About
Dr. Katrina Elise Zefkic, 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 the Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus in St. Catharines, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the highest standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Zefkic provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention tailored to their unique health needs.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2015, Dr. Zefkic has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology for over four years since 2020. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Driven by a patient-centered approach, Dr. Zefkic is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She emphasizes shared decision-making, ensuring her patients are well-informed and comfortable with their treatment options. Fluent in English, she is committed to supporting women in the St. Catharines community with respectful and empathetic care at every visit.
Dr. Katrina Zefkic provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood, which can interfere with menstruation and fertility.
- Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods): Cramping and pelvic pain associated with menstruation, which can range from mild to severe and impact daily activities.
- Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation): The absence of menstrual periods, either primary (menarche never occurred) or secondary (periods ceased after previously being regular).
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele, Uterine Prolapse, Enterocele, Vaginal Vault Prolapse): A condition where one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum, small bowel, vaginal apex) drop or press into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage): The occurrence of two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation, prompting investigation for underlying causes.
- Multiple Gestation (Twins, Triplets, etc.): Pregnancies involving more than one fetus, requiring specialized care and monitoring due to increased risks.
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. Katrina Zefkic or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Zefkic 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.
The Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus, located in the areas near central St. Catharines, ON, serves as Dr. Zefkic’s primary practice location. This modern facility is conveniently situated close to key local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments and receive care in a comfortable environment.
- Are services from Dr. Zefkic, 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. Zefkic 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. Zefkic, 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. Zefkic 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. Zefkic's office or your referring doctor.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Zefkic deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Zefkic is affiliated with hospitals in St. Catharines. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Zefkic's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
- 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. Zefkic will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances based on current provincial guidelines.
- What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Zefkic 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. Zefkic will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.
Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus
16-235 Martindale Rd, Division of Rheumatology
St Catharines, ON L2W 1A5
Phone: (905) 397-8139 | Fax: (905) 397-7028
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Zefkic 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/Zefkic-Katrina-Elise/0307911-108339