Dr. Janet Louise Saunderson – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Janet Louise Saunderson is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at The Ottawa 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), ensuring that her practice maintains excellence in patient care. Her focus is 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, creating a supportive space for families and young patients.

With a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada, Dr. Saunderson has over 34 years of experience as a Pediatrician, having begun her practice in 1990. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive clinical background and ongoing commitment to professional development enable her to provide top-tier pediatric care tailored to each child's unique needs.

Dr. Saunderson’s clinical philosophy is rooted in family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and a strong emphasis on preventive health. She collaborates closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to support children's well-being through all stages of development. Fluent in both English and French, she is dedicated to fostering open communication and trust with her patients and their families, ensuring that every child receives attentive, personalized care in a warm and supportive environment.

Dr. Janet Saunderson provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
• 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).

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
• 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. Janet Saunderson.

• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Saunderson 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.

The Ottawa Hospital’s pediatric unit in Toronto's The Danforth West, Riverdale neighborhood serves as a key medical facility dedicated to child healthcare. The practice is situated within a vibrant area close to the Royal Ontario Museum and Lee's Palace, easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a family-friendly environment. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access for families coming for pediatric care. The hospital setting emphasizes a supportive, family-centered approach in a safe and engaging environment for young patients and their caregivers.

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

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

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

What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Saunderson specialize in?

A Pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents, typically from birth up to age 18. They provide comprehensive care, including preventive health (like well-child visits and immunizations), diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and monitoring of growth and development. She provides comprehensive medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Saunderson is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.

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

The Ottawa Hospital
A280, 235 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1N2

Phone: (416) 465-7421 | Fax: (416) 465-6588

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

Dr. Saunderson 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. Saunderson 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/Saunderson-Janet-Louise/0039922-53898