Who We Are

Yolanda Kirkham, BSc, MA, MD, FRCSC

Obstetrician Gynecologist

Dr. Yolanda Kirkham is an obstetrician gynecologist (physician surgeon), Chief Medical Officer of Koble, and health communicator for media. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, followed by a Master of Arts in Family Studies at the University of British Columbia while working full-time as a performing arts front of house manager. Dr. Kirkham completed her medical school training at the University of British Columbia. After specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology through residency at the University of Toronto, she subspecialized in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology with a clinical fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Kirkham is a lifelong learner and integrates aspects of perinatal mental health and lifestyle medicine into her clinical practice. She incorporates education, knowledge translation, and outreach through media with her clinical practice, teaching, consultant, and leadership positions. Dr. Kirkham is one of the top 5 Canadian social media influencers in obstetrics and gynecology on twitter.

Dr. Kirkham provides clinical care at her office and St. Joseph’s Health Centre (Unity Health) in Toronto. She also provided over 12 years of care and leadership at Women’s College Hospital as it transitioned to an ambulatory clinical and surgical centre. She believes in arming and supporting patients with accurate health information to make smart, personalized treatment decisions. Dr. Kirkham is an advocate for patients and new parents. She provides compassionate, patient-centred care for girls, women, and gender diverse individuals of all age groups. Her clinical expertise of over 15 years of experience includes all modes of vaginal and surgical obstetrical deliveries, and ambulatory surgery.

Clinical and research interests of Dr. Kirkham include medical and surgical treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding and menstrual suppression, early diagnosis of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, vulva dermatology, and transition to adulthood. Dr. Kirkham has been recognized for her teaching of medical students, OBGYN and Family Practice residents, and clinical fellows.  She was site coordinator for medical undergraduate clerkship education at St. Joseph's Health Centre. She is involved in quality improvement and patient safety, having completed University of Toronto’s C-QuIPS certificate course.

Dr. Yolanda Kirkham devotes her free time to patient education and outreach through online, print, podcast, and TV media avenues. She is a fellow of the inaugural Media and Medicine certificate program at Harvard Medical School. She has contributed expert content and articles to CTV News, Best Health Magazine, Today’s Parent, Chatelaine, Flare, Fashion Magazine, Globe & Mail, Global News, CBC, The Star, The Kit, The Loop, USA Today, KevinMD.com, and Women’s Post. She can be seen discussing menstruation, birth, and female anatomy on Dr. Jen Gunter’s streaming docuseries, Jensplaining, on CBC GEM, AppleTV, Prime (US). Dr. Kirkham was also a recurring health expert on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show.

Dr. Kirkham is leading the way and highlighting her zeal for sharing knowledge and support for new and expectant parents as Chief Medical Officer for digital health innovation, Koble www.koblecares.com. This app provides video courses and care coordination to connect parents with reliable education and support. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and can converse in Cantonese Chinese and French. When she’s not juggling work life with mom life, she is at her piano, hoping to resume stand-up comedy, or tiptoeing around stray LEGO.

Research Publications

Kirkham YA, Ornstein MP, Aggarwal A, McQuillan S. No. 313-Menstrual Suppression in Special Circumstances.  J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2019;41(2):e7-e17. doi:10.1016/j.jogc.2018.11.030.

Brown HK, Kirkham YA, Lunsky Y, Cobigo V, Vigod SN. Contraceptive Provision to Postpartum Women With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2018;50(3):93-99. doi:10.1363/psrh.12060

Abells D, Kirkham YA, Ornstein MP. Review of gynecologic and reproductive care for women with developmental disabilities. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2016;28(5):350-358. doi:10.1097/GCO.0000000000000299

Brown HK, Kirkham YA, Cobigo V, Lunsky Y, Vigod SN. Labour and delivery interventions in women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a population-based cohort study. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2016;70(3):238-244. doi:10.1136/jech-2015-206426

Whyte H, Pecchioli Y, Oyewumi L, Kives S, Allen LM, Kirkham YA. Uterine Length in Adolescents with Developmental Disability: Are Ultrasound Examinations Necessary before Insertion of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System? J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2016;29(6):648-652. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2016.06.004

Kirkham Y, Hunter J, Allen, L. Barriers, Expectations, and Needs of Young Women During Transition From Pediatric to Adult Gynecologic Care. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2015; 28. e74. 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.02.107.

Kirkham Y, Mardimae A, Allen, L. Patient Profile and Reproductive Health Concerns of Young Women Attending a Transitional Gynecology Clinic. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2015; 28. e74-e75. 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.02.108.

Kirkham YA, Ornstein MP, Aggarwal A, McQuillan S; CANPAGO COMMITTEE. Menstrual suppression in special circumstances. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014;36(10):915-924. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30442-4

Kirkham YA, Lennox GK, Aggarwal A, Caccia N, Himidan S, Spitzer RF. Isolated tubal torsion in a postmenarchal adolescent. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2013;35(4):297. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30950-6

Kirkham YA, Allen L, Kives S, Caccia N, Spitzer RF, Ornstein MP. Trends in menstrual concerns and suppression in adolescents with developmental disabilities. J Adolesc Health. 2013;53(3):407-412. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.04.014

Kirkham YA, Yarbrough CM, Pippi Salle JL, Allen LM. A rare case of inguinolabial lipoblastoma in a 13-month-old female. J Pediatr Urol. 2013;9(1):e64-e67. doi:10.1016/j.jpurol.2012.08.007

Kirkham YA, Kives S. Ovarian cysts in adolescents: medical and surgical management. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2012;23(1):178-xii.

Kirkham YA, Lacy JA, Kives S, Allen L. Characteristics and management of adnexal masses in a Canadian pediatric and adolescent population. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2011;33(9):935-943. doi:10.1016/s1701-2163(16)35019-8.