Toronto gynecologist linked to infection exposure resigns from college amid investigations

A Toronto doctor under investigation after thousands of people were potentially exposed to blood-borne infections at her gynecology office has resigned from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, CBC News has learned.

The college investigated Dr. Esther Park's care of two patients in her obstetrics and gynecology practice following two public complaints, according to the CPSO's physician register.

"In the face of the investigations, Dr. Park has resigned from the College effective April 30, 2025, and has agreed never to apply or reapply for registration as a physician in Ontario or any other jurisdiction," the public notification reads.

CBC Toronto was first to report on the infection risk in March.

WATCH | Many patients of gynecologist linked to infection exposure were new Canadians, unaware of complaint process:

Patient says she felt 'hopeless' after bad experience at gynecologist's office

26 days ago

Duration 4:16

After CBC Toronto first reported on a Toronto gynecologist linked to potential exposure to bloodborne infections, several patients reached out with their own negative experiences with the doctor. Many of them were new to Canada, and said not knowing the language or how to navigate the medical system made it harder for them to complain.

Around 2,500 patients were notified by Toronto Public Health (TPH) earlier this year that they may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV at Park's clinic due to improper cleaning protocols — including speculums not being dissembled before they were cleaned, and "significant overdiluting" of disinfecting solution.

In a statement, Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, the city's associate medical officer of health at Toronto Public Health, said they have received results for approximately 430 patients to date.

"Our investigation remains independent of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and will proceed regardless of any changes to the provider's licensing status," Sachdeva said, adding at this time, no infections have been confirmed to be linked to the clinic. 

Dozens of patients contacted CBC Toronto following the notice to share negative encounters with the doctor. Several said they filed complaints with the CPSO, though the college will not say how many complaints were made in total.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario says resignations or registrations that have expired do not prevent the college from investigating, or continuing to investigate, concerns or complaints about the care provided.

"Complaints can be filed with CPSO after a physician ceases to practice where the concern or conduct relates to the time when the physician was a college registrant," the college said in a statement, adding it takes all concerns seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety of patients.

Per the CPSO's physician register, Park's licence had been restricted as of December 2024 to office-based gynecology.

CBC Toronto has made multiple attempts to contact the clinic, but it hasn't provided any response. The office's answering machine states Park's office shut down as of April 16.