Dr. Stephanie Taylor Gulstene – Oncologist / Hematologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Stephanie Taylor Gulstene, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital in Toronto, ON, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing personalized and compassionate cancer care. Her role involves the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy tailored to each patient's specific diagnosis, with an emphasis on ensuring safety and efficacy. As a licensed physician under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Gulstene adheres to the highest standards of medical practice to support adults with suspected or diagnosed cancer or blood disorders, ensuring timely access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic facilities.

Dr. Gulstene graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 2019.0 (Canada). She has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist since 2024, bringing fresh expertise and a patient-centered approach to her specialty. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional competence and ongoing education in cancer treatment with radiation.

Her clinical philosophy centers on multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive patient and family support. Dr. Gulstene is dedicated to advancing research in radiation oncology and providing care that aligns with the latest clinical guidelines. She speaks English fluently and is committed to communicating clearly and empathetically with her patients in Toronto, ensuring they feel supported throughout their cancer journey.

Dr. Stephanie Gulstene has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): A group of chronic blood cancers where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Genitourinary Cancers (e.g., Prostate, Bladder, Testicular): Using radiation therapy, including brachytherapy for prostate cancer, to treat cancers of the male and female urinary and reproductive systems.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (Brain & Spine): Employing precise radiation techniques to treat benign and malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord.
• Palliative Radiation for Symptom Relief (e.g., Bone Metastases, Spinal Cord Compression): Using radiation therapy to alleviate pain, control bleeding, or relieve pressure caused by advanced cancer.

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Brain & Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (Primary & Metastatic - Medical Oncology aspects): Malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord, where medical oncologists may manage chemotherapy or targeted therapies as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ovarian, Uterine (Endometrial), & Cervical Cancers (Gynecologic Oncology - Medical Aspects): Systemic treatment aspects for cancers of the female reproductive system, often in collaboration with gynecologic oncologists or surgeons.
• Genitourinary Cancers (Bladder, Kidney, Testicular, Penile): Cancers affecting the urinary system (kidneys, bladder) or male reproductive organs (testes, penis), managed with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted agents.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Stephanie Gulstene or your referring physician.

• Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
• Total Body Irradiation (TBI) - Component of Stem Cell Transplant Regimens: Radiation therapy delivered to the entire body, often used as part of the conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Utilizing advanced imaging during treatment delivery to precisely target tumors and adapt to changes, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
• Radiation Therapy Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive assessment to determine if radiation therapy is an appropriate treatment modality, followed by meticulous 3D/4D simulation and treatment planning.
• Comprehensive Oncologic & Hematologic Consultation: In-depth evaluation of medical history, review of diagnostic imaging and pathology, cancer staging (if applicable), and development of personalized treatment plans for various cancers and blood disorders.
• Palliative Radiation Therapy for Symptom Control: Using radiation to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by cancer.
• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Gulstene provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Gulstene or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

The Ottawa Hospital, located in Toronto's vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood, serves as the primary facility for Dr. Gulstene's practice. The hospital is conveniently situated near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), making it accessible for patients and visitors. Public transit options are plentiful, with the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus) providing easy access to the hospital. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the hospital, offering convenient options for those arriving by private vehicle. The location is designed to create a welcoming environment for individuals seeking expert cancer care in Toronto.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Gulstene, an Radiation Oncologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Radiation Oncologist such as Dr. Gulstene are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Dr. Gulstene's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Gulstene, an Radiation Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Gulstene for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

What is Radiation Oncology and when is it used?

Radiation Oncology is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation (like X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles) to damage or destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment, before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy. It can also be used for palliative care to relieve symptoms. Dr. Gulstene specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. If indicated for a patient's cancer, Dr. Gulstene may also coordinate multidisciplinary care involving other oncology specialists.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Gulstene?

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Gulstene, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Gulstene works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

The Ottawa Hospital
610 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 946-4501

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gulstene is a licensed Radiation Oncologist 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 a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gulstene-Stephanie-Taylor/0328920-118545