Dr. Joanna Marie Baxter – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Kelowna, BC

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Joanna Marie Baxter (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Kelowna, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Kelowna, BC, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Baxter’s role encompasses providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She is dedicated to supporting women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring optimal health outcomes for her patients.

Dr. Baxter graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University in 2010 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds certifications including membership in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence and continual professional development.

Her clinical philosophy is centered on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Baxter is dedicated to empowering women in Kelowna to make informed choices about their health and well-being. She communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with her patients, and strives to create a welcoming and respectful environment for all women seeking care.

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

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina (vulva) for which there's no identifiable cause, requiring careful management.
• Ovarian Cysts (Functional, Dermoid, Endometriomas): Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface, which are common and often benign but can sometimes cause pain or require intervention.
• Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.

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.

Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS): A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
• 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.

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. Joanna Baxter or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
• Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Baxter 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. Baxter practices in a modern clinic located in the heart of Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near Orchard Park Mall Area and Mission Creek Regional Park, making it easily accessible for patients. Patients can reach the clinic via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and offers parking facilities, providing ease of access for all patients seeking obstetric and gynecological care in Kelowna.

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

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

Does Dr. Baxter support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Baxter's approach to VBAC will depend on your specific medical history, the reason for your previous C-section, the type of uterine incision you had, and current pregnancy factors. She will assess your individual suitability for VBAC and discuss the benefits and risks with you. Hospital policies also play a role in VBAC availability.

3-1131 Lawson Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6T8

Phone: (250) 763-0640 | Fax: (250) 763-0646

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Baxter 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/335384/Baxter%2CJoanna