About
As a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Rudolf Novak offers a full spectrum of services from routine gynecological exams to managing complex obstetrical cases, prioritizing patient well-being and informed choice. Practicing at William Osler Health System in Thunder Bay, ON, he provides accessible and high-quality care to the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe and effective treatment. Dr. Novak's role encompasses comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, with a focus on supporting women through all stages of life, including prenatal and postnatal care.
Dr. Novak graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Comenius in Slovakia in 1994. He has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 17 years, since 2007. He is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards of care and ongoing professional development.
His clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Novak is dedicated to promoting women's health in Thunder Bay through compassionate, respectful, and personalized treatment. He speaks Czech, English, and Slovak, facilitating clear communication with diverse patient populations and ensuring that each woman feels heard and understood during her healthcare journey.
Dr. Rudolf Novak 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.
- Uterine Factors Affecting Fertility (e.g., Septum, Asherman's Syndrome): Structural abnormalities or conditions of the uterus that can interfere with implantation or pregnancy maintenance.
- 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
- 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.
- Preeclampsia & Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Pregnancy complications characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, requiring urgent medical attention.
Sexual Health and Dysfunction
- Decreased Libido / Sexual Desire Disorders: Persistent lack of sexual interest or desire, which can have various physical or psychological causes.
- Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles that make vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
- Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after sexual intercourse.
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. Rudolf Novak 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.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- Labor and Delivery Management (Vaginal & Cesarean): Professional medical care and support during labor and childbirth, including management of vaginal deliveries, assisted vaginal deliveries (forceps/vacuum if needed), and planned or emergency Cesarean sections (C-sections).
- Annual Gynecological Exams & Well-Woman Care: Routine check-ups including pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, preventative health screenings, and discussion of overall gynecological health.
- Contraceptive Counseling & Full Range Management: Comprehensive discussion and provision of various birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, patches, rings, injectables, IUD insertion/removal (hormonal and copper), and contraceptive implant insertion/removal.
- 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.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Novak 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. Novak practices at William Osler Health System, located in the Fort William East (Downtown South Core, East End) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The facility is situated near the Commercial Corridor, providing easy access via Thunder Bay Transit. The location is wheelchair accessible and offers ample parking for patients. The practice is conveniently positioned to serve women in the surrounding communities, ensuring accessible and comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care for women of all ages, including prenatal and postnatal support.
- Are services from Dr. Novak, 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. Novak 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. Novak, 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. Novak 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. Novak's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Novak manage high-risk pregnancies?
- Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. Novak 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. Novak 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. Novak.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. Novak do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. Novak, 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.
- 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. Novak, discuss normal development, menstrual health, contraception, STI prevention, and answer any questions in a confidential setting.
- How can Dr. Novak help with menopause symptoms?
- Dr. Novak can help manage bothersome menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and bone density concerns. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress reduction), non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen for localized symptoms, or systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a thorough discussion of the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile and preferences.
William Osler Health System
1265 East Arthur Street, Etobicoke General Hospital Campus
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6E7
Phone: (807) 622-0055 | Fax: (807) 622-6333
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Novak 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/Novak-Rudolf/0195345-78564