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Endocrinologist Rema A. Gupta, M.D. has joined UCF Pegasus Health, the physician practice of the UCF College of Medicine, to spearhead the treatment of patients with complex endocrine disorders like diabetes and thyroid disease. Dr. Gupta is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, as well as internal medicine.
“Most endocrine patients require long-term follow-up in some form, which is why I entered the field. I enjoy getting to know my patients and developing strategies and interventions that help them manage their diseases in ways that fit their lifestyles, rather than having their diseases run their lives,” said Dr. Gupta. “For that reason, I especially appreciate the multi-disciplinary approach at UCF Pegasus Health, where I can easily collaborate with physicians from other specialties.”
With access to physicians from internal medicine, cardiology, geriatrics, nephrology, rheumatology, adolescent medicine and sports medicine, Dr. Gupta has many resources available for the care of her patients.
When treating people with diabetes, Dr. Gupta said, she takes a three-pronged approach because the disease is best managed by lifestyle changes, as well as medication.
“Finding the appropriate medication is the first step, of course, but I also work with my patients to learn about their lifestyles. For example, I can’t require a person who travels and has to eat every meal out to count every carb the same way that someone who cooks at home does. I also educate patients about how to use physical activity as a diabetes management tool. My patients who experience the best results are the ones who are on the right meds, eat a diet that’s manageable for them and their disease, and engage in some form of physical activity on a regular basis,” she said.
Dr. Gupta also brings with her a collaborative approach to the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of patients with thyroids that are underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism), as well as those with thyroid nodules and cancers.
“Where I trained in Chicago, we had a specialized clinic for thyroid disorders. But when I moved here, I realized that was lacking in our local healthcare infrastructure. I’ve since developed a network of head and neck surgeons and radiation oncologists. Now when I diagnose a patient, there’s seamless approach to their treatment, disease management and long-term follow-up,” said Dr. Gupta.
“We also know that patients with thyroid nodules are sometimes over-treated, often undergoing unnecessary surgical procedures. That’s where the art and science of medicine comes in. In many cases, the best approach is to follow, monitor and re-evaluate,” she said.
Maria Cannarozzi, M.D., medical director for UCF Pegasus Health, said, “Dr. Gupta’s philosophy of patient care fits our model perfectly. She puts the time in for each and every patient to ensure their treatment plan is tailored for their unique needs. She’s also a tremendous resource for other physicians in the practice who are able to consult with her on the spot about their patients with endocrine concerns.”
Dr. Gupta received her fellowship training in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. She earned her M.D. degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada; and completed her residency at the University of Connecticut in Farminton, CT, and at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Dr. Gupta is on the American Diabetes Association Community Leadership Board, was a volunteer faculty member of the UCF College of Medicine before joining the staff and is a clinical volunteer faculty member at Florida State University College of Medicine.