A Palm Coast resident, Doug Fritz, underwent a significant health journey after an at-home screening led to the discovery of a serious colon condition. Fritz, who had been feeling unwell for some time, decided to take the Cologuard test at his wife Erica’s urging.
“I wasn’t feeling well for a while,” Fritz said. “I finally did the Cologuard test, and the results weren’t good. I really didn’t want to do anything, but my wife, Erica, convinced me to go see Dr. Ali.”
Following this advice, Fritz met with Dr. Abubaker Ali, a general surgeon at AdventHealth Palm Coast. After reviewing tests and scans, Dr. Ali determined that surgery was necessary due to an abscess and lack of improvement with initial treatment.
“It was much worse than I thought,” Fritz said. “I had an abscess and had to go on a liquid diet for a week. After another scan showed no improvement, Dr. Ali told me surgery was the best option.”
Facing his first-ever surgery made Fritz apprehensive.
“I was scared, even about being put under,” he said. “But Dr. Ali was great. He explained everything and I trusted him.”
Dr. Ali performed robotic-assisted surgery using advanced technology available at AdventHealth Palm Coast.
“Robotic surgery allows us to perform complex procedures with remarkable precision,” Ali said. “For patients like Doug, that means smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster return to normal life.”
The procedure enabled Fritz to return home the same day and recover quickly.
Erica Fritz works at AdventHealth herself and noted how meaningful it was for her husband to receive care from her colleagues.
“Whenever we receive our heart badges, you write the name of a person who inspires you to treat every patient like them,” she said. “I put Doug’s name on mine years ago. To see him receive such excellent care really made me proud to be part of this organization.”
Fritz recovered over several months following his operation during the holiday season.
“I didn’t realize how bad I felt until after the surgery,” he said. “Now, I feel healthy, energetic and grateful.”
Before treatment, symptoms often affected his ability to work as an airport ride service operator in North Florida.
“I’d have stomach pain and break out in cold sweats,” he said. “Now, I feel great. I can do my job and enjoy life again.”
AdventHealth Palm Coast has expanded its robotic surgery program with systems like da Vinci Xi and MAKO robotic-arm technology now in use at both its main campus and Parkway location.
The hospital is part of AdventHealth’s larger effort across Flagler County to offer innovative surgical options locally by combining technology with comprehensive patient care.
“Innovation only matters if it improves someone’s life,” Ali said. “That’s what robotic surgery does — it helps us care for people in ways that make healing faster, safer, and more human.”
Today Fritz says he is thankful for his improved health and support team.
“I can do my job, spend time with my wife, and not worry,” he said. “That’s a blessing.”
AdventHealth Orlando—located in Orlando since 1908—serves as one of the major hospitals within this network offering specialized wards including pediatrics; Terry Shaw currently serves as president.
https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando
