Medical Exam asking for a Gynecology test?

[ronjames]

My wife (Serbian) is finishing up her Master's in Russia while I am sponsoring her.

We just received the request for medical, she went to the American Medical Clinic in Saint Petersburg today (Panel Physician) and made her appointment for May 15.

After making her appointment, they shockingly told her that because they will be doing a Gynecology test (I'm a guy, I don't know how long or what the procedure is), that if it's her period, that she cannot do the test.

This seems wrong on so many levels. I've done some snooping around here and I don't see anything about IRCC compelling doctors to do such an invasive examination for a spousal sponsorship application. I would understand if there was a warranted reason to do it (family illness history; infections, etc.) but to ask this for a Perfectly Healthy 25 year old female seems ridiculous.

Is there a list of things that are to be examined? We looked at the letter IRCC sent us and haven't seen anything, and the Panel Physician's handbook from 2013 and IMM5419, while helpful, don't provide a yes/no answer to this question.

Thanks

 

[kcward7]

My wife (Serbian) is finishing up her Master's in Russia while I am sponsoring her.

We just received the request for medical, she went to the American Medical Clinic in Saint Petersburg today (Panel Physician) and made her appointment for May 15.

After making her appointment, they shockingly told her that because they will be doing a Gynecology test (I'm a guy, I don't know how long or what the procedure is), that if it's her period, that she cannot do the test.

This seems wrong on so many levels. I've done some snooping around here and I don't see anything about IRCC compelling doctors to do such an invasive examination for a spousal sponsorship application. I would understand if there was a warranted reason to do it (family illness history; infections, etc.) but to ask this for a Perfectly Healthy 25 year old female seems ridiculous.

Is there a list of things that are to be examined? We looked at the letter IRCC sent us and haven't seen anything, and the Panel Physician's handbook from 2013 and IMM5419, while helpful, don't provide a yes/no answer to this question.

Thanks

Some doctors are more invasive than others. Here in Ottawa I know the female panel physician does everything and the one we saw did a 2 minute look over.

Whether or not there are regulations about that I'm not sure or if it's up to the physician.

It's not a part of the standard exam to my knowledge but I am not sure if that means they can't request it.

They ask you to not be on your period because it can skew results of the urine sample.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

My wife (Serbian) is finishing up her Master's in Russia while I am sponsoring her.

We just received the request for medical, she went to the American Medical Clinic in Saint Petersburg today (Panel Physician) and made her appointment for May 15.

After making her appointment, they shockingly told her that because they will be doing a Gynecology test (I'm a guy, I don't know how long or what the procedure is), that if it's her period, that she cannot do the test.

This seems wrong on so many levels. I've done some snooping around here and I don't see anything about IRCC compelling doctors to do such an invasive examination for a spousal sponsorship application. I would understand if there was a warranted reason to do it (family illness history; infections, etc.) but to ask this for a Perfectly Healthy 25 year old female seems ridiculous.

Is there a list of things that are to be examined? We looked at the letter IRCC sent us and haven't seen anything, and the Panel Physician's handbook from 2013 and IMM5419, while helpful, don't provide a yes/no answer to this question.

Thanks

There is no gyno exam in the immigration medical. She should refuse and tell them to do just the standard medical.

There is a list of Regional Medical Offices in the Panel Physician handbook. I suggest you contact the one responsible for your country and inform them of this.

 

[KBH]

My wife (Serbian) is finishing up her Master's in Russia while I am sponsoring her.

We just received the request for medical, she went to the American Medical Clinic in Saint Petersburg today (Panel Physician) and made her appointment for May 15.

After making her appointment, they shockingly told her that because they will be doing a Gynecology test (I'm a guy, I don't know how long or what the procedure is), that if it's her period, that she cannot do the test.

This seems wrong on so many levels. I've done some snooping around here and I don't see anything about IRCC compelling doctors to do such an invasive examination for a spousal sponsorship application. I would understand if there was a warranted reason to do it (family illness history; infections, etc.) but to ask this for a Perfectly Healthy 25 year old female seems ridiculous.

