Combined Love of Science and People Inspire Dr. Shannon’s Journey to Medicine
Dr. Bill Shannon’s medical career blossomed from a lifelong interest in science and passion for care giving that was instilled by his mother, a registered nurse. With his love of the rural lifestyle, these factors combined to lead him to what is now his family practise in Bridgenorth for the past 9 years. After completing an M.Sc. Bill spent a year and several summers working at SickKids on the genetics of cystic Fibrosis and other inherited disease and then graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1994. Following a residency in Family Medicine he spent a year in urgent care clinics and Emergency Departments, but was drawn back to the rural lifestyle he had grown up with in as a boy Thornbury, Ontario, when an opportunity opened up in Campbellford where he had spent a residency rotation. After spending 5 years providing Family Practice, Inpatient and Emergency Department care in Campbellford, Bill and his family eventually relocated to Peterborough in 2002 . “I’ve always preferred the more direct application of science to addressing human problems,” says Dr. Shannon. “As a family physician being able to help my patients, and getting to know them over time is gratifying work.” For 9 years he worked as a hospitalist at PRHC. For the last 9 years he has had a family practise at Chemong Clinic in Bridgenorth, as well as providing long term care to Peterborough’s senior population. During this time he reconnected with his passion for teaching and has been a part of the Queen’s University, Kawartha site Family Practice Residency Program. Ever a multi-tasker, Dr. Shannon has been an active volunteer in the community, both as Physician Lead for his Family Health Organization with the Chemong and Lakefield Family Practise sites, as well as a board member of the Peterborough Family Health Team for the past 8 years. In his limited spare time, Dr. Shannon tries to take advantage of all the region has to offer with hikes and camping with his wife, Jyoti SapraShannon, as well as them both being active supporters of the Peterborough theatre and arts community. “Our community is so warm and down to earth,” says Dr. Shannon. “In addition to having a wonderful family practise with my patients, I can enjoy the camaraderie of great office staff and colleagues. With the Peterborough Family Health Team I have the flexibility and assurance that my patients will always get the excellent care they require when they need it. Finding balance for all of us is critical to a happy and healthy life and I am grateful to have such a great balance of serving my patients and the ability to enjoy stress free quality time with my family.”