Dr. Alisha Kassam is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at West Plains Family Practice in Newmarket, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Kassam's focus is on delivering family-centered care that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and management of childhood health issues, fostering healthy growth and development from birth through adolescence. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, promoting a positive experience for young patients and their families.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada, Dr. Kassam has accumulated over 14 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2010. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pediatric care, continuously updating her knowledge through ongoing education and professional development.
Dr. Kassam's clinical philosophy centers on providing family-centered, evidence-based care with a strong emphasis on preventive health. She values collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and tailored treatment plans for each child. Fluent in English, she dedicates herself to supporting young patients and their families in Newmarket, fostering a trusting and supportive healthcare relationship that promotes optimal health and well-being.
Dr. Alisha Kassam provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
- Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
- 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.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Alisha Kassam.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- 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.
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. Kassam 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.
West Plains Family Practice is situated in Newmarket's Central Newmarket neighborhood, specifically within the Gorham-College Manor area. The practice is conveniently located near Riverwalk Commons and Historic Downtown Newmarket, providing a vibrant and family-friendly environment. Accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, the clinic is easily reachable by public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for children and families. Paid parking options are available nearby, ensuring easy access for patients arriving by car. The location offers a safe, comfortable space for young patients and their families to receive quality pediatric care in a community-oriented setting.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Kassam 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. Kassam 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. Kassam's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kassam, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Kassam is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Kassam 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. Kassam'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.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Kassam 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. Kassam 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.
- How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Kassam?
- 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. Kassam'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.
West Plains Family Practice
Unit #20, 596 Davis Drive
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9
Phone: (905) 895-4521
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Kassam 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. Kassam 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/Kassam-Alisha/0232923-84386