A new Aurora testosterone clinic is aiming to create a “men’s health cave,” seeing it as part of the solution to the family doctor shortage.
Gameday Men's Health Aurora is a newly opened franchise of an American clinic, which has hundreds of locations, with several now popping up in Canada. The clinic is owned by husband-and-wife duo Aamir Choudry, a doctor who regularly works in New Jersey, and Shumaila Aamir.
The clinic offers testosterone replacement therapy, as well shock-wave therapy and treatment for erectile dysfunction, among other services.
“We want men to feel comfortable,” said Jay Kausahl, the office manager. “We’re trying to give that feeling because, you know, every man wants to have a man cave in their home, so we want them to come here and feel comfortable, hang out, have a cup of coffee and not that it’s just strictly medical.”
“We want them to come in and feel comfortable, have an open relationship with us and we're kind of on the journey with them,” he added.
Gauruv Bedi, the medical director, likened the intended ambience to a “men’s health cave,” noting the clinic is opening at a time when the family doctor shortage is worsening.
“That's infuriating for someone who's come from the States, did all the training and I thought, 15 years away, things would get better,” he said. “My goodness gracious, they got worse.”
Anna German, the clinical director who handles consultations with new patients, said she often hears they do not have family doctors.
“Part of the assessment is I ask them when was your last physical? And you hear, ‘I don't know, five, 10 years ago,’” she said. “There's no consistency.”
“It’s all about your quality of life and well-being, so they have the symptoms and they’re told, 'Deal with it, it’s part of aging,'” she said.
The clinic, located on the second floor of a Wellington Street plaza, has received a good response from the community, Kaushal said, adding that they see patients ages 20 and older, and that they are open to both men and women patients.
The team of five is currently juggling other positions, with the clinic open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bedi also runs a clinic in Keswick and said he’s taking referrals for patients.
Gameday Men's Health Aurora is open at 126 Wellington St. W., unit 203. More information about the clinic can be found online.