About
Dr. Jennifer Yam, 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 Vancouver, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Yam addresses routine and complex conditions with compassion and dedication. She serves women of all ages, including those seeking prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring that each patient feels supported and informed throughout their healthcare journey.
Dr. Yam graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2013 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds key certifications, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice and continuous professional development.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Yam is dedicated to advancing women's health in Vancouver through compassionate, personalized treatment plans. She speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, ensuring effective communication and culturally sensitive care tailored to her diverse patient community.
Dr. Jennifer Yam provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation): The absence of menstrual periods, either primary (menarche never occurred) or secondary (periods ceased after previously being regular).
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Heavy, Irregular, Prolonged Periods): Menstrual bleeding that is different in frequency, duration, or amount than what is typical for an individual, requiring investigation.
- Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods): Cramping and pelvic pain associated with menstruation, which can range from mild to severe and impact daily activities.
Sexual Health and Dysfunction
- Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.
- Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
- Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Vaginitis (Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis): Inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain, commonly caused by infections or imbalances in vaginal flora.
- Endometriosis: A painful disorder in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining.
- Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy, painful periods.
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. Jennifer Yam 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Management of Menstrual Disorders & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/PMDD.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- Pap Tests, HPV Testing & Cervical Cancer Screening (Colposcopy, LEEP): Cervical cancer screening through Pap tests and HPV testing, with follow-up diagnostic procedures like colposcopy and treatment for precancerous changes (e.g., LEEP - Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Yam 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. Yam's practice is located within a modern clinic or hospital setting in the vibrant Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The location provides convenient access to shopping and dining districts, making it easy for patients to combine healthcare visits with other errands or leisure activities. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. It is well-connected to public transportation, including TransLink services such as SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car, providing flexible options for convenience and accessibility.
- Are services from Dr. Yam, 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. Yam 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. Yam, 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. Yam 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. Yam's office or your referring doctor.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Yam do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Yam, 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.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. Yam suggest?
- Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, location, and the severity of your symptoms (like heavy bleeding or pain), as well as your reproductive goals. Options range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic fibroids, to medications (hormonal therapies to manage symptoms), to minimally invasive procedures (like uterine artery embolization - often by interventional radiology), or surgical removal of fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). Dr. Yam will help you decide the best course of action.
- 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. Yam will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.
507 Broadway W Suite 330, Cross Roads Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E6
Phone: (604) 872-5484
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Yam 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/335132/Yam%2CJennifer