About
Dr. Marie Katherine Christakis 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 Unison Health & Community Services in Toronto, ON, she delivers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Dr. Christakis adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical medical practices. Her role encompasses providing compassionate, evidence-based care across all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, including routine health maintenance, complex medical conditions, and surgical interventions.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2012 in Canada and has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 7 years, since 2017. Dr. Christakis is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards in women's health.
Dedicated to women’s health in Toronto, Dr. Christakis emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practices. She speaks English fluently and is committed to providing respectful, empathetic, and personalized care to women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal support.
Dr. Marie Christakis provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Screening and Preventative Care
- Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
- HPV Vaccination Counseling: Discussing the benefits and recommendations for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Cervical Dysplasia (CIN) & Cervical Cancer: Precancerous changes (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) or malignant tumors of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus, often linked to HPV infection.
- Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) & Vaginal Cancer: Precancerous changes (VAIN) or rare cancers affecting the vagina.
- 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.
Pelvic Floor and Urinary Disorders
- Fecal Incontinence (Accidental Bowel Leakage): The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum.
- 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.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections of the urinary system, requiring investigation for underlying causes and preventative strategies.
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. Marie Christakis or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy for Sterilization: Surgical methods for permanent female contraception, including removal of fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) which may also reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- 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. Christakis 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. Marie Katherine Christakis practices at Unison Health & Community Services, located in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The facility is conveniently situated near Toronto Police HQ and the MaRS Discovery District, making it easily accessible for patients from across the city. The location is well-served by public transportation, including TTC Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes, providing seamless access for women seeking expert obstetric and gynecological care. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs, and parking is available on-site for those arriving by car. This central location ensures that women in Toronto can receive compassionate and comprehensive reproductive health services in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
- Are services from Dr. Christakis, 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. Christakis 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. Christakis, 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. Christakis 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. Christakis's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Christakis manage high-risk pregnancies?
- Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Christakis has a particular focus on 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, she 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 her.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. Christakis deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. Christakis is affiliated with hospitals in Toronto. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting her office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
- Does Dr. Christakis support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?
- VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Christakis'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 influence VBAC availability, and she will guide you through this process based on your circumstances.
Unison Health & Community Services
700 University Ave
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z5
Phone: (416) 586-1550 | Fax: (416) 264-8458
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Christakis 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/Christakis-Marie-Katherine/0281179-97690