Patients speak out after thousands exposed to infection risk at Toronto gynecologist
Public health officials in Toronto are issuing a warning to approximately 2,500 individuals who may have been exposed to blood-borne infections at a gynecology office in the High Park neighborhood. The clinic, operated by Dr. Esther Park, allegedly failed to properly clean medical tools over a four-year period starting in October 2020, leading to a potential risk of bacteria and viruses being transmitted between patients.
Upon receiving a letter from Toronto Public Health notifying her of the possible exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, patient Zahra Bakhsh expressed shock and anger. She described feeling numb and ill after learning of the situation. Another patient, Amal Alsheikh, shared a similar reaction, stating that she was too distraught to go to work and experienced overwhelming anxiety while awaiting her test results, which fortunately came back negative.
The public health agency reassured patients that the risk of transmission is low but recommended consulting with healthcare providers for testing and guidance. Despite this, many affected individuals, including Alsheikh, are calling for Dr. Park’s license to be revoked in light of the incident. However, neither the clinic nor Dr. Park has provided any comment on the matter, with the clinic’s answering machine stating that Dr. Park is retiring and the clinic will be closing in April.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is currently investigating Dr. Park regarding infection control issues, and her medical license has been restricted since December 2024. Park’s practice is limited to office-based gynecology, with a focus on professional education in the management of endometrial thickening and medical record-keeping. While Park previously worked with Unity Health, she has not been involved in clinical work at St. Joseph’s Health Centre since July 2024 and resigned from the hospital in December 2024.
Despite receiving negative test results, patients like Bakhsh are still seeking answers and justice. With thousands of affected individuals, there is a growing demand for accountability and transparency surrounding the circumstances that led to the potential exposure. Bakhsh emphasized the importance of holding Dr. Park accountable and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
