About
Dr. Sharon Rose O'Brien, 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 St Michael's Hospital in Collingwood, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. O'Brien provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, ensuring that women of all ages receive attentive and personalized medical attention. Whether addressing reproductive health, pregnancy, or menopause, her approach is empathetic and supportive, emphasizing patient empowerment and well-being.
Dr. O'Brien graduated with her Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine in 1988. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) since 1993, amassing over 31 years of experience in women's health. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development in her field.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. O'Brien is dedicated to promoting women's health and well-being in Collingwood and the surrounding areas. She communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with her patients. Her goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where women feel empowered to discuss their health concerns and make informed choices about their care.
Dr. Sharon O'Brien provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
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.
- Postpartum Complications (e.g., Hemorrhage, Infection, Mood Disorders): Health problems that can occur after childbirth, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or postpartum depression/anxiety, requiring prompt attention.
- Preterm Labor & Birth: Labor or delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to complications for the newborn.
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Heavy, Irregular, Prolonged Periods): Menstrual bleeding that is different in frequency, duration, or amount than what is typical for an individual, requiring investigation.
- Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation): The absence of menstrual periods, either primary (menarche never occurred) or secondary (periods ceased after previously being regular).
- Thyroid Disorders affecting Gynecologic Health: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism that can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes.
Screening and Preventative Care
- Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
- Breast Cancer Screening Awareness & Clinical Breast Exams: Performing clinical breast exams and advising on mammography guidelines and breast self-awareness for early detection.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Screening & Counseling: Testing for common STIs based on risk factors and symptoms, along with counseling on prevention and safe practices.
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. Sharon O'Brien 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.
- Diagnosis & Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Management of conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and screening/treatment for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV counseling.
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
- Management of Menstrual Disorders & Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Diagnosis and treatment for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)/PMDD.
- 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).
- 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.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien practices at St Michael's Hospital, located in the areas near central Collingwood. The hospital is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the hospital, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. This central location allows patients in Collingwood and surrounding communities to access comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care in a welcoming and accessible environment.
- Are services from Dr. O'Brien, 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. O'Brien 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. O'Brien, 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. O'Brien 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. O'Brien's office or your referring doctor.
- At which hospital(s) does Dr. O'Brien deliver babies or perform surgeries?
- Dr. O'Brien is affiliated with hospitals in Collingwood. You can confirm the specific hospital(s) where she performs deliveries and gynecological surgeries by contacting Dr. O'Brien's office directly. This information is important for planning your care and delivery.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. O'Brien suggest?
- Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, location, and the severity of your symptoms (like heavy bleeding or pain), as well as your reproductive goals. Options range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic fibroids, to medications (hormonal therapies to manage symptoms), to minimally invasive procedures (like uterine artery embolization - often by interventional radiology), or surgical removal of fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). Dr. O'Brien will help you decide the best course of action.
St Michael's Hospital
Suite 9111, 460 Hume St, Division of Urology
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W6
Phone: (705) 444-5533 | Fax: (844) 237-0088
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. O'Brien 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/OBrien-Sharon-Rose/0045629-59607