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Dr. Katsuto Shinohara specializes in urologic cancers, in particular prostate cancer. He has special interests in innovative biopsy techniques and image-guided minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer, as well as in applying ultrasound techniques in the diagnosis, management and treatment of all urologic cancers.

Shinohara earned his medical degree from Yokohama City University School of Medicine in Yokohama, Japan. He completed a residency in general surgery at Mitsui Memorial Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, and a residency in urology at Kitasato University Hospital in Sagamihara, Japan. He then completed a fellowship in urologic oncology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Shinohara is a member of numerous professional societies, including the Japanese Urological Association, Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American Urological Association and Engineering & Urology Society. He has lectured widely on urologic cancer, and his work has been published in numerous medical and scientific journals.

  • Education

    Yokohama City Univ. School of Medicine Japan, 1979

  • Fellowships

    Baylor College of Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    Japanese

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.7

    Overall Experience
    1306 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 31, 2022
    Very professional and reliable
    Mar 29, 2022
    The care provider did not explain the findings that he found during the ultrasound and placement of the gold seeds in the prostate.
    Mar 28, 2022
    Professional and friendly-compassionate
    Mar 15, 2022
    My visit went very well and left me much more confident about my upcoming procedure
    Mar 04, 2022
    Dr. Shinohara is a highly skilled provider. He performed a complex biopsy with exceptional skill.
    Mar 02, 2022
    Dr Shinohara seemed very disinterested. I had several questions for him and he seemed reluctant and slightly annoyed by my questions. He said "why you asking me? You should be asking the radiologist". Most ofMy questions were not about radiology. When asking him about ADT he said "I don't know your history?" I have seen Dr Shinohara for about 3 years. He has done 3 biopsies and run my course of treatment in its entirety since I came to UCSF for elevated PSA. I also am a provider. It's not hard to open up the patients chart and review and have a meaningful conversation with a patient. Zero empathy. Little to no interest and altogether seemed my lines of inquiry to be bothersome.
    Mar 01, 2022
    I have already recommended that my son see Dr Shinohara as his clinic is unable to identify and resolve his unitary tract issues.
    Mar 01, 2022
    Dr Shinohara is the utmost professional.
    Feb 09, 2022
    Explained the Rezume procedure.
    Jan 25, 2022
    I've expressed previously multiple times my opinion about Dr Shinohara. I am very happy with his care.
    Jan 21, 2022
    I was very satisfied with my experience with this provider.
    Jan 19, 2022
    Somewhat hard to understand what provider was saying due to English.
    Jan 16, 2022
    Dr. Shinohara has a warm manner and evidences real concern for my wellbeing.
    Jan 13, 2022
    Most of the information that I was looking for came from the nurse ahead of the procedure
    Jan 04, 2022
    Very detailed post-procedure details.
    Jan 02, 2022
    I liked the fact that the clinic exam room came equipped with an ultrasound. This made it possible to perform an ultrasound examination right then and there rather than having to make an additional appointment for the ultrasound.
    Dec 08, 2021
    Highly knowledgeable; explains things clearly and logically. Very genial.
    Dec 05, 2021
    He's a phenomenal doctor whose procedure was expertly done But could use a little better bedside manner. He really doesn't like to talk and needed to leave the room quickly after procedure to get to his next appointment.
    Nov 30, 2021
    Phone discussion rescheduled by mutual consent but not yet rescheduled.
    Nov 30, 2021
    I appreciated all that Dr Shinohara & his staff provided.
    Nov 28, 2021
    Originally ordered a blood test for Creatine but at the end added PSA test as well but that order did not make it to the system as when I went to get a blood test the PSA test was not ordered.
    Nov 26, 2021
    I learned I had cancer at this meeting. I wasn't ready yet research wise to know what questions to ask.
    Nov 22, 2021
    I've been in excruciating pain for 5 days and was told just go to the local ER
    Nov 16, 2021
    Awaiting biopsy test results before proceeding.
