Dr. James Alan Whitlock – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. James Alan Whitlock is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood, 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 that every child receives safe, effective, and family-centered care. Dr. Whitlock 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. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, fostering a comfortable space where families can feel at ease during their visits.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Vanderbilt University in the United States and has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2010, bringing over 14 years of experience in child healthcare. Recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, Dr. Whitlock maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest pediatric guidelines and research. His certifications and experience enable him to provide expert care tailored to each child's unique needs.

Dr. Whitlock's clinical philosophy centers on family-centered, evidence-based practice. He believes in collaborating closely with parents and caregivers to support the health, safety, and well-being of young patients. Dedicated to promoting preventive health strategies, he emphasizes education and early intervention. Fluent in English, he strives to build trusting relationships with families throughout Toronto, ensuring that every child receives attentive, respectful, and comprehensive pediatric care.

Dr. James Whitlock 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.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

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

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• 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. James Whitlock.

• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• 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.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• 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.
• 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. Whitlock 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. Whitlock's practice is situated within a pediatric clinic in Toronto's vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the Port Lands area. The facility is easily reachable via public transit, including TTC services such as the Subway, Streetcar, and Bus lines. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming to children and families, creating a friendly environment for young patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, making visits convenient for families from all parts of Toronto and surrounding communities.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Whitlock is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock'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 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. Whitlock will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

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

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. Whitlock'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.

How does Dr. Whitlock help manage chronic health conditions in children?

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Whitlock plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.

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

M1-37, 555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-1500 | Fax: (416) 813-5327

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

Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock 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/Whitlock-James-Alan/0266763-94311