Dr. Joanne Li Chang Ma – Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) | Scarborough, ON

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Joanne Li Chang (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Scarborough, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Scarborough, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Providing comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, she serves women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring their health and well-being at every stage of life.

Dr. Chang graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 1999 in Canada and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2004, accumulating over 20 years of experience. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Chang is dedicated to addressing women's health concerns in Scarborough with compassion and expertise. She speaks English and Mandarin, facilitating communication with a diverse patient population and ensuring cultural sensitivity and understanding in her care approach.

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

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.
• HPV Vaccination Counseling: Discussing the benefits and recommendations for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Screening & Counseling: Testing for common STIs based on risk factors and symptoms, along with counseling on prevention and safe practices.

Common Benign Gynecological Conditions

• Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries), often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to serious complications if untreated.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) & Vaginal Cancer: Precancerous changes (VAIN) or rare cancers affecting the vagina.

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. Joanne Chang or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.

• External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Prenatal Care & Risk Assessment: Regular check-ups, monitoring, and guidance throughout pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal well-being, including initial risk assessment, ultrasound referrals, genetic screening discussions, and prenatal testing.
• Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
• Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
• Pelvic Pain Evaluation & Chronic Pelvic Pain Management: Comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary treatment strategies for acute and chronic pelvic pain, identifying potential causes such as endometriosis, fibroids, or PID.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Chang 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. Joanne Li Chang practices at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario, located in the areas near central Scarborough. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The hospital is wheelchair accessible and offers parking facilities for visitors. This strategic location ensures that women in Scarborough and surrounding neighborhoods can access comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care with ease and comfort.

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

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

VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Chang'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.

What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Chang do?

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Chang, 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.

What are my options for pain management during labor discussed by Dr. Chang?

Dr. Chang will discuss various pain relief options for labor, which can range from non-medical methods (like breathing techniques, movement, massage, hydrotherapy if available) to medical options such as nitrous oxide, narcotic pain medication, and epidural anesthesia. The choice depends on your preferences, medical condition, and the progress of your labor. It's a good idea to discuss your pain management plan with Dr. Chang during your prenatal visits.

What birth control options can Dr. Chang discuss with me?

Dr. Chang can discuss a wide range of contraceptive options tailored to your individual needs and preferences. These include hormonal methods (like birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, hormonal IUDs, contraceptive implants), non-hormonal methods (like copper IUDs, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps), and permanent sterilization methods (tubal ligation or Essure for women, vasectomy referral for men). The best option depends on your health, lifestyle, menstrual cycle characteristics, and family planning goals. Dr. Chang will help you make an informed choice.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Chang might recommend?

Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage pain and improve fertility if desired. Options vary based on symptom severity and patient goals and can include pain medications (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress endometrial tissue growth, and surgical treatments (laparoscopy) to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Dr. Chang will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
2863 Ellesmere Road
Scarborough, ON M1E 5E9

Phone: (416) 282-4242 | Fax: (416) 282-3812

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Chang 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/Ma-Joanne-Li-Chang/0159152-73969