Dr. Cara Anne Marie Donnery – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Cara Anne Marie Donnery is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) providing comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She offers a patient-focused approach to manage a wide spectrum of conditions. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Hamilton, ON, she is committed to delivering accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Donnery's role encompasses offering compassionate, personalized care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions. She cares for women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal patients, ensuring their health and well-being are prioritized at every stage of life.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2003 in Canada and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2008, accumulating over 16 years of experience. Dr. Donnery is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Guided by a philosophy of patient-centered care, Dr. Donnery values shared decision-making and evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to promoting women's health in Hamilton with a compassionate and reassuring approach. She speaks English fluently, ensuring clear and effective communication with her patients.

Dr. Cara Donnery provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:

Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions

• 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.
• 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).

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina (vulva) for which there's no identifiable cause, requiring careful management.
• Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
• Ovarian Cysts (Functional, Dermoid, Endometriomas): Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface, which are common and often benign but can sometimes cause pain or require intervention.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions

• Multiple Gestation (Twins, Triplets, etc.): Pregnancies involving more than one fetus, requiring specialized care and monitoring due to increased risks.
• Preeclampsia & Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Pregnancy complications characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Morning Sickness): A severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical management.

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. Cara Donnery or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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).
• Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
• Management of Common Pregnancy Complications: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum), gestational diabetes (in conjunction with specialists if needed), hypertensive disorders, and preterm labor risk assessment and prevention strategies.
• 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.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C) / Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Procedures to dilate the cervix and remove tissue from the inside of the uterus, for diagnosis or treatment of various uterine conditions or after miscarriage.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Donnery 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. Donnery practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighbourhood of Hamilton. The facility is conveniently located near the HMCS Haida National Historic Site and is easily accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The centre is wheelchair accessible and offers parking facilities for patients and visitors, ensuring ease of access for everyone seeking care.

Are services from Dr. Donnery, 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. Donnery 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. Donnery, 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. Donnery 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. Donnery's office or your referring doctor.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Donnery might recommend?

Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage pain and improve fertility if desired. Options vary based on symptom severity and patient goals and can include pain medications (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress endometrial tissue growth, and surgical treatments (laparoscopy) to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Dr. Donnery will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

What birth control options can Dr. Donnery discuss with me?

Dr. Donnery 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. Donnery will help you make an informed choice.

Sunnybrook health Sciences Centre
T-Wing, 2nd floor, 301 James St S, Odette Cancer Centre
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 521-6041 | Fax: (905) 383-3336

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Donnery 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/Donnery-Cara-Anne-Marie/0200762-79067