Is there a list of things that are to be examined? We looked at the letter IRCC sent us and haven't seen anything, and the Panel Physician's handbook from 2013 and IMM5419, while helpful, don't provide a yes/no answer to this question.

Thanks

Agree with the above, but also be sure there is no confusion in regards to what your wife was told. There is a urine test that they will make you re-do if you are on your period.

 

[zt2018]

Don't stress too much about this check. It is a regular procedure every female is recommended to undergo at least every 12 months. Some DMPs do request it.

 

[AMScarry2019]

Don't stress too much about this check. It is a regular procedure every female is recommended to undergo at least every 12 months. Some DMPs do request it.

Dear zt2018,

Your advise not to get stressed is spot on.
I agree it is a regular procedure for females to get checked regularly.

However, it is UNUSUAL to have it done during the Immigration Medical, and I would say, it is NOT likely.

Recall, the Panel Doctors are paid to provide a minimum service (and likely paid a minimum fee), so I doubt they would include additional services at no additional charge.
I cannot attest to the interest of the panel doctor to suggest such a procedure - they may have valid reasons, but the Immigration Medical is not the time and place for such a procedure.

Ronjames,
you may wish to counsel your wife against allowing the procedure as per mine and other advise. I would also inform the Panel of this matter and let them decide what to do based on their own rules and regulations.

 

[zt2018]

I agree that it is unusual to request this procedure as a part of immigration medical exam, however I believe that the Panel knows about this practice (because they receive the results of this check as a part of the medical checks package ). The most important for Ronjames and his wife now is to go through the immigration process as quickly and as smoothly as possible, I honestly do not think that refusing doing something the doctors request and disputing their request will contribute to it. I can't tell them what to do, I can only tell what I would do if it were very important for me not have this check done: I'd call another clinic and make an appointment there. The nearest is IOM clinic in Moscow. I had my medicals done there in 2010 (no gyn.check was required, at the same time DMP in Vladivostok requested it and the Panel was ok with it).

 

[ronjames]

Thanks everyone. This forum continues to be a great resource thanks to people such as yourselves

I sent an email to IRCC.MHBGPNMU-UGRMPDDGMS.IRCC@cic.gc.ca which combined my original concerns along with what a bunch of you said.

Hopefully they get back before then, otherwise, I will call.

 

[ronjames]

I got a response from them! a gynecology exam is not part of the requirements for an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) for Canada

"
Dear Mr. ___

Your query was forwarded to us at the Regional Medical Office in London as Panel Clinics in Russia fall under our territory.

We would like to confirm that a gynecology exam is not part of the requirements for an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) for Canada.

We contacted the American Medical Clinic in St. Petersburg and spoke with the lead Panel Physician, Dr. Okolzina. She believes there must have been a misunderstanding and has confirmed that a gynecology exam has never been performed as part of an IME in that clinic.


We hope that this response has clarified the situation and provides reassurance to you and your spouse but please let us know if you have any further questions.


Kind regards,

"

 

[kcward7]

I got a response from them! a gynecology exam is not part of the requirements for an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) for Canada

"
Dear Mr. ___

Your query was forwarded to us at the Regional Medical Office in London as Panel Clinics in Russia fall under our territory.

We would like to confirm that a gynecology exam is not part of the requirements for an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) for Canada.

We contacted the American Medical Clinic in St. Petersburg and spoke with the lead Panel Physician, Dr. Okolzina. She believes there must have been a misunderstanding and has confirmed that a gynecology exam has never been performed as part of an IME in that clinic.


We hope that this response has clarified the situation and provides reassurance to you and your spouse but please let us know if you have any further questions.


Kind regards,

"

Great turnaround. Awesome

 

[zt2018]

Great news. Make sure that your wife has a copy of this letter in case there is a "misunderstanding" again. I hope everything goes smoothly. Good luck to you both.