Description
About Dr. Anthony Michael Skehan
Dr. Anthony Michael Skehan is a dedicated Urologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in men and women, and the male reproductive system. Practicing at a urology clinic within a hospital department in Thunder Bay, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. Adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), he provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His approach prioritizes patient well-being, ensuring personalized and compassionate urological care. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities to deliver thorough and advanced urological diagnostics and treatments.
Dr. Skehan graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Dublin in Ireland. With over 24 years of experience as a Urologist since 2000, he has developed a broad expertise in urological health. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his adherence to rigorous certification standards and ongoing professional development. His extensive clinical background enables him to address complex urological conditions with confidence and precision.
Committed to patient-centered care, Dr. Skehan utilizes advanced and minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, guided by evidence-based practice. He values thorough patient education, empowering individuals with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate, clear communication to ensure patients feel supported throughout their urological journey. His dedication is rooted in serving the Thunder Bay community with integrity and excellence in urological care.
Common Conditions Dr. Anthony Skehan Addresses
Dr. Anthony Skehan addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
Urologic Cancers
- Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, most commonly in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder.
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Cancer that originates in the kidneys, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type in adults.
- Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system, most common in young men.
General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections affecting any part of the urinary system that are frequent, persistent, or associated with underlying factors.
- Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
- Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).
Prostate & Male Genital Conditions
- Peyronie's Disease: A condition where scar tissue (plaque) forms under the skin of the penis, causing curved, painful erections.
- Prostatitis (Acute & Chronic Bacterial, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome): Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, causing pain, urinary difficulties, and other symptoms.
- Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Anthony Skehan.
Urologist Services Offered by Dr. Anthony Michael Skehan
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Diagnosis & Treatment: Comprehensive evaluation and management of ED, including oral medications, injection therapy, vacuum devices, and penile prosthesis surgery.
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Screening & Interpretation: Blood testing and counseling for prostate cancer screening in appropriate individuals.
- Penile & Urethral Cancer Management: Diagnosis and treatment strategies for less common urogenital cancers.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller, passable fragments.
- Laser Surgery for Urological Conditions: Employing various laser technologies for treatments such as BPH (e.g., HoLEP, GreenLight), kidney stones, and bladder tumors.
- Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Multimodal Management: Including active surveillance, radical prostatectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic), radiation therapy coordination, and hormone therapy.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Urological Aspects & Surgical Repair (e.g., Cystocele Repair): Evaluation and surgical management of bladder prolapse and other urological components of POP, often in collaboration with urogynecologists.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Skehan for care relevant to your needs.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Skehan practices within a urology department located in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central neighborhood, in a facility close to the Intercity Shopping Centre. The area is well-served by public transit, with Thunder Bay Transit providing convenient options for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making visits straightforward and accessible for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Skehan, a Urologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Skehan, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Skehan's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Skehan, a Urologist?
- Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in ON, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Skehan. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.
- When should I consider seeing a Urologist?
- You should consider seeing a Urologist if you experience symptoms such as blood in your urine (hematuria), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), difficulty urinating (hesitancy, weak stream, straining), frequent or urgent need to urinate, urinary incontinence (leakage), pain in the flank, lower abdomen, or groin that might be related to kidney stones, or any concerns related to the male reproductive organs (e.g., testicular pain/lumps, erectile dysfunction, male infertility). Your family doctor can help determine if a referral to a urologist like Dr. Skehan is appropriate.
- What does a vasectomy involve if performed by Dr. Skehan?
- A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for permanent male contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Dr. Skehan would perform this procedure, usually in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It's a highly effective form of birth control. It's important to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and the fact that it's considered permanent with Dr. Skehan beforehand.
- What are kidney stones and how does Dr. Skehan treat them?
- Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain medication. Larger stones or those causing significant symptoms might require procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break them up, ureteroscopy with laser to remove or break them, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for very large stones. Dr. Skehan will also work with you on strategies to prevent future stones.
- What treatment options are available for erectile dysfunction (ED) with Dr. Skehan?
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) has various treatment options available. After evaluating the potential causes, Dr. Skehan may discuss lifestyle modifications, oral medications (like PDE5 inhibitors), vacuum erection devices, injection therapy (intracavernosal injections), or in some cases, surgical options like penile implants. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED and individual patient factors and preferences.
Contact & Licensing Information
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
Phone: (807) 684-6000 | Fax: (807) 346-8015
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Skehan is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Skehan for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Skehan-Anthony-Michael/0055906-67689