Dr. Donna Marie Barnwell – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Donna Marie Barnwell 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 The Ottawa Hospital in Scarborough, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical care. As a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, she provides comprehensive care across the full scope of women's health, including routine and complex conditions, for women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care.

Dr. Barnwell graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica in 1987. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 26 years, since 1998. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence and continuous professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to promoting women's health in Scarborough through compassionate and personalized care. Dr. Barnwell speaks English fluently and is committed to fostering an open and respectful communication environment, ensuring her patients feel informed and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

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

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele, Uterine Prolapse, Enterocele, Vaginal Vault Prolapse): A condition where one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum, small bowel, vaginal apex) drop or press into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Sexual Health and Dysfunction

• 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.
• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.

Screening and Preventative Care

• Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
• 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.

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. Donna Barnwell or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• Preconception Counseling & Health Optimization: Guidance and health optimization for individuals or couples planning a pregnancy, including discussion of folic acid supplementation, chronic medical conditions, genetic carrier screening, and lifestyle factors.
• 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.
• 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.
• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• Hysterectomy (Abdominal, Vaginal, Laparoscopic, Robotic-Assisted): Surgical removal of the uterus, performed through various approaches including minimally invasive techniques, depending on the medical indication and patient factors.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Barnwell 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. Barnwell practices at The Ottawa Hospital in the areas near central Scarborough. The facility is conveniently located close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The hospital is wheelchair accessible and provides a welcoming environment for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, offering flexible options for patients visiting from the surrounding neighborhoods of Scarborough. The hospital’s proximity to major transit routes and community amenities makes it an ideal choice for women seeking comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care.

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

What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Barnwell do?

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Barnwell, is a medical doctor specializing in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They provide care throughout a woman's life, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum support, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions (e.g., infections, fibroids, endometriosis, menstrual disorders), family planning, contraceptive management, preventative screenings like Pap tests, and management of menopausal symptoms.

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. Barnwell will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.

The Ottawa Hospital
3630 Lawrence Avenue East, Box 209
Scarborough, ON M1G 1P6

Phone: (416) 901-6370 | Fax: (647) 689-3546

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Barnwell 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/Barnwell-Donna-Marie/0053067-67031