About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Rachel Frida Spitzer (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Toronto, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, 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), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatment. Dr. Spitzer provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. She serves women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal care, supporting them through every stage of life.
Dr. Spitzer graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2001 in Canada. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 2006, accumulating over 18 years of experience. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical care.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Spitzer is dedicated to advancing women's health in Toronto by providing compassionate, respectful, and individualized care. She communicates fluently in English, French, and Hebrew, ensuring effective and accessible communication with her diverse patient community.
Dr. Rachel Spitzer provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
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.
- Bartholin's Gland Cysts/Abscesses: Blockage and subsequent swelling or infection of the Bartholin's glands, located near the vaginal opening.
- 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.
Gynecologic Cancers and Precancerous Conditions
- Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) & Vulvar Cancer: Precancerous changes (VIN) or malignant tumors affecting the external female genitalia (vulva).
- 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.
Screening and Preventative Care
- 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.
- Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
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. Rachel Spitzer or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- 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.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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. Spitzer 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. Spitzer practices at Toronto Western Hospital, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The hospital is conveniently situated near Chinatown Centre and Kensington Market, with easy access via TTC including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car, providing additional convenience for patients visiting the clinic.
- Are services from Dr. Spitzer, 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. Spitzer 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. Spitzer, 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. Spitzer 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. Spitzer's office or your referring doctor.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Spitzer do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Spitzer, 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. Spitzer?
- Dr. Spitzer 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. Spitzer during your prenatal visits.
- What can I expect during my first prenatal visit?
- Your first prenatal visit with Dr. Spitzer is usually quite comprehensive, typically scheduled around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. It will involve a detailed review of your medical history, your partner's medical history (if applicable), and any previous pregnancies. Dr. Spitzer will likely perform a physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam, confirm your pregnancy (often with an ultrasound referral), estimate your due date, and discuss important aspects of a healthy pregnancy such as nutrition, lifestyle, prenatal vitamins, and options for genetic screening and prenatal testing. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Toronto Western Hospital
E W 1-439, 700 University Avenue, Department Of Orthopedics
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5
Phone: (416) 586-4822 | Fax: (416) 586-4657
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Spitzer 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/Spitzer-Rachel-Frida/0181602-76126