Dr. Ahmad Shahbaz Sheikh – Pulmonologist | Peterborough, ON

Dr. Ahmad Shahbaz Sheikh is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Peterborough, ON, Dr. Sheikh is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Sheikh is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in ON. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Sheikh focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with breathing disorders. Dr. Sheikh serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Ahmad Shahbaz Sheikh earned a Medical Degree from University Of The Punjab, Pakistan, graduating in 2000. Following this, Dr. Sheikh completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). Dr. Sheikh brings valuable clinical experience in respiratory medicine to his practice. Dr. Sheikh's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Sheikh is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in respiratory medicine to provide optimal patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Sheikh's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. Dr. Sheikh provides consultations in English.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Ahmad Shahbaz Sheikh diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Helping patients manage symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea associated with COPD.
• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Sheikh, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Asthma Management and Education: Helping patients achieve optimal asthma control, reduce exacerbations, and improve their quality of life.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Sheikh. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Ahmad Shahbaz Sheikh adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Sheikh frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Sheikh expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems, means they can happily and comfortably get back to sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Sheikh about pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough is to attain being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively.
• If their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Sheikh offers expert respiratory solutions. The primary aim is to achieve improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests through comprehensive and personalized care.
• For individuals troubled by a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk, Dr. Sheikh's approach is focused on delivering improved sleep quality and feeling more rested and energetic during the day (especially for sleep apnea). This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms with better lung health.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Sheikh, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Sheikh is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Sheikh's practice is located at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Shorelines Casino Peterborough and is easily accessible via Peterborough Transit. Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Sheikh?

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Sheikh for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Sheikh has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a respiratory assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Sheikh at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre?

Your first visit with Dr. Sheikh will involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms affect your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Sheikh will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on your respiratory system. Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Sheikh will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy), and outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Sheikh covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Sheikh are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in Ontario, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments. Inquire with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if applicable.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Sheikh do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Sheikh is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life. They use various diagnostic tools and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Sheikh recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Sheikh might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

What are some common conditions a Respirologist like Dr. Sheikh treats?

Dr. Sheikh treats a wide spectrum of disorders affecting breathing and lung health, including asthma, COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), pneumonia and other lung infections, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases (like pulmonary fibrosis), pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs), and is involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Can Dr. Sheikh help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Sheikh are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Sheikh develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing inhaler medications, educating patients on inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Unit OPG 6W091, 202 - 849 Alexander Crt, Division of Hematology
Peterborough, ON, K9J 7H8

Phone: (705) 749-2732

Dr. Ahmad Shahbaz Sheikh is a licensed Respirologist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 114824

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sheikh-Ahmad-Shahbaz/0325840-114824

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Sheikh. Dr. Sheikh and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.