About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Shona Margaret Torrance (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Maple, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Maple, ON, she offers accessible and high-quality care to the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Torrance provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, ensuring women of all ages, including those in prenatal and postnatal stages, receive attentive and empathetic care.
Dr. Torrance graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2003 in Canada. She has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 15 years, since 2009. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Torrance is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Maple through compassionate communication and tailored treatment plans. She speaks English fluently and strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their healthcare journey.
Dr. Shona Torrance provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Infertility and Reproductive Health
- 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.
- 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.
Menstrual and Hormonal Disorders
- Hirsutism (Excess Hair Growth) & Acne (Hormonal): Excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern or persistent acne, often related to hormonal imbalances like those seen in PCOS.
- 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.
- Menopause & Perimenopausal Symptoms: The natural cessation of menstruation and the preceding transitional period, often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Common Benign Gynecological Conditions
- Lichen Sclerosus / Lichen Planus (Vulvar): Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulvar area, causing itching, pain, and changes in skin appearance.
- Ovarian Cysts (Functional, Dermoid, Endometriomas): Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface, which are common and often benign but can sometimes cause pain or require intervention.
- Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas): Noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or infertility.
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. Shona Torrance or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) / Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Procedures to dilate the cervix and remove tissue from the inside of the uterus, for diagnosis or treatment of various uterine conditions or after miscarriage.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Office procedure to take a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium) for diagnostic purposes, often for abnormal bleeding or suspected abnormalities.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Torrance 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. Torrance practices at The Hospital for Sick Children located in the areas near central Maple. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and is accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby for those arriving by car, providing flexibility and convenience for visiting patients.
- Are services from Dr. Torrance, 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. Torrance 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. Torrance, 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. Torrance 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. Torrance's office or your referring doctor.
- Does Dr. Torrance discuss or offer the HPV vaccine?
- The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, as well as other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Torrance can discuss the benefits of the HPV vaccine, current recommendations for different age groups (including catch-up vaccination for adults), and can either provide the vaccine or refer you to where it can be obtained, depending on clinic services and provincial programs.
- What birth control options can Dr. Torrance discuss with me?
- Dr. Torrance can discuss a wide range of contraceptive options tailored to your individual needs and preferences. These include hormonal methods (like birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, hormonal IUDs, contraceptive implants), non-hormonal methods (like copper IUDs, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps), and permanent sterilization methods (tubal ligation or Essure for women, vasectomy referral for men). The best option depends on your health, lifestyle, menstrual cycle characteristics, and family planning goals. Dr. Torrance will help you make an informed choice.
- How can Dr. Torrance help with menopause symptoms?
- Dr. Torrance 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.
- Does Dr. Torrance support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?
- VBAC can be a safe option for many women who have had a previous Cesarean section. Dr. Torrance'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.
The Hospital for Sick Children
3200 Major Mackenzie Dr, Division of Cardiology
Maple, ON L6A 4Z3
Phone: (905) 883-1212 | Fax: (905) 883-2052
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Torrance 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/Torrance-Shona-Margaret/0200842-78994