Dr. Deborah Ghita Siemiatycki – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Deborah Ghita Siemiatycki is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Sault Area Hospital in Toronto, 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). Dr. Siemiatycki 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. Her approach is family-centered and supportive, ensuring that each young patient receives personalized attention in a welcoming environment.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Sherbrooke Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé in Canada. With over 32 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 1992, she has built a wealth of expertise in child healthcare. Dr. Siemiatycki is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification underpin her commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based pediatric services.

Dr. Siemiatycki is dedicated to family-centered care, working collaboratively with parents and other healthcare professionals to support the health and well-being of her young patients. She emphasizes preventive health strategies and evidence-based practices to foster healthy development. Fluent in both English and French, she strives to create a culturally sensitive and accessible environment, ensuring that families in Toronto feel supported and engaged in their child's healthcare journey.

Dr. Deborah Siemiatycki provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• 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

• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.

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

• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• Mental Health Screening & Initial Support: Basic screening for common pediatric mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and providing initial support or referrals as needed.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.

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. Siemiatycki 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.

Sault Area Hospital is situated in Toronto's Lawrence Manor and Lawrence Heights neighbourhoods. The hospital features a specialized pediatric unit, including the pediatric clinic where Dr. Siemiatycki practices. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, with TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus) options connecting easily from various parts of the city. The hospital is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, offering a friendly environment for young patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby to accommodate families visiting the hospital for pediatric care.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Siemiatycki 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. Siemiatycki 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. Siemiatycki's office, especially for subspecialty care.

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Siemiatycki is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Siemiatycki 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. Siemiatycki'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 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. Siemiatycki 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. Siemiatycki can help assess.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Siemiatycki 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. Siemiatycki 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.

My child is a picky eater. What advice can a pediatrician offer?

It's very common for toddlers and young children to go through phases of picky eating. Dr. Siemiatycki can offer practical advice, such as maintaining a regular meal and snack schedule, offering a variety of healthy foods without pressure, involving your child in food preparation, and modeling healthy eating habits. She can also assess your child's growth and development to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition and rule out any underlying medical concerns. If needed, a referral to a dietitian may be considered.

How often should my child see a Pediatrician for well-child visits?

Well-child visits are scheduled regularly from birth through adolescence. In the first year, visits are frequent (e.g., shortly after birth, then at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months). After that, they typically occur at 15, 18, 24 months, and then annually from age 3 onwards, or as per provincial guidelines. Dr. Siemiatycki will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?

During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Siemiatycki, She will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.

Sault Area Hospital
3077 Bathurst St., Suite 201
Toronto, ON M6A 1Z9

Phone: (416) 633-3554 | Fax: (416) 633-3559

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

Dr. Siemiatycki 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. Siemiatycki 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/Siemiatycki-Deborah-Ghita/0045998-59976