Dr. Robert J Sowerby – Urologist | Vaughan, ON

Dr. Robert J Sowerby 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 Sault Area Hospital in Vaughan, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and effective urological care. Dr. Sowerby provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His clinic is equipped with modern facilities to deliver thorough and compassionate urological services to adult male and female patients.

He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and has been practicing as a Urologist since 2015, bringing over 9 years of specialized experience to his patients. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and commitment to excellence in urological medicine.

Dr. Sowerby’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices and minimally invasive techniques where appropriate. He is committed to providing thorough patient education, ensuring individuals are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, he strives to deliver compassionate and accessible urological care tailored to the needs of his patients in Vaughan and surrounding communities.

Dr. Robert Sowerby addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

Prostate & Male Genital Conditions

• Peyronie's Disease: A condition where scar tissue (plaque) forms under the skin of the penis, causing curved, painful erections.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in aging men, causing urinary symptoms.
• Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.

Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions

• Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele - Bladder Prolapse): When the bladder drops (prolapses) from its normal position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

Urologic Cancers

• Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system, most common in young men.
• Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Cancer that originates in the kidneys, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type in adults.
• Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, most commonly in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Robert Sowerby.

• Laser Surgery for Urological Conditions: Employing various laser technologies for treatments such as BPH (e.g., HoLEP, GreenLight), kidney stones, and bladder tumors.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) Management: Multimodal approaches to manage chronic bladder pain and discomfort.
• Open Urological Surgery (for complex cases): Traditional surgical approaches for conditions not amenable to minimally invasive techniques.
• Bladder Biopsy: Obtaining tissue samples from the bladder, typically during cystoscopy, for diagnostic purposes.
• Testicular Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Management: Including radical inguinal orchiectomy and coordination with oncologists for further therapy.
• Adrenal Tumor Urological Evaluation & Surgical Management: Assessing and surgically removing adrenal masses when indicated from a urological perspective.
• Endoscopic Urological Procedures: Utilizing scopes passed through natural body openings to diagnose and treat conditions within the urinary tract (e.g., stone removal, tumor resection).

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Sowerby 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.

Sault Area Hospital, located within Vaughan's Concord Central, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Area neighborhood, serves as a key medical facility providing specialized urological care. The hospital’s outpatient urology unit is conveniently situated near Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre and VMC Subway Station Access, making it accessible via public transit options including York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, ensuring easy access for all patients seeking expert urological services in Vaughan.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Sowerby, a Urologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Sowerby, 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. Sowerby's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sowerby, 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. Sowerby. 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.

What does a Urologist like Dr. Sowerby specialize in?

A Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as conditions of the male reproductive system. This includes organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). He is a Urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Dr. Sowerby provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.

What is a cystoscopy and why might I need one?

A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Sowerby, to look directly inside your bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope. It might be recommended to investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent UTIs, bladder pain, or difficulty urinating. It can also be used to take biopsies or perform minor treatments. He will explain the procedure and any preparation needed.

What is a PSA test and who should have it?

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Sowerby, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.

What are some common tests a Urologist might perform or order?

Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. Sowerby may perform or order several tests. These can include urinalysis (urine test), urine culture, blood tests (like PSA for prostate health), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI of the kidneys, bladder, or prostate), urodynamic studies (to assess bladder function), and cystoscopy (a scope to look inside the bladder and urethra). He will explain why any specific test is needed and what it involves.

Sault Area Hospital
2630 Rutherford Road, Suite 201
Vaughan, ON L4K 0H2

Phone: (905) 832-8428 | Fax: (905) 832-6651

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sowerby 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. Sowerby 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/Sowerby-Robert-J/0266237-93675