Description
About Dr. Julie-Ann Ronelle Francis
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Julie-Ann Ronelle Francis (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Oshawa, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at a clinic and/or hospital setting in Oshawa, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Francis provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, ensuring women of all ages receive attentive and tailored treatment. Her focus encompasses both preventive health and management of acute and chronic gynecologic issues, with special attention to prenatal and postnatal care.
Dr. Francis graduated with a Medical Degree from Yale University in 2000 in the United States. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 19 years, since 2005. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence and ongoing professional development in her field.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Francis is dedicated to advancing women's health in Oshawa through compassionate, respectful, and informed medical services. She speaks English fluently and strives to ensure every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered in her healthcare journey.
Common Conditions Dr. Julie-Ann Francis Addresses
Dr. Julie-Ann Francis 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.
- 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.
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders affecting Gynecologic Health: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism that can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes.
- Menopause & Perimenopausal Symptoms: The natural cessation of menstruation and the preceding transitional period, often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
- Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods): Cramping and pelvic pain associated with menstruation, which can range from mild to severe and impact daily activities.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Endometrial Hyperplasia & Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Precancerous thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) or cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
- Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) & Vaginal Cancer: Precancerous changes (VAIN) or rare cancers affecting the vagina.
- 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.
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. Julie-Ann Francis or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Services Offered by Dr. Julie-Ann Ronelle Francis
- 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.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) / Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Procedures to dilate the cervix and remove tissue from the inside of the uterus, for diagnosis or treatment of various uterine conditions or after miscarriage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Francis 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Francis practices at a clinic in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa, ON. The facility is conveniently situated near the Oshawa Public Libraries (McLaughlin Branch) and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing added convenience for those visiting for appointments. The practice is committed to providing a welcoming environment with easy accessibility for patients from the surrounding community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obstetrics and Gynecology Care
- Are services from Dr. Francis, 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. Francis 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. Francis, 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. Francis 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. Francis's office or your referring doctor.
- What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Francis 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. Francis will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.
- What is an IUD insertion like? Does Dr. Francis perform this?
- Yes, Dr. Francis can perform IUD (Intrauterine Device) insertions in the office. The procedure involves placing a small, T-shaped device into your uterus for long-acting, reversible contraception. During the insertion, you might experience some cramping, similar to period pains. Dr. Francis can discuss pain management options, such as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand or using local anesthetic in some cases. The actual insertion usually takes only a few minutes. She will provide guidance to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Contact & Licensing Information
Suite 250, 1 Hospital Court
Oshawa, ON L1G 2B9
Phone: (905) 576-8711 | Fax: (905) 721-7778
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Francis 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/Francis-JulieAnn-Ronelle/0172613-75161