Horizon Health Announces Full-Time Urology Care

Welcomes Dr. Michael Shanks

Great medical care requires teamwork, said Dr. Michael Shanks, full-time urologist at Horizon Health. That is why a strong doctor-patient relationship is so valuable.

“It is important to foster a relationship with patients and have them engaged in their healthcare,” he said.

Dr. Shanks recently joined Horizon Health as a urology specialist and surgeon. He diagnoses and treats conditions that affect the male and female urinary tract, as well as the male reproductive organs. He provides surgical and non-surgical solutions for kidney/bladder stones and cancers, urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, and more.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Shanks to our team of employed providers,” said Ollie Smith, Horizon Health presidents & CEO. “The addition of full-time urology supports our goal of increasing local access to specialty services.”

Dr. Shanks has been a urologist since 2018. He has nearly 20 years of medical experience, which includes working as an emergency medical technician and volunteering for medical missions in Africa, Bolivia, Haiti, and Ecuador. During those trips, he provided routine healthcare, wound care, and surgical services.

For the past five years, Dr. Shanks worked as a practicing urologist in the Wabash Valley. He provided general urology services while specializing in endourology, which utilizes minimally invasive techniques to inspect the urinary tract and perform surgery. He has a special interest in overactive bladder and urinary incontinence in women and men, utilizing cutting-edge treatments. His urology services will complement existing women’s services available through Horizon Health’s long-standing urogynecology department.

Being in a smaller community like Paris, Illinois, suits him well, Dr. Shanks said.

“I like the community feel versus the corporate feel; it’s more patient-centered,” he said. “I’m excited to be here and provide quality urologic care for the community.”

Dr. Shanks is a Terre Haute native and was raised by his grandparents. His grandfather had bladder cancer, which piqued his interest in urology.

“I was always interested in what causes bladder cancer and how it is treated. So naturally, that’s what got me in the urologic specialties,” he said.

Dr. Shanks earned his medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois. He completed a urologic surgical residency at Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

In his free time, Dr. Shanks enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, skiing, and traveling with his family. He and his wife have four children.

Dr. Shanks sees patients in the Paris Clinic. A medical referral is not required. For an appointment, call 217-466-4661.