information

• Phone: (727) 216-6193

Dr. Brian Elliott

Credentials and Ratings

• 4-star rating based on 18 patient reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine and Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Fellowship at University of Tennessee Hospital
• Graduated from University of Louisville School of Medicine
• Over 40 years of experience in the field

Contact Information

• Phone: (727) 824-8205

Dr. Juan Dumois III

Credentials and Ratings

• 3.8-star rating based on 5 patient reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics
• Specializes in Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Education and Hospital Affiliations

• Graduated from University of South Florida
• Affiliated with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Contact Information

• Phone: (727) 767-4160

Additional Resources for Finding an Infectious Disease Specialist in St. Petersburg

Online Platforms and Directories

Healthgrades

• Detailed profiles of infectious disease specialists
• Patient ratings and reviews
• Information on education, certifications, and hospital affiliations

Local Medical Society Resources

• Pinellas County Medical Association directory
• Florida Medical Association physician finder

Referrals and Recommendations

Primary Care Physician Referrals

• Consult your primary care doctor for specialist recommendations
• Discuss your specific needs and preferences

Hospital Recommendations

• Contact local hospitals for infectious disease department information
• Inquiry about specialists affiliated with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for pediatric cases

Insurance Provider Networks

In-Network Providers

• Check with your insurance company for a list of in-network infectious disease specialists
• Verify coverage details for specialist visits

Understanding Coverage

• Review your policy for infectious disease specialist coverage
• Inquire about any pre-authorization requirements