Dr. James Edward Vernon Pugh – Pediatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. James Edward Vernon Pugh is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Congenital Cardioligy Clinic in Hamilton, ON, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He 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 family-friendly, welcoming, and supportive, ensuring young patients and their families feel comfortable and cared for.

Dr. Pugh graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of London in the United Kingdom. With over 12 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2012, he has developed a strong specialization in child healthcare. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining excellence in pediatric practice and ongoing professional development.

His clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. Dr. Pugh is dedicated to collaborating closely with families, parents, and other healthcare professionals to provide personalized, holistic care tailored to each child's unique needs. He provides his services primarily in English and is passionate about supporting the well-being and healthy development of young patients in Hamilton and surrounding communities.

Dr. James Pugh 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.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.

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.
• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.

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

• 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.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.

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. Pugh 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.

Congenital Cardioligy Clinic is situated in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods, conveniently accessible within the city. The clinic is located near the Westmount Recreation Centre, making it a familiar landmark for families. Public transit options are plentiful, with Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) buses serving the area regularly. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing easy access for families driving to appointments. The clinic's environment is designed to be friendly for children, with amenities to support a positive healthcare experience.

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

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

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

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. Pugh 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. He 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 does Dr. Pugh help manage chronic health conditions in children?

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Pugh 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.

If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?

If Dr. Pugh or your family doctor refers your child to a subspecialist, it's helpful to prepare for the appointment. Bring any relevant medical records, test results, a list of current medications, and your child's health card. Write down your questions and concerns beforehand. Be prepared to discuss your child's symptoms, medical history, and any family history that might be relevant. Understanding the reason for the referral and what you hope to gain from the visit can make the consultation more effective.

Congenital Cardioligy Clinic
1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

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

Dr. Pugh 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. Pugh 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/Pugh-James-Edward-Vernon/0260066-91733