Dr. Colleen Shank, DO

Dr. Colleen Shank, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Sarasota, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is committed to personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing the overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting these plans and supporting you every step of the way.

Dr. Shank serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She utilizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality of care. Dr. Shank is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine physician, affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (941) 917-8507 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Colleen Shank, DO is a family medicine physician in Sarasota, FL, deeply committed to preventive care and patient empowerment. Her practice prioritizes a holistic approach, focusing on the individual needs of each patient. She works in partnership with patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal health throughout life. Her dedication to evidence-based medicine, coupled with her experience and certifications, makes her a valuable partner in your health journey.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Colleen Shank 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. Colleen Shank 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. Colleen Shank 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:

• Nightmare Disorder: Addressing nightmare disorder through proactive discussion with your family doctor is crucial, as untreated nightmares can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation, negatively affecting your health.
• Pharyngitis: Preventing serious complications from strep throat starts with early detection of pharyngitis, so schedule a check-up with your doctor if you experience a sore throat.
• Muscle Spasm: Understanding your risk factors for muscle spasms, such as dehydration and overuse, allows you to implement preventive strategies and avoid potentially debilitating complications.
• Urinary Incontinence: Proactive steps, such as regular pelvic floor exercises and open communication with your healthcare provider, can effectively prevent or reduce the severity of urinary incontinence and its negative impacts.
• Dehydration: Proper hydration supports overall health and well-being, preventing issues ranging from headaches to reduced cognitive function.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively through lifestyle changes and early intervention can prevent disability and maintain your mobility as you age.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Managing vitamin B levels proactively, through diet or supplementation as recommended by your doctor, is key to maintaining overall health and preventing future illness.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as dehydration or infrequent urination, is key to proactive prevention and managing this common infection.
• Acute Upper Respiratory Infection: Early identification of an upper respiratory infection allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of spreading it to others and preventing potential complications like pneumonia.
• Fever: Fever can be a warning sign of underlying health issues, making early identification crucial for timely intervention and improved preventive healthcare.
• Acute Bronchitis: Regular checkups with your family doctor can help you identify and manage risk factors for acute bronchitis, improving your overall respiratory health and preventing severe symptoms.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively, whether through dietary changes or medication, prevents dehydration and discomfort, supporting your overall well-being.

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. Colleen Shank offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: To prevent a minor infection from turning into a major problem, incision and drainage offers a proactive way to remove pus and reduce the risk of long-term consequences.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As part of your comprehensive health plan, an arterial blood gas test can help diagnose and monitor lung diseases, metabolic disorders, and other health conditions requiring timely intervention.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): For peace of mind and early detection of heart disease, schedule an EKG. This non-invasive test can identify problems before you experience any symptoms.
• Immunization Administration: Take a proactive step towards a healthier future with timely vaccinations, safeguarding you against numerous infectious illnesses.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: A pregnancy ultrasound is a crucial part of prenatal care, providing valuable insights into your baby's well-being and allowing for proactive management of any potential health concerns.
• Puncture Aspiration: A puncture aspiration serves as a proactive step in your health journey, providing crucial information to assess your condition and guide preventive strategies or timely treatment.
• Repair Vaginal and-or Cervical Lacerations: Repairing vaginal or cervical lacerations is a crucial step in maintaining optimal reproductive health, reducing the chance of scarring and other complications.

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. Colleen Shank 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 proactively discussing their recurring nightmares with their family physician, a patient developed a personalized plan to address the underlying causes, significantly reducing their anxiety and improving their overall sleep quality.
• Recognizing the early signs of pharyngitis, a family proactively sought medical attention, reducing the risk of potential complications and ensuring a swift recovery. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed the family to enjoy a healthy holiday season.

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. Colleen Shank:

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

Dr. Shank and our team are family physicians, meaning we're primary care doctors who provide comprehensive care for people of all ages. We focus on the whole person and family, managing health from prevention to coordinating all aspects of your care.

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

Your annual physical with Dr. Shank 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 of 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. Colleen Shank, even when healthy, is a valuable long-term investment. Establishing a relationship provides a baseline for your health history, enabling faster, personalized care if needed, and helps maintain preventive care for optimal well-being.

Do you provide sports physicals for children or teens?

Yes, Dr. Shank and our team provide sports physicals for children and teens. It's more than just a form; we thoroughly assess their health, identify potential risks, and ensure they're ready for a safe and successful season.

Can I come in for urgent issues like a cold, flu, or minor injury?

Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like colds, flu, or minor injuries. Seeing Dr. Shank for these acute illnesses is ideal because she knows your health history. Our practice can diagnose and treat these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. Shank and our team are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. We can provide treatment options including advice on rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

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

Screening guidelines for cancers like colorectal and breast cancer depend on your age and risk factors. Dr. Shank will work with you to create a personalized screening schedule, ensuring you receive the appropriate tests, like colonoscopies or mammograms, at the right time for early detection.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Dr. Shank and our team can perform many common skin procedures in the office, such as removing suspicious moles for biopsy, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses. This saves you time and ensures these issues are addressed by your primary care doctor.

1700 S Tamiami Trl
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 917-8507

Dr. Colleen Shank, DO 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): 1861629354

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. Colleen Shank 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.