About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Andrew Don Browning (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Barrie, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at University Health Network in Barrie, ON, he offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Browning manages routine and complex conditions, addressing the diverse healthcare needs of women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care.
Dr. Browning graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1989.0 (Canada) and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of clinical experience. He is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, maintaining up-to-date credentials and adherence to the highest standards of medical practice.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Browning is dedicated to improving women's health in Barrie through compassionate, respectful, and individualized treatment plans. He communicates fluently in English and is committed to providing accessible healthcare services to the diverse community he serves.
Dr. Andrew Browning provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions
- Routine & High-Risk Prenatal Care: Comprehensive monitoring and management throughout all stages of pregnancy, including those with increased maternal or fetal risks.
- Postpartum Complications (e.g., Hemorrhage, Infection, Mood Disorders): Health problems that can occur after childbirth, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or postpartum depression/anxiety, requiring prompt attention.
- Multiple Gestation (Twins, Triplets, etc.): Pregnancies involving more than one fetus, requiring specialized care and monitoring due to increased risks.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Vaginitis (Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis): Inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain, commonly caused by infections or imbalances in vaginal flora.
- Bartholin's Gland Cysts/Abscesses: Blockage and subsequent swelling or infection of the Bartholin's glands, located near the vaginal opening.
- Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Endometrial Hyperplasia & Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Precancerous thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) or cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
- Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) & Vulvar Cancer: Precancerous changes (VIN) or malignant tumors affecting the external female genitalia (vulva).
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) (e.g., Molar Pregnancy): A group of rare pregnancy-related tumors that develop in the uterus from cells that normally form the placenta, requiring careful monitoring and treatment.
This list highlights some common conditions managed within Obstetrics and Gynecology and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific health concerns, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Browning or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Contraceptive Counseling & Full Range Management: Comprehensive discussion and provision of various birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, patches, rings, injectables, IUD insertion/removal (hormonal and copper), and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- Oophorectomy / Salpingo-oophorectomy (Laparoscopic or Open): Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, and potentially fallopian tubes, often for cysts, tumors, endometriosis, or cancer risk reduction.
- Surgical Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (e.g., Colporrhaphy, Sacrocolpopexy): Reconstructive surgical procedures to correct the descent of pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum, often utilizing native tissue repair or mesh augmentation.
- Menopause & Perimenopause Symptom Management: Personalized guidance and treatment options for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives.
- Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
- Diagnosis & Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Management of conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and screening/treatment for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV counseling.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Browning provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical options tailored to individual patient needs within women's health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Specific services offered can be confirmed by contacting the clinic.
All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). A referral may be required for insured services.
Dr. Browning practices at the University Health Network located in the Downtown Barrie neighborhood of Barrie, ON. The facility is situated near Georgian Mall and easily accessible via Highway 400 Access. Patients can reach the clinic conveniently by Barrie Transit, which services the area comprehensively. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the site, providing ample options for those arriving by personal vehicle. The clinic's central location allows for easy access for women across Barrie and surrounding communities seeking expert obstetric and gynecological care.
- Are services from Dr. Browning, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Browning are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective procedures, certain fertility treatments, or non-medically indicated services may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the clinic.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Browning, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Browning for most consultations and treatments. This ensures coordinated care. Some specific services or clinics (e.g., some sexual health or contraception clinics) might have different access pathways, but for ongoing obstetrical or gynecological care, a referral is standard. Please check with Dr. Browning's office or your referring doctor.
- What birth control options can Dr. Browning discuss with me?
- Dr. Browning can discuss a wide range of contraceptive options tailored to your individual needs and preferences. These include hormonal methods (like birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, hormonal IUDs, contraceptive implants), non-hormonal methods (like copper IUDs, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps), and permanent sterilization methods (tubal ligation or Essure for women, vasectomy referral for men). The best option depends on your health, lifestyle, menstrual cycle characteristics, and family planning goals. Dr. Browning will help you make an informed choice.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Browning deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Browning is affiliated with hospitals in Barrie. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where he performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Browning's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
- When should a teenager have her first OBGYN visit, and what does it involve?
- The first visit to an OBGYN for a teenager is often recommended between ages 13-15, or sooner if there are specific concerns like very painful periods, irregular cycles, or questions about sexual health. This initial visit may not involve a pelvic exam unless there's a specific medical reason. It's primarily an opportunity to build a rapport with Dr. Browning, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- How often do I need a Pap test, and what is it for?
- A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It checks for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Guidelines vary slightly by province but are generally recommended for women starting around age 21-25 (or once sexually active) and continuing every 2-3 years if results are normal. The frequency may change based on your age, medical history (including HPV status), and previous Pap test results. Dr. Browning will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.
University Health Network
1-413, 1 Quarry Ridge Road, R Fraser Elliot Building
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1
Phone: (705) 728-5311 | Fax: (705) 728-5601
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Browning is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from your family physician or another qualified healthcare provider is typically required for provincially insured consultations and treatments.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Browning-Andrew-Don/0046748-60726