About
Dr. Lynn Jennifer Shepherd is a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) providing comprehensive care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She offers a patient-focused approach to manage a wide spectrum of conditions. Practicing at Cornwall Community Hospital in Ottawa, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). With a compassionate and reassuring manner, she is committed to supporting women through all stages of life, including routine gynecological care, pregnancy, childbirth, and complex gynecological conditions.
Dr. Shepherd graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2005 in Canada. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 14 years, since 2010. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing medical education.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to promoting women's health in Ottawa through compassionate, personalized care that respects each woman's unique needs and preferences. Dr. Shepherd speaks English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. She is committed to providing a supportive environment where women feel empowered and informed about their health choices.
Dr. Lynn Shepherd provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- Female Infertility Evaluation & Initial Management: Comprehensive assessment to identify potential causes of difficulty conceiving in women and initiation of basic treatments.
- Ovulatory Dysfunction (e.g., Anovulation, Oligo-ovulation): Problems with ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), such as infrequent or absent ovulation, a common cause of infertility.
- Fallopian Tube Disorders (Blockage, Hydrosalpinx, Adhesions): Conditions affecting the fallopian tubes, such as blockages or scarring, that can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions
- Multiple Gestation (Twins, Triplets, etc.): Pregnancies involving more than one fetus, requiring specialized care and monitoring due to increased risks.
- Preterm Labor & Birth: Labor or delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to complications for the newborn.
- Placenta Previa & Placental Abruption: Conditions where the placenta is abnormally positioned (previa) or detaches prematurely from the uterine wall (abruption), posing risks to mother and baby.
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.
- Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
- 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.
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. Lynn Shepherd or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
- Oophorectomy / Salpingo-oophorectomy (Laparoscopic or Open): Surgical removal of one or both ovaries, and potentially fallopian tubes, often for cysts, tumors, endometriosis, or cancer risk reduction.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Shepherd 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. Shepherd practices at Cornwall Community Hospital, located in the Highland Park and Carlingwood West neighborhoods of Ottawa. The hospital is conveniently situated near Confederation Square and the National Arts Centre, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible and easily reached via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. Paid parking options are close by, providing convenient access for patients attending appointments. The hospital offers a welcoming environment dedicated to women’s health and well-being.
- Are services from Dr. Shepherd, 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. Shepherd 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. Shepherd, 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. Shepherd 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. Shepherd's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Shepherd support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?
- VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Shepherd'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 are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. Shepherd 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. Shepherd will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.
- When should a teenager have her first OBGYN visit, and what does it involve?
- The first visit to an OBGYN for a teenager is often recommended between ages 13-15, or sooner if there are specific concerns like very painful periods, irregular cycles, or questions about sexual health. This initial visit may not involve a pelvic exam unless there's a specific medical reason. It's primarily an opportunity to build a rapport with Dr. Shepherd, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- Does Dr. Shepherd manage high-risk pregnancies?
- Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Shepherd has a particular focus on/experience with managing high-risk pregnancies, which may include conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, multiple gestations (twins/triplets), or pre-existing maternal health issues. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to specific maternal or fetal conditions, Dr. Shepherd will provide comprehensive care and may work closely with, or refer you to, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist if needed for highly specialized management. It's best to discuss your specific situation with Dr. Shepherd.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Shepherd deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Shepherd is affiliated with hospitals in Ottawa. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. Shepherd's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
Cornwall Community Hospital
770 Broadview Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2A 3Z3
Phone: (613) 274-7831 | Fax: (613) 274-3271
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Shepherd 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/Shepherd-Lynn-Jennifer/0220758-82622