Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Janice Sze Wei Lam (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Kitchener, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at the Southwest Middlesex Health Centre in Kitchener, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. The facility is located in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighborhood of Kitchener, conveniently close to Iron Horse Trail access and the Grand River Hospital (KW Campus). It is wheelchair accessible, with metered street parking available nearby. Dr. Lam adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring all services meet provincial regulatory requirements.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2009 (Canada) and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2014, accumulating over 10 years of experience. Dr. Lam is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her advanced training and dedication to her specialty.
Dr. Lam’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Kitchener, offering compassionate support and comprehensive treatment options. She speaks multiple languages including Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Janice Lam provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
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.
- Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) & Vulvar Cancer: Precancerous changes (VIN) or malignant tumors affecting the external female genitalia (vulva).
- Endometrial Hyperplasia & Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Precancerous thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) or cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
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.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
Screening and Preventative Care
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
- 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.
- Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
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. Janice Lam 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.
- 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.
- Oophorectomy / Salpingo-oophorectomy (Laparoscopic or Open): Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, and potentially fallopian tubes, often for cysts, tumors, endometriosis, or cancer risk reduction.
- 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.
- Postpartum Care & Follow-up: Medical follow-up and support for mothers in the weeks following childbirth, addressing physical recovery, incision care (if applicable), breastfeeding support, contraception planning, and screening for postpartum mood disorders.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Lam 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. Lam practices at the Southwest Middlesex Health Centre, located in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The facility is conveniently accessible via Iron Horse Trail access and is situated near the Grand River Hospital (KW Campus). It is easily reachable by public transit, with options available through Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus services and the ION Light Rail. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car, providing convenient options for patients attending appointments.
- Are services from Dr. Lam, 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. Lam 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. Lam, 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. Lam 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. Lam's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Lam 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. Lam 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.
- How can Dr. Lam help with menopause symptoms?
- Dr. Lam 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. She will tailor treatments to your needs and medical history.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Lam do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Lam, 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.
Southwest Middlesex Health Centre
535 Belmont Avenue West
Kitchener, ON N2M 5E9
Phone: (519) 570-3334 | Fax: (866) 483-1886
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lam 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/Lam-Janice-Sze-Wei/0258118-90556