Dr. Hasan Shamsh Merali – Pediatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Hasan Shamsh Merali is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Ontario Forensic Pathology Service in Hamilton, ON, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical care. Dr. Merali focuses on preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, promoting healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. His approach is warm, reassuring, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each young patient. The clinic environment is designed to be child-friendly and welcoming, making every visit a positive experience for children and their families.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School in the United States and has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2014, bringing over 10 years of dedicated experience to his practice. Dr. Merali is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), emphasizing his expertise and commitment to excellence in pediatric healthcare.

Dr. Merali’s clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. He believes in collaborating closely with families, parents, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and effective care. His dedication to young patients in Hamilton is driven by a genuine desire to support healthy childhood development. He provides care in English and strives to create a trusting, supportive environment where children feel safe and cared for.

Dr. Hasan Merali provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa - initial assessment & coordination): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and ability to function.
• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.

This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Hasan Merali.

• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Comprehensive Well-Child Visits (Infancy through Adolescence): Regular check-ups to monitor growth, development, nutrition, and overall health, including physical exams and age-appropriate guidance.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. Merali or your healthcare team for details relevant to your child's care.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Ontario Forensic Pathology Service is located in Hamilton's Westdale neighborhood, near the Ainslie Wood area close to McMaster University. The practice is conveniently situated near Hamilton City Hall and the Art Gallery of Hamilton, making it accessible and well-known in the community. Public transit options are plentiful, with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) providing easy access. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for families driving to appointments. The practice is situated in a family-friendly area, fostering a warm environment for children’s healthcare needs.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Merali covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Merali are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Some specialized tests, procedures, or medications prescribed by a subspecialist may require pre-authorization or might have specific coverage criteria. It's always a good idea to confirm coverage details with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or Dr. Merali's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Merali, a Pediatrician?

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Merali is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Merali is a pediatric subspecialist (e.g., a Pediatric Cardiologist or Developmental Pediatrician), a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required for services to be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). It's best to check with Dr. Merali's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. you may be able to book an appointment directly, especially if the practice is accepting new patients, or for newborn care.

How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Merali?

A fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and playful, a specific number on the thermometer isn't always the most important factor. You can help them feel more comfortable by offering fluids, dressing them in light clothing, and ensuring they get rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate for age and no contraindications) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort; always follow dosing instructions. Contact Dr. Merali's office if your child is under 3 months with any fever, has a very high fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, or if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.

What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Merali?

Dr. Merali follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for ON. This schedule outlines the vaccines your child should receive at different ages to protect them from serious preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), chickenpox, hepatitis B, influenza, rotavirus, pneumococcal, and meningococcal diseases. He will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.

How involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?

Dr. Merali believes in family-centered care, which means parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's healthcare team. He encourages open communication, welcomes your questions and concerns, and will involve you in all decisions regarding your child's health and treatment. Your insights into your child's behavior, symptoms, and daily life are invaluable for providing the best possible care.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Merali help?

Current guidelines generally recommend no screen time for children under 18-24 months (except for video-chatting with family), and limiting high-quality programming to about 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5 years, co-viewed with a parent. For older children and teens, it's important to balance screen time with other healthy activities like physical activity, social interaction, and sleep. Dr. Merali can discuss these recommendations, help your family create a media use plan, and address concerns about the impact of screen time on your child's health and development.

What can I do if my child is having trouble sleeping?

Sleep is crucial for a child's development. If your child is having trouble sleeping, establishing a consistent bedtime routine is very important. This includes a calming wind-down period, a set bedtime, and ensuring their sleep environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet. Limiting screen time before bed can also help. Dr. Merali can discuss age-appropriate sleep needs, common sleep problems, and strategies to address them. Sometimes, underlying issues like anxiety or medical conditions can affect sleep, which Dr. Merali can help assess.

Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
1280 Main Street West, HSC-2R104, Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 570-8992

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.

Dr. Merali is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Dr. Merali may accept new patients directly for general pediatric care or via referral, depending on clinic policy. Please contact the clinic for information on new patient registration and any referral requirements for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Merali-Hasan-Shamsh/0275746-96678