DR TOM SHANNON

Dr Tom Shannon is an urologist with over 15 years experience in prostate cancer and minimally invasive surgery. Following graduation from the University of Western Australia in 1992 he undertook specialty training, completing his Fellowship in Urology in 1999. Post fellowship training was completed in Portsmouth UK, with additional training in minimally invasive surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland and Prostate Brachytherapy in Seattle, Washington.

On his return he was a pioneer of minimally invasive urological surgery in WA, having been amongst the first surgeons in Australia to perform keyhole surgery for kidney cancer, reconstruction, transplantation and partial kidney excision for small tumours. In his early experience, he was mentored by one of the world leaders in keyhole surgery, Dr Indiber Gill from the Cleveland Clinic. After several visits to Cleveland he was able to bring Professor Gill to Perth to teach other urologists in 2005.

He performed the first Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in WA with the pioneering French surgeon, Professor Claude Abbou in 2004. He has vast experience in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, having cared for over 10,000 men since starting practice. He has expertise in open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery with over 1500 surgical cases performed.

Dr Shannon is a leader in the development of prostate MRI in WA, undertaking advanced training in 2014 with Prof Jelle Barentsz from Holland. In 2015, in conjunction with the Cancer Council, Dr Shannon brought Dr Barentsz to Perth to educate and train other urologists and radiologists.

For patients who are not suitable for surgery, Dr Shannon is trained in prostate brachytherapy through the Seattle Prostate Institute since 2000. As a high volume and dedicated prostate cancer surgeon he has been able to build a strong team at Hollywood Hospital, dedicated to multidisciplinary care.

He was the first to recognise the importance of of a prostate cancer specialist nurse and developed the role in his rooms with Lisa Ferri. She is the only prostate cancer specialist nurse in a private hospital in Perth in 2012.

Tom Shannon is a strong advocate for men’s health and has been a board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (WA) for over 10 years. He also serves on the board of the WA Urological Research Organisation, ECU Exercise Medicine Research Institute and Ionic Health. Ionic Health is Australia’s first medical clinic dedicated to the prevention of cancer and chronic disease.

Mr Shannon continues to be involved in teaching and research, having presented at local, national and international meetings. He is a surgical teacher for UWA and mentors students during their final year studies. In his spare time, he balances a family of 3 teenage children and keeping fit as an enthusiastic cyclist and passionate supporter of Ride For Youth.