    Nov 09, 2021
    He informed me of the plan. Did not ask me for my opinion. Did not ask if I had any questions.
    Nov 03, 2021
    Dr. Shinohara has deep knowledge of his specialty and takes the time to listen to my concerns and provides treatment options
    Oct 11, 2021
    The doctor is formal and polite but has little bedside manner or curiosity about the patient.
    Oct 11, 2021
    As a physician I consider myself fortunate to have Dr. Shinohara as one of my trusted medical specialists.
    Oct 06, 2021
    I think very highly of Dr. Shinohara's care of me as I explained in detail in your previous surveys.
    Sep 28, 2021
    Very good experience
    Aug 13, 2021
    I have been on active surveyance for an early-stage prostate tumor (T1c) at the Urology Division of UCSF Cancer Center. For ten years Dr Shinohara has been watching my condition like a hawk. He performed my prostate resection (TURP) a few years ago and relieved me of nightly sufferings. He has been checking my PSA twice a year and alternating transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy tests yearly. Once a year he examines me thoroughly paying a close attention to my concerns and orders complementary tests cystoscopy MRI etc. as needed. I am immensely grateful to Dr Shinohara for his attention and care.
    Aug 07, 2021
    Between Dr. Shinohara his office staff and MyCart use everything was relatively easy I got answers and concerns answered within a reasonable time and I received good health care.
    Jul 31, 2021
    Great doctor hard time understanding his english
    Jul 20, 2021
    Told (after pressing and calling staff back) someone would be in touch in a week.
    Jul 14, 2021
    A great experience everytime!
    Jun 30, 2021
    he said my dad bladder is emptying alright but my need to do cystoscope & to check urethra status and to stopped oxybutinin that's it but my dad waited an hour to tell him that everything is okay is this in regards to his health insurance under Medicare?
    Jun 29, 2021
    I generally prefer the cut-and-dried approach but Dr. S. takes that pretty far. None-the-less competence trumps all other considerations in choosing a doctor.
    Jun 25, 2021
    I am trying to get a promised date for my next appointment but have no response. Left a number of messages on my chart but unfortunately no response. Although general phones were attended and the attendees promised to convey my messages to relevant people for my next appointment but unfortunately no reply.
    Jun 21, 2021
    I was very happy with how I was treated at this office.
    Jun 16, 2021
    provider evidently had limited time to spend with each patient.
    Jun 15, 2021
    I have been on active surveyance for an early-stage prostate tumor (T1a) at the Urology Division of UCSF Cancer Center. For ten years Dr Shinohara has been watching my condition like a hawk. He performed my prostate resection (TURP) a few years ago and relived me of nightly sufferings. He has been checking my PSA twice a year and alternating transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy tests yearly. Once a year he examines me thoroughly paying a close attention to my concerns and orders complementary tests cystoscopy MRI etc. as needed. I am immensely grateful to Dr Shinohara for his attention and care.
    Jun 02, 2021
    excellent experience
    May 28, 2021
    this was a second opinion discussion
    May 26, 2021
    Although Dr. S answered my questions he was very brief. when I attempted to ask for more info he again only provided minimal answers. I did not feel well listened to. I drive an hour to come to UCSF to be made to wait for 30 minutes and then for an appointment that takes less than 15 minutes. It was not very satisfying.
    May 25, 2021
    everything ran smoothly
    May 25, 2021
    I have considerable respect for the knowledge and skill of the Doctor
    May 14, 2021
    Had a Rezum procedure. Everyone from the car valet to the front desk on the 6th floor and nurses and doctor treated me in a friendly and professional manner and all showed good senses of humor.
    May 13, 2021
    Five stars!
    May 09, 2021
    good
    May 08, 2021
    Not given alternatives to treatment or testing
    May 05, 2021
    once again if you want information you have to ask. if you don't ask you are left hanging.
    Apr 26, 2021
    Always wonderful pre-visit and post=visit instructions
    Apr 08, 2021
    He was a good communicator
    Apr 03, 2021
    Doctor is alway professional and caring.
    Apr 02, 2021
    I was told his assistant would contact me re: scheduling an MRI and this has not happened
    Mar 23, 2021
    Session was for treatment not consultation.
