Dr. Ginette Starkell – Pathologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Ginette Starkell is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at Toronto East General Hospital in Ottawa, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various medical specialties. The hospital's diagnostic facilities are equipped with advanced technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across diverse fields. The laboratory environment is designed to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and accessibility, facilitating efficient specimen processing and analysis.

She specializes in Anatomical Pathology, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers. Dr. Starkell is recognized for her meticulous approach and dedication to diagnostic excellence, which directly influences patient management and treatment planning.

Dr. Starkell graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine in Canada. With over 31 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 1993, she has developed a deep expertise in diagnostic laboratory medicine. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her professional philosophy emphasizes diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient care. Committed to upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, Dr. Starkell also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education. She communicates findings fluently in French and English, ensuring clear and comprehensive reporting for diverse clinical teams.

Dr. Starkell 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.

Toronto East General Hospital, located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighbourhood of Ottawa, ON, serves as the primary facility where Dr. Starkell conducts her diagnostic work. The hospital is situated near the Supreme Court of Canada and is accessible via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The laboratory is housed within a state-of-the-art healthcare complex that meets all accessibility standards and functions as a core diagnostic service within the hospital. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians should contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison. The facility provides a comprehensive environment for precise histopathological and cytopathological examinations, supporting timely and accurate diagnoses to guide patient care.

How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Starkell used by other doctors?

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Starkell 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. Starkell's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Starkell?

Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Starkell 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. Starkell.

What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Starkell in healthcare?

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Starkell, 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. Starkell, as a Anatomical Pathologist 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.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Starkell examine?

Pathologists like Dr. Starkell examine a wide variety of biological samples. These include small tissue samples from biopsies (e.g., skin, colon, breast), larger surgical resections of organs or tumors, cytological preparations (like Pap smears or fluid samples from body cavities), blood smears, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, and, in some cases, entire bodies during an autopsy. Each type of specimen provides unique information for diagnosing different diseases. As a Anatomical Pathologist 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, Dr. Starkell is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

Will I meet Dr. Starkell directly as a patient?

Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Starkell. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Starkell 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.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Starkell's lab?

Receiving pathology results typically takes anywhere from a few days for routine cases to one or more weeks for complex specimens requiring special stains or molecular analysis. Dr. Starkell and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Starkell's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

Toronto East General Hospital
501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Laboratory Phone: (613) 737-8899

The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.

Dr. Starkell is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist 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. Starkell 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. Starkell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Starkell-Ginette/0045769-59747