Dr. Janet Hamilton – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Janet Hamilton, a respected Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), focuses on empowering women through all stages of life with expert medical and surgical care, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Nanaimo, BC, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. The facility is located in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, conveniently close to Downtown Nanaimo and Bastion. It is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available on-site. Dr. Hamilton adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring comprehensive and safe care for her patients.

Dr. Hamilton graduated with a MB ChB from the University of Manchester in 1983 and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds certifications including: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, among others, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high professional standards and ongoing education in her field.

Her clinical philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making and evidence-based practices. Dr. Hamilton is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Nanaimo, offering compassionate support and personalized treatment plans. She speaks English fluently and focuses on fostering a respectful, open environment where patients feel empowered to participate actively in their healthcare decisions.

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

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• 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.
• 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.
• Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.

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.
• Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) & Vulvar Cancer: Precancerous changes (VIN) or malignant tumors affecting the external female genitalia (vulva).

Screening and Preventative Care

• Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
• Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Tests & HPV Testing): Regular screening to detect precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix, primarily through Pap tests and HPV DNA testing.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Screening & Counseling: Testing for common STIs based on risk factors and symptoms, along with counseling on prevention and safe practices.

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. Janet Hamilton or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• Labor and Delivery Management (Vaginal & Cesarean): Professional medical care and support during labor and childbirth, including management of vaginal deliveries, assisted vaginal deliveries (forceps/vacuum if needed), and planned or emergency Cesarean sections (C-sections).
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Management of conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and screening/treatment for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV counseling.
• Contraceptive Counseling & Full Range Management: Comprehensive discussion and provision of various birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, patches, rings, injectables, IUD insertion/removal (hormonal and copper), and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Hamilton 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required for insured services.

Dr. Hamilton practices at a clinic in the Central Nanaimo area, situated in the Departure Bay neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near Downtown Nanaimo and the Bastion, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. Easily reachable via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), the clinic is fully wheelchair accessible. Parking is available on-site for patients' convenience. The location provides a welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive women's health care, adhering to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Are services from Dr. Hamilton, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, prenatal care, delivery, gynecological surgeries, and diagnostic procedures performed by a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Hamilton are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Hamilton, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Obstetrician and Gynecologist like Dr. Hamilton 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. Hamilton's office or your referring doctor.

How can Dr. Hamilton help with menopause symptoms?

Dr. Hamilton can help manage bothersome menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and bone density concerns. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress reduction), non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen for localized symptoms, or systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a thorough discussion of the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile and preferences.

Does Dr. Hamilton manage high-risk pregnancies?

Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Hamilton has a particular focus on/experience with managing high-risk pregnancies, which may include conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple gestations (twins/triplets), or pre-existing maternal health issues. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to specific maternal or fetal conditions, Dr. Hamilton will provide comprehensive care and may work closely with, or refer you to, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist if needed for highly specialized management. It's best to discuss your specific situation with Dr. Hamilton.

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

1200 Dufferin Cres, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7

Phone: (250) 755-7691

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hamilton is a licensed Obstetrician and Gynecologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304718/Hamilton%2CJanet