Doctor's making a difference: Dr. Shaan Dudani

In December 2023, David Jeffs was enjoying a well-earned chapter in his life as a “CEO of Retirement” when he received surprising news following a series of ‘get to know you’ medical tests performed by his new family doctor. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test indicated the 66-year-old’s PSA level was significantly elevated, leading to a referral to a urologist at William Osler Health System’s (Osler) Brampton Civic Hospital. By the end of the month, further testing on his prostate confirmed he had Stage 4 (Gleason 8) prostate cancer.

“I’d broken some ribs after falling off my roof the previous year and spent five days in hospital, marking the first time I’d really ever had any issue with my health, so I wasn’t anticipating anything arising from the routine tests conducted by my new family doctor,” said the Caledon resident. “The diagnosis came as quite a shock.”

Within a month of the initial visit to his family doctor, David had received treatment for a spot discovered on his thoracic spine, and was sitting in the office of Dr. Shaan Dudani, one of Osler’s medical oncologists, discussing his diagnosis and treatment options for high volume metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer.

“Dr. Dudani was amazing from my first visit,” said David. “He provided a comprehensive and chronological approach to my treatment with clearly outlined steps, evaluations and possible next treatments. He was confident in his approach, yet extremely considerate in his willingness to discuss alternatives I’d researched and when they may be of most value during my journey.”

David was impressed with Dr. Dudani’s incredible breadth of knowledge and his ability to thoroughly explain each treatment option discussed. “He responded to every piece of medical journal insight and other suggestions and opinions I had received with compassion, intellect, openness and a genuine interest in ensuring my overall wellbeing. That’s been so reassuring.”

The medical oncologist, who has been practicing at Osler since September 2020, is also an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and a cancer researcher with the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation. He believes wearing different hats supports him to be a better clinician to his patients.

“The consolidation of knowledge I have gained through teaching and research contributes to advancements in the field and, ultimately, to optimum patient care,” said Dr. Dudani. “Thanks to immense global efforts in cancer research, approaches to treatment can change from month-to-month based on new data presented at major conferences or published in medical journals. Even in the time since I first met David two and a half years ago, multiple new treatment options for prostate cancer have become available that were not in routine use when we first met. The rate of progress in cancer care is truly incredible.”

Dr. Dudani treats patients with genitourinary cancers (including kidney, bladder, testicular and prostate) and gastrointestinal cancers (such as colorectal, liver, pancreas, bile duct). He is proud of his colleagues in Osler’s Oncology Program and praises the team’s medical director, Dr. Parneet Cheema, for helping establish Osler as a nationally recognized cancer centre through initiatives like its groundbreaking immunotherapy program, cutting-edge biomarker testing, and access to state-of-the-art treatments through global clinical trials.

“What we’re doing at Osler is providing state of the art cancer care in Brampton, Etobicoke and the surrounding regions we serve, and I feel privileged to work with such a highly motivated and engaged team and patient population,” added Dr. Dudani.

David has responded well to treatment and is continuing to enjoy retirement life with family and friends. He echoes Dr. Dudani’s appreciation of his team, offering a special shout-out to Mary, the compassionate, attentive nurse who he sees at every visit.

“The combination of professionals expedited care, facilities, expertise and genuine warmth and compassion made my experience at Osler exceptional. I can’t imagine receiving better care elsewhere.”