About
As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Anne Michelle Fortier offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Newmarket, ON, she provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring comprehensive and safe care for all patients. Dr. Fortier is dedicated to supporting women through every stage of life, including pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond, with a focus on personalized treatment plans and compassionate support.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2003, Dr. Fortier has accumulated over 16 years of experience practicing as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2008. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and continuous professional development. Her extensive training and certification enable her to offer expert care across a broad range of women's health issues, including prenatal care, reproductive health, and gynecological surgeries.
Dr. Fortier’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practices. She is committed to fostering a respectful, informative, and supportive environment where women feel empowered to make informed choices about their health. Fluent in English, she strives to provide clear communication and personalized attention to each patient, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed with compassion and professionalism. Her dedication to women's health in Newmarket reflects her passion for improving quality of life and health outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Anne Fortier provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Screening and Preventative Care
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
- Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
- HPV Vaccination Counseling: Discussing the benefits and recommendations for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.
Sexual Health and Dysfunction
- Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
- Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.
- Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- 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.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia & Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Precancerous thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) or cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
- Cervical Dysplasia (CIN) & Cervical Cancer: Precancerous changes (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) or malignant tumors of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus, often linked to HPV infection.
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. Anne Fortier or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- Management of Menstrual Disorders & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/PMDD.
- Diagnostic & Operative Hysteroscopy: Procedure using a thin, lighted scope to examine the inside of the uterus and perform minor surgical treatments such as polyp removal, fibroid resection, or septum correction.
- Comprehensive Prenatal Care & Risk Assessment: Regular check-ups, monitoring, and guidance throughout pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal well-being, including initial risk assessment, ultrasound referrals, genetic screening discussions, and prenatal testing.
- Pap Tests, HPV Testing & Cervical Cancer Screening (Colposcopy, LEEP): Cervical cancer screening through Pap tests and HPV testing, with follow-up diagnostic procedures like colposcopy and treatment for precancerous changes (e.g., LEEP - Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
- Labor and Delivery Management (Vaginal & Cesarean): Professional medical care and support during labor and childbirth, including management of vaginal deliveries, assisted vaginal deliveries (forceps/vacuum if needed), and planned or emergency Cesarean sections (C-sections).
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Fortier 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. Anne Michelle Fortier practices at Queensway Carleton Hospital, located in the Central Newmarket neighborhood of Gorham-College Manor. The hospital is conveniently situated near the Newmarket GO Station, providing easy access for patients commuting by train or bus. The facility is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva transit services, ensuring convenient public transportation options. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all mobility needs. Paid parking options are available nearby, offering flexible parking solutions for patients and visitors seeking high-quality women’s health services in a comfortable and accessible environment.
- Are services from Dr. Fortier, 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. Fortier 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. Fortier, 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. Fortier 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. Fortier's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Fortier discuss or offer the HPV vaccine?
- The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, as well as other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Fortier can discuss the benefits of the HPV vaccine, current recommendations for different age groups (including catch-up vaccination for adults), and can either provide the vaccine or refer you to where it can be obtained, depending on clinic services and provincial programs.
- 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. Fortier will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.
- 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. Fortier, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- What birth control options can Dr. Fortier discuss with me?
- Dr. Fortier 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. Fortier will help you make an informed choice.
Queensway Carleton Hospital
100-679 Davis Dr
Newmarket, ON L3Y 5G8
Phone: (905) 853-1212 | Fax: (905) 853-1214
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Fortier 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/Fortier-Anne-Michelle/0201681-79665