Dr. Catherine Shanahan, MD

Dr. Catherine Shanahan, MD is a Family Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (707) 339-1976 to schedule. Dr. Shanahan's philosophy, born from 25 years in Family Medicine, is a testament to her commitment to patient well-being: "Good health is only natural!" With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1994 and completed her residency training in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Shanahan's approach emphasizes the body's inherent healing abilities, helping patients overcome health challenges and achieve optimal well-being. Dr. Catherine Shanahan provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Catherine Shanahan is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Catherine Shanahan can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Catherine Shanahan provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Perimenopause: Managing symptoms of perimenopause, such as sleep disturbances and mood changes, through preventive strategies like regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of developing related complications.
• Infertility: Understanding and addressing potential infertility risk factors early can significantly improve your chances of conceiving later in life.
• Anxiety: Managing anxiety proactively through your family doctor is a key aspect of preventive health, improving your well-being and preventing potential future health problems.
• Colitis: Colitis, an inflammation of the colon, can be better managed through regular checkups and lifestyle changes, preventing serious complications like colorectal cancer.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Don't ignore urinary changes; preventive care includes talking to your doctor about prostate health and getting tested if necessary to prevent future complications from an enlarged prostate.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Don't let seasonal allergies control your life! Proactive allergy management through preventative measures like medication and allergen avoidance can significantly improve symptoms and prevent further complications.
• Overweight: Regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your weight and discuss healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent or manage weight-related health issues.
• Goiter: Managing a goiter involves addressing underlying causes like iodine deficiency, underscoring the significance of proactive healthcare and regular thyroid function tests.
• Fatigue: Persistent fatigue can be a sign of an underlying health problem, so addressing it early through preventive checkups helps ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Migraine: Preventive care for migraines involves working with your doctor to develop a personalized plan to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, improving your overall well-being.
• Diabetes Type 2: Managing type 2 diabetes effectively through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, helps prevent serious health problems down the line.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can sneak up on you, but proactive steps like getting enough calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise, can dramatically lessen your chances of developing this bone-thinning condition.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Catherine Shanahan offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Joint Fluid Test: This simple test helps assess the health of your joints by analyzing the fluid within them, aiding in the early detection and management of conditions like gout or osteoarthritis.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a valuable tool for assessing your mental and emotional state, allowing for early detection of issues that may interfere with your physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Herpes Simplex Screening: Regular herpes simplex screening is a proactive step in maintaining your overall sexual and reproductive health, ensuring early identification and treatment if needed.
• Wellness Examination: Invest in your well-being with a wellness examination – a vital step in detecting and preventing diseases before they become serious health concerns.
• Melanoma Screening: Regular melanoma screenings help detect skin cancer early, when it's most treatable, giving you the best chance for a positive outcome.
• Disability Evaluation: Schedule a disability evaluation to understand your capabilities and limitations, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Ensure your health journey stays on track by proactively scheduling regular ovarian cancer screenings; early diagnosis is key.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Protect your long-term health by scheduling an oral glucose tolerance test; it's a preventative step that can reveal underlying issues with your body's sugar metabolism.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Prioritize your well-being with regular STI screenings. Trichomoniasis screening is a vital step in preventing and managing this common infection.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Take charge of your well-being with STI testing; it's a simple step that can prevent serious long-term health problems associated with undetected infections.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: Early detection of pregnancy through a urine test enables timely access to resources and support for expectant parents.
• Vaginosis Screening: Ensure optimal vaginal health: regular vaginosis screening is a simple step that can prevent infections and associated complications like pelvic inflammatory disease.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Catherine Shanahan is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By implementing a proactive plan that included regular exercise and a balanced diet, a patient successfully managed the symptoms of perimenopause, improving their overall well-being and reducing the risk of future health concerns.
• By discussing lifestyle choices and potential risks early, a couple proactively addressed potential infertility concerns, gaining confidence and peace of mind about their future family plans.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Family Medicine care with Dr. Catherine Shanahan:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

A family physician, like Dr. Shanahan, is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They focus on the whole person and family, managing health proactively and coordinating all aspects of care, from prevention to treatment.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Shanahan is a key opportunity to partner with her in maintaining your health. It includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, and a discussion about personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Shanahan, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're healthy provides a baseline for your medical history, allowing for faster, more personalized care if needed, and helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

What vaccinations do I need as an adult?

Adult vaccination needs vary based on age and health conditions. Common examples include annual flu shots, tetanus boosters (Tdap), and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. Shanahan and her team will ensure you're up-to-date with the latest recommendations.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. Shanahan is fully equipped to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members makes care convenient and comprehensive.

When should I get screened for common cancers like colorectal or breast cancer?

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on age and individual risk factors. Dr. Shanahan will create a personalized screening schedule for you, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests at the right time for early detection.

How does Dr. Catherine Shanahan approach mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Dr. Shanahan understands that mental health is crucial for overall well-being. She provides a supportive environment for discussing concerns like anxiety or depression, performs initial assessments, manages common medications, and coordinates referrals to specialists when necessary.

Do you offer women's health services like Pap smears?

Dr. Shanahan's practice provides comprehensive women's health services, including routine exams like Pap smears and breast exams, as well as contraceptive counseling. This makes it a convenient option for women seeking both primary and gynecologic care in one location.

8989 S Orange Ave
Orlando FL 32824
Phone: (707) 339-1976

Dr. Catherine Shanahan, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1740205780

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Catherine Shanahan are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.