About
Dr. William R. Shields 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 Shields William Dr in Lethbridge, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Shields provides comprehensive and specialized urological care for adult male and female patients, addressing a broad spectrum of urological conditions. His clinic is equipped with modern facilities designed to deliver advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services, ensuring patients receive thorough and effective care.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta (UofA) in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Urologist. His credentials include certification by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), along with additional certifications such as LMCC and FRCSC in Urology. These qualifications attest to his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice in urological health.
Dr. Shields’ clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, utilizing evidence-based practices and minimally invasive techniques where appropriate. He is committed to providing clear, comprehensive patient education and personalized treatment plans. Fluent in English, he dedicates himself to serving the community of Lethbridge with professionalism, compassion, and a focus on optimal health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. William Shields addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
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.
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Discomfort or burning sensation during urination, often a symptom of infection or inflammation.
- Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).
Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
- Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Frequent bladder or kidney infections requiring investigation and management.
Prostate & Male Genital Conditions
- 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.
- Prostatitis (Acute & Chronic Bacterial, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome): Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, causing pain, urinary difficulties, and other symptoms.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. William Shields.
- Urinary Incontinence Evaluation & Treatment in Women (Stress, Urge, Mixed): Comprehensive management of involuntary urine leakage, including behavioral therapies, medications, pelvic floor exercises, and surgical options (e.g., slings).
- 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.
- Prostate Biopsy (TRUS-guided): Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy to obtain prostate tissue samples for cancer diagnosis.
- 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.
- Overactive Bladder (OAB) Management in Women: Treatment strategies for urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence, including medications and neuromodulation.
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment: Including partial and radical nephrectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic).
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Shields 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Shields William Dr practices within a specialized medical facility located in the Downtown Lethbridge neighborhood, specifically serving the South Lethbridge East area. The practice is conveniently situated near Exhibition Park and the Commercial Corridor South, providing easy access for patients. Public transit options, including Lethbridge Transit, are available nearby, facilitating convenient travel for those using transit services. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are conveniently located in close proximity, ensuring patients can access the clinic without difficulty. As a key component of the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, the clinic offers advanced urological diagnostics and treatments within a comprehensive hospital setting, dedicated to delivering high-quality urological health services to the community.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Shields, a Urologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Shields, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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. Shields's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shields, a Urologist?
- Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in AB, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Shields. 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 are some common tests a Urologist might perform or order?
- Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. Shields 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.
- What is a cystoscopy and why might I need one?
- A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Shields, 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 does a Urologist like Dr. Shields 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. Shields provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.
Shields William Dr
960 19 St S, Chinook Regional Hospital
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Phone: (403) 388-6131
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Shields is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Shields for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=816697ed-f95c-4bb4-a8a3-9c2fb6aa1f35&i=1325