A Google Streetview shows Dr. Esther Park’s clinic (left) and a copy of the letter from Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has issued a warning to approximately 2,500 patients of a gynecologist's clinic in the city. The notification comes after concerns that medical instruments at the clinic were not properly cleaned, potentially exposing patients to blood borne infections.
Public Health Advisory on the Toronto Gynecologist
TPH sent letters on February 12 to patients of Dr. Esther Park’s clinic, located near Bloor and Dundas streets. The advisory applies to those who underwent specific procedures between October 10, 2020, and October 10, 2024.
Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, stated that improper sterilization of medical tools, though posing a “very low” risk, could still result in the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Bloodborne infections like hepatitis B and C are among the primary concerns.
While the transmission risk is minimal, TPH has advised affected individuals to consult their healthcare providers for appropriate testing.
A copy of a Toronto Public Health letter sent to patients of Dr. Esther Park’s clinic.
Doctor’s License Under Restriction
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has confirmed a prior investigation into Dr. Park regarding patient care. Since December 2024, restrictions have been placed on her medical license, limiting her practice to office-based gynecology.
A notice on the CPSO website states that Dr. Park has agreed to further professional education in diagnosing and managing endometrial thickening in postmenopausal patients, along with medical record-keeping improvements.
Hospital Resignation and Clinic Closure
Previously affiliated with Unity Health, Dr. Park has not been involved in clinical work at St. Joseph’s Health Centre since July 2024. She officially resigned from the hospital in December of the same year.
Patients attempting to contact her clinic may find it difficult. Calls to the office go unanswered, and the voicemail message confirms that both Dr. Park and her secretary are retiring. The clinic is set to close permanently in April 2025.
Patients Express Concerns
Former patients, like Zahra Baksh, have voiced their distress. Baksh, who underwent an IUD procedure at the clinic, described the experience as “extremely painful,” despite being assured it would not be.
Receiving the letter from public health left her feeling overwhelmed and fearful. "It makes it seem like just a tiny little problem," she said. "But if this ‘tiny problem’ is causing distress to me and 2,500 others, how is she still practicing?"
The notification mentions three specific procedures— IUD insertion or removal, an endometrial biopsy, and endocervical polyp excision. It advises affected patients to consider testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
No Response from the Clinic
Efforts to reach the Toronto gynecologist, Dr. Park’s office, for comment have been unsuccessful. The clinic has not responded to repeated inquiries regarding the situation.
The office's answering machine says Dr. Park is retiring, no longer taking new patients and that the clinic will be closing in April 2025.
As the closure date approaches, affected patients are left searching for answers and seeking reassurance about their health.
