Dr. Dhandapani Ashok – Pediatrician | London, ON

Dr. Dhandapani Ashok is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within London's vibrant healthcare community, he adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His focus encompasses preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, all aimed at promoting healthy growth and development from birth through adolescence. The clinic environment is thoughtfully designed to be child-friendly and welcoming, ensuring comfort and reassurance for young patients and their families.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Madras in India and has accumulated over 12 years of experience as a Pediatrician, having started his practice in 2012. Dr. Ashok is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pediatric care in Ontario.

Dr. Ashok’s clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. He values collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for his young patients. Fluent in English, Tamil, and Telugu, he is dedicated to serving the diverse community of London, Ontario, with compassion and professionalism. His approach aims to foster trust and open communication, supporting children’s health and well-being at every stage of development.

Dr. Dhandapani Ashok provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• 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

• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• 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. Dhandapani Ashok.

• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.
• 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.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.

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. Ashok 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.

Dr. Ashok practices at a welcoming pediatric clinic situated in London's Downtown London, North London East neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near Victoria Hospital (LHSC) and Westminster Ponds, offering easy access for families. Public transit options are readily available via the London Transit Commission (LTC), making it simple for families to reach the clinic. The location is wheelchair accessible and designed to be inviting for children and their caregivers. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring convenience for families visiting for routine check-ups or urgent care needs. The clinic environment emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere, with amenities aimed at making young patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Ashok is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Ashok 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. Ashok'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 should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Ashok's office is closed?

Dr. Ashok's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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. Ashok, He will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. He 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.

When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Ashok will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.

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. Ashok will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON N6A 5W9

Phone: (519) 685-8500 | Fax: (519) 685-8105

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

Dr. Ashok 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. Ashok 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/Ashok-Dhandapani/0282542-99529