Dr. Ellen Tsai – Pediatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Ellen Tsai is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Ottawa, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her role encompasses a broad spectrum of pediatric care, focusing on promoting healthy growth, development, and disease prevention for her young patients. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming, child-friendly, and conducive to a positive healthcare experience for families.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 28 years of experience as a Pediatrician, having started her practice in 1996. Dr. Tsai is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure she stays current with the latest advances in pediatric medicine, providing evidence-based and personalized care to her patients.

Dr. Tsai's clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, collaborative decision-making, and preventive health strategies. She believes in building trusting relationships with both her patients and their families to foster open communication and shared understanding. She speaks both English and French, allowing her to serve a diverse community of young patients and their families in Ottawa with sensitivity and respect.

Dr. Ellen Tsai provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
• Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• 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. Ellen Tsai.

• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.

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. Tsai 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.

Located within the Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Ottawa's vibrant neighborhood of The Glebe, the pediatric unit offers a welcoming and child-friendly environment. The facility is easily accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus), with nearby public transit options making it convenient for families to reach. The hospital is situated near Dow's Lake Pavilion, offering scenic surroundings and family-friendly amenities. The clinic's entrance and patient areas are wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming to children and families. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access for visitors. As a key medical facility within the hospital, the pediatric department is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community.

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

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

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

When should I take my child to see Dr. Tsai if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. Tsai's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

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

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
875 Carling Avenue, Operating Room
Ottawa, ON K1S 5P1

Phone: (613) 725-2000 | Fax: (613) 725-1300

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

Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai 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/Tsai-Ellen/0049716-63694