About
Dr. Charles Patrick Hamm is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) providing comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. He offers a patient-focused approach to manage a wide spectrum of conditions. Practicing at www.drtavares.ca in Chatham, ON, he offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Dr. Hamm adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medical services. His role encompasses managing routine and complex gynecological issues, providing prenatal and postnatal care, and supporting women through all stages of reproductive health.
Dr. Hamm graduated with his Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 2002, located in the Netherlands. He has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 17 years, since 2007. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of care in his field.
His clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practices. Dr. Hamm is dedicated to promoting women's health in Chatham, providing compassionate and individualized care in a supportive environment. He primarily speaks English and strives to foster open communication, understanding, and trust with his patients.
Dr. Charles Hamm provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS): A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed, Overflow): The involuntary loss of urine, which can occur with physical exertion (stress), a sudden, strong urge (urge), a combination, or due to bladder overfilling.
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
Screening and Preventative Care
- Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
- Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Ovarian Cancer (Epithelial, Germ Cell, Stromal Tumors): Cancer that begins in the ovaries, which can be difficult to detect early and often requires specialized surgical and medical 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. Charles Hamm or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
- Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis & Ovarian Cysts (Excision/Ablation): Minimally invasive surgical techniques for diagnosing and treating endometriosis implants (excision or ablation) and removing benign ovarian cysts.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hamm 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. Hamm practices at www.drtavares.ca, located in the areas near central Chatham. The clinic is conveniently situated close to several local points of interest and is accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to attend appointments. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all visitors. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing additional convenience for patients arriving by car. The clinic's central location allows for easy navigation and timely access to comprehensive women's health services in the Chatham community.
- Are services from Dr. Hamm, 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. Hamm 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. Hamm, 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. Hamm 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. Hamm's office or your referring doctor.
- 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. Hamm, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Hamm suggest?
- Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, location, and the severity of your symptoms (like heavy bleeding or pain), as well as your reproductive goals. Options range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic fibroids, to medications (hormonal therapies to manage symptoms), to minimally invasive procedures (like uterine artery embolization - often by interventional radiology), or surgical removal of fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). Dr. Hamm will help you decide the best course of action.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Hamm deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Hamm is affiliated with hospitals in Chatham. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where he performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Hamm's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
- Does Dr. Hamm 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. Hamm 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.
www.drtavares.ca
Suite 308A, 100 King Street West, Non-urgent Child & Adol. Psychiatry
Chatham, ON N7M 6A9
Phone: (519) 397-4640 | Fax: (519) 480-0810
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Hamm 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/Hamm-Charles-Patrick/0303709-105698