    Mar 22, 2021
    There is a struggle to understand the Dr at time due to a second language. It's seems to be improving but it is still an issue at times.
    Mar 11, 2021
    good
    Mar 10, 2021
    He left the room without telling me what to do next. No "You're all set. You don't need to check out." or "You can schedule your next appointment at the front desk." I just stood in the doorway until someone happened by. I asked what I was to do. She said she thought I could go.
    Mar 09, 2021
    great
    Feb 27, 2021
    Dr Shinohara is a marvelous physician and I'm so lucky he is my dr.
    Feb 21, 2021
    excellent
    Feb 17, 2021
    Doctor outlined three possible solutions to the problem and described pluses and minus of each and then allowed me to choose the one I felt best for me.
    Feb 12, 2021
    I am very pleased with the care Dr. Shinohara has provided me. I have complete confidence in him and his staff.
    Feb 06, 2021
    I think he was depending on follow-up material that his office was supposed to send me. So perhaps he didn't feel the need to explain much for this procedure to implant markers
    Feb 03, 2021
    Dr. Shinohara is always informative
    Feb 02, 2021
    Dr. Shinohara is a good listener and excellent communicator. He is able to explain complex issues to patients in a way that is easily understandable.
    Jan 27, 2021
    Superior medical care.
    Jan 21, 2021
    follow up appointment to be scheduled
    Jan 18, 2021
    The discussions with the Dr. Shinohara regarding my health issue were all fine. It is the procedure (a prostate biopsy) that things all went wrong.
    Jan 14, 2021
    Dr. Shinohara is excellent. He is also very caring and patient.
    Jan 13, 2021
    Superb world class physician and staff
    Jan 09, 2021
    An excellent experience
    Jan 09, 2021
    Prefer in person visits
    Jan 07, 2021
    There was not much to discuss at this procedure. The follow-up when results are provided will be more informative
    Dec 15, 2020
    Pretty routine screening not a lot of discussion required but I was happy with my care.
    Dec 11, 2020
    I have a very high degree of confidence in my care provider
    Dec 11, 2020
    the Doctor seemed to be in a hurry and rushed the procedure causing unnecessary discomfort
    Dec 09, 2020
    He is a good physician but because of masking and his broken English it's sometimes hard to understand what he's saying.
    Dec 09, 2020
    bery good
    Dec 08, 2020
    I was dismayed to see Dr Shinohara with his mask below his nose. He did an excellent job of treating me and I respect him very much
    Nov 29, 2020
    Dr Shinohara talked with me very little-his assistant gave me the most information about what was involved in my biopsy. He was eager to get to his next appointment. I consider him to be a skilled technician with whom I crossed paths out of medical necessity.
    Nov 16, 2020
    it went very smooth. Dr had reviewed my tests explained the situation and the follow up plan including new tests. i am very pleased with the follow up plan
    Nov 14, 2020
    "Good" would probably be "Very Good" in a live setting.
    Nov 11, 2020
    After I asked him to explain things to me he was extremely attentive.
    Nov 11, 2020
    I am very happy and pleased to be under the care of Dr. Shinohara and his staff.
    Nov 10, 2020
    he did not really reply to information I had about the PSA. he just offered his own opinion and recommendation.
    Nov 03, 2020
    Doctor Shinohara is very detailed and knowledgeable
    Oct 28, 2020
    Dr. Shinohara has a thick accent that sometimes makes it difficult to understand what he is saying. Also he does not always explain options or negative impacts of meds unless he is specifically asked.
    Oct 28, 2020
    He did not speak understandable English at key moments of the procedure. No delay between lidocaine injection and needle insertion to allow it to take effect.
    Oct 25, 2020
    UCSF is first class!!!!
    Oct 24, 2020
    The doctor is obviously extremely expert at the procedure and I have a high degree of confidence in his technical skill. However his communication skills are limited.
    Oct 19, 2020
    His accent makes it hard for me to understand at times plus I am hard of hearing.
    Oct 15, 2020
    My sense is the doctor knows his stuff and I'm in good hands with my care and treatment but he is not very chatty doesn't really check in with me I'm not sure I'm entirely being heard or understood. This is scary stuff it would be nice if the doctor would check in with me more about what's going on what things mean what might happen etc.
    Oct 13, 2020
