Description
About Dr. Cynthia Hawkins
Dr. Cynthia Hawkins is a highly skilled Neuropathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at Royal Court Medical Centre in Toronto, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, ensuring accurate and timely results that support clinical decision-making in complex neurological cases. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining the integrity and quality of diagnostic pathology services.
Dr. Hawkins graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Canada. With over 22 years of experience as a Neuropathologist since 2002, she has developed extensive expertise in the diagnosis of nervous system diseases. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to excellence in laboratory medicine and diagnostic pathology.
Her professional philosophy is rooted in a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies. Dr. Hawkins emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. She upholds the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, contributing to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education where applicable. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Toronto, providing detailed and reliable diagnostic reports in English.
Diagnostic Pathology Services by Dr. Cynthia Hawkins
Dr. Hawkins provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic pathology services. For specific inquiries about test availability or consultative services, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly.
Note: This list outlines key diagnostic areas. Pathology services support a wide spectrum of medical investigations. Detailed reports are provided to referring physicians for clinical correlation.
All pathology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.
Laboratory Location & Contact
Royal Court Medical Centre is situated in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor, also known as the Discovery District, a hub for medical research and healthcare services. The centre is conveniently accessible via public transportation, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory through their main office or the hospital administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pathology Services
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Hawkins?
- Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Hawkins works, operate under strict quality management systems. This involves numerous checks and balances, from specimen receipt to final report generation. Diagnoses are often based on established criteria, and for challenging cases, pathologists frequently consult with peers or seek second opinions. Continuous education and adherence to best practices are essential for ensuring the high level of accuracy expected in pathology reports provided by Dr. Hawkins.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Hawkins in healthcare?
- A Pathologist, such as Dr. Hawkins, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Hawkins, as a Neuropathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues, plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Hawkins's lab?
- The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. Hawkins, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Hawkins used by other doctors?
- Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Hawkins are critical tools for treating physicians. They contain detailed descriptions of microscopic findings and a definitive diagnosis. This information allows other doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's illness, plan surgeries, choose medications, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatments. The accuracy of Dr. Hawkins's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.
- Will I meet Dr. Hawkins directly as a patient?
- Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Hawkins. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Hawkins then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Hawkins examine?
- Dr. Hawkins, in their role as a Neuropathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues, analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. They also interpret blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.
Laboratory & Licensing Information
Royal Court Medical Centre
Suite 210, 555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8
Laboratory Phone: (416) 813-5938 | Laboratory Fax: (416) 813-5974
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Hawkins is a licensed Neuropathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Hawkins are accessed via referrals for specimen analysis from primary care physicians or other specialists. Results and reports are communicated back to the referring doctor.
Verify Dr. Hawkins's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hawkins-Cynthia-Elaine/0139342-71318