About
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Susan Ann O'Toole (an OBGYN) is committed to delivering personalized and evidence-based care to patients in Collingwood, fostering a supportive healthcare environment. Practicing at Trillium Health Partners in Collingwood, 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 the highest level of professionalism and patient safety. Dr. O'Toole provides comprehensive care across the full scope of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including routine and complex conditions, supporting women through all stages of life, from reproductive health to menopause and beyond.
With a medical degree from Queen's University obtained in 1999, Dr. O'Toole has been practicing as a specialist in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) for over 20 years, since 2004. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in her field.
Dr. O'Toole’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to promoting women’s health in Collingwood through compassionate support and thorough medical expertise. She communicates fluently in English and strives to create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns and treatment options.
Dr. Susan O'Toole provides care for a wide spectrum of women's health issues, including:
Pregnancy and Childbirth Related Conditions
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage): The occurrence of two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation, prompting investigation for underlying causes.
- 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.
- Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, requiring careful monitoring and management to ensure health for both mother and baby.
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.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and/or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
- 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.
Screening and Preventative Care
- Contraception Counseling & Family Planning: Providing information and access to various methods of birth control to help individuals plan their families.
- Bone Density Health (Osteoporosis Screening Referrals): Assessing risk factors for osteoporosis and referring for bone density screening (DEXA scan) when appropriate, especially around menopause.
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Tests & HPV Testing): Regular screening to detect precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix, primarily through Pap tests and HPV DNA testing.
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. Susan O'Toole or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral if needed.
- Menopause & Perimenopause Symptom Management: Personalized guidance and treatment options for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and discussion of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal alternatives.
- Endometrial Ablation & Resection: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in appropriate candidates.
- Basic Infertility Workup & Ovulation Tracking: Initial investigations into causes of infertility and guidance on tracking ovulation.
- 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.
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal - Laparoscopic, Hysteroscopic, Abdominal): Surgical removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, utilizing the most appropriate surgical approach.
- External Cephalic Version (ECV) for Breech Presentation: Procedure to attempt to turn a breech baby to a head-down position before labor, if appropriate.
- 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).
Note: This list may provide an overview of common services in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. O'Toole 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'Toole practices at Trillium Health Partners, located in the areas near central Collingwood. The facility is conveniently situated close to local points of interest and accessible via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing convenient options for those coming by car. The practice is committed to providing a welcoming environment where women of all ages can receive comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care.
- Are services from Dr. O'Toole, 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'Toole 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'Toole, 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'Toole 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'Toole's office or your referring doctor.
- What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) like Dr. O'Toole do?
- An Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN), like Dr. O'Toole, 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. O'Toole?
- Dr. O'Toole 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. O'Toole during your prenatal visits.
- What are the treatment options for endometriosis that Dr. O'Toole might recommend?
- Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage pain and improve fertility if desired. Options vary based on symptom severity and patient goals and can include pain medications (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (like birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress endometrial tissue growth, and surgical treatments (laparoscopy) to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Dr. O'Toole will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.
- Does Dr. O'Toole manage high-risk pregnancies?
- Many OBGYNs manage a range of pregnancies, including some with moderate risk factors. Dr. O'Toole 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. O'Toole 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. O'Toole.
- I have uterine fibroids. What treatment options might Dr. O'Toole 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'Toole will help you decide the best course of action.
Trillium Health Partners
28 Huron St., Dept of Hematology C-Site
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1C4
Phone: (705) 445-9468 | Fax: (844) 528-1433
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. O'Toole 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/OToole-Susan-Ann/0159160-73582