    Very hard to understand his accent;that was the only problem but it was a big one.
    Oct 10, 2020
    I am sure the provider is very competent. However in the teleconference I was fast-tracked to TURP with no explanation of the risks. No other option was presented to me. Since then thru my own research I have become aware that I am probably a candidate for a (less-invasive) HOLEP procedure. I called this provider's office and requested that I be referred to a HOLEP specialist and they have done so. I would really have liked to have had an explanation of my situation what needed to be remedied and what all the options are to do that.
    Oct 02, 2020
    Dr seemed a little distracted. Info he gave me conflicted with info given in phone call a year ago and I tried to get him to clarify rather than just keep telling me new guidance.
    Sep 30, 2020
    His accent is a little thick. But I am fairly used to that now and do otherwise think he is awesome. I consider him an absolute essential part of my care team.
    Aug 26, 2020
    after my procedure I remembered that the care provider didn't talk to me about possibility of going home with a catheter hooked up.
    Aug 19, 2020
    thanks
    Aug 16, 2020
    He is very professional
    Aug 12, 2020
    Dr Shinohara is a Master. UCSF is lucky to have him.
    Aug 12, 2020
    Very aloof - but nursing staff exceptional
    Aug 10, 2020
    very good
    Aug 05, 2020
    Dr Shinohara is outstsnting
    Aug 04, 2020
    Very quick and effective one-time intervention by a specialist.
    Jul 31, 2020
    very good experience
    Jul 29, 2020
    Although warned about my anal fissure and requesting that allowing topical lidocaine to work before the recital exam he'd rushed in and did a painful exam. After finishing the rectal ultrasound he spent 30 seconds telling me is was negative answered one question and left the room before I could ask another. Total time in my presence was 5 minutes including doing the ultrasound. As a physician myself I was appalled at his bedside manner.
    Jul 29, 2020
    Thai Dr. has a excellent reputation and I trust I'm completely.
    Jul 29, 2020
    Physician wanted a special MRI why didn't this get scheduled in advance?
    Jul 29, 2020
    In my opinion Dr. Shinohara is the best doctor that I could possibly have!
    Jul 28, 2020
    providers office is excellent at calling regarding biopsy reports. they typically do not call about my PSA results.
    Jul 22, 2020
    It's not really a fair assessment because of the combination of wearing masks and my difficulty in hearing and having a hard time understanding his accent. He was/is quite competent and skilled that was clearly evident. The nurse was able to answer and address my concerns.
    Jul 21, 2020
    the very best thing you can do for the future of the ucsf is to clone him and his ninja nurses
    Jul 02, 2020
    There were problems with the video and audio on my end. But it worked enough to complete the conference.
    Jun 29, 2020
    The telehealth experience was poor as I didn't feel I could connect with the doctor -- it just felt like a production line
    Jun 27, 2020
    The doctor seemed to just want to refer me to someone else; he did not seem to want to really discuss my case in any depth whatsoever. I do not understand what is happening to my health.
    Jun 26, 2020
    excellent care
    Jun 17, 2020
    Katsuto Shinohara is a Master at what he does and he really cares.
    Jun 11, 2020
    This visit was a procedure (follow-up biopsy) and I fully understood what was to happen. Even so the nurse and physician were most helpful in addressing what I was about to experience.
    Jun 09, 2020
    Was seen by 3rd year resident for most of appointment. Was treated excellently.
    Jun 09, 2020
    He was competent caring and kind. plus he was gentle during the procediure.
    Jun 08, 2020
    The physician impressed me as probably being at the top of his field in terms of knowledge experience and judgment. I respect him enormously for that attainment. He lacks unfortunately in "bedside manner" affability and in the ability to personally connect.
    Jun 08, 2020
    the exam took only a few minutes
    Jun 03, 2020
    Zoom was easy to use.
    Jun 03, 2020
    excellent doctor
    May 27, 2020
    very good caring and professional
    May 23, 2020
    The telehealth application worked well for my follow-up visit and it was a useful substitute for a face to face meeting but it will never entirely replace an actual office visit in my mind. I do think some improvements could be made to make the video more like an office visit such as better video clarity and perhaps a more formal setting.

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