Maternity Centre Mondays: Fibroids

Fibroids are benign smooth muscle growths inside the muscle of the uterus.  They’re very common — seven out of 10 women will have uterine fibroids by the age of 50.

Fibroids are easily seen on ultrasound. Fibroids are generally benign (not cancer), however, they can cause many symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, pressure, bowel or bladder symptoms, and infertility.  

Fibroids can be very small, or grow very large. The team of obstetrician-gynecologists at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre offer many treatment options for fibroids including medication and surgery.  Our team of interventional radiologists can also provide uterine artery embolization.  All of these options can either shrink or remove fibroids to make them less bothersome. 

If you would like to contact one of our gynecologists, simply have your primary care provider or walk-in clinic provider refer you to one of the clinics in our city.  If you live outside of Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario, we provide many outreach clinics across our region to provide care closer to your home.

Passing of Dr. Iftikharul Haq

Shared on behalf of Medical & Academic Affairs


On behalf of Dr. Bradley Jacobson, Chief of Staff and Dr. William Harris, VP Medical & Academic Affairs, it is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Iftikharul Haq.

Dr. Haq was not only a valued member of our Professional Staff but also a dear friend and mentor to many of us. Dr. Haq’s contributions to our organization/community over the past 21 years were immense, and his dedication to his work was exemplary. His expertise, kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Haq’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We understand that this news may be distressing for many of us, and we encourage you to reach out for support if needed.

During this time of mourning, let us come together as a community to support one another and to cherish the memories we have of Dr. Haq.

The funeral service is being held on Friday, May 24 starting at 2:00 pm at the Thunder Bay Masjid, 591 John Street, Thunder Bay. The burial service will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3100-3386 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay.

Learn alternative evacuation techniques from the experts at TBFR (TODAY @ 1:30 p.m.)

Code Green: Alternative Evacuation Techniques

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) will be onsite later this month to support two drop-in learning sessions for alternative evacuation techniques (e.g., blanket drag) coordinated by Interprofessional Education and Emergency Preparedness.

No registration is required. Simply stop by for some hands on learning during one of the below times, sign in, and enter a draw to win a $25 giftcard!

  • Thursday, May 23 between from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in ICP Main Meeting Room 2178
  • Tuesday, May 28 between 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Auditorium B (3rd Level)

Brush up on your knowledge of evacuation methods in advance by reviewing Code Green – Evacuation (EMER-90) and watching the following patient transfer video.

If you have questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net)

Art Auction in Support of Northern Cardiac Fund

“Through this painting, I aim to pay tribute not only to the stunning landscape that surrounds us but also to the countless individuals and families affected by heart disease, including my beloved uncle, whom we tragically lost to a sudden heart attack.”

Athanasia Houvarda, Artist

❤ Bid now at https://bit.ly/hsfmayart!

Athanasia has donated her painting “Bay View” to be auctioned in support of the Northern Cardiac Fund, to help bring even better cardiac care to our friends and neighbours in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

Bidding closes on Thursday, May 23rd at 4:00 p.m.

Details: 15.9″ x 43.7″ mixed media on canvas.

The winning bid will fully support the Northern Cardiac Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Thank you! ❤

Virtual All Staff Town Hall: TODAY @ 2:00 p.m.

You’re invited to join the next Virtual All Staff Town Hall on Wednesday, May 15 @ 2:00 p.m.

Town Halls are an opportunity to stay informed on what’s happening at your Hospital and Health Research Institute.

Topics for this month’s edition:

  • Strategic Plan 2026: Year Two Review and Staff Appreciation BBQ
  • Transition from GroupWise to Outlook
  • Accessibility Feedback Survey

It also provides opportunity to have your questions answered and comments heard about any of our operations, strategic priorities or other areas of interest. Feel free to submit your question by emailing TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net or in real time during the session. Submitting questions in advance ensures the right people are available to respond.

To join, please visit https://tbrhsc.net/th/ .

Can’t make it? The Virtual All Staff Town Hall will be recorded so you can view it anytime afterwards. The password for the meeting should populate automatically. If the password is not accepted due to settings on your computer, please enter the meeting password: townhall2024.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Virtual All Staff Town Hall.

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