Dr. Jennifer Erin Smith – Pediatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Jennifer Erin Smith is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Connor House Family Practice in Ottawa, 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). Dr. Smith's role in child healthcare involves addressing the unique medical needs of young patients, ensuring they receive preventive care, timely treatment, and ongoing support to promote healthy growth and development from birth through adolescence. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, fostering a positive experience for families and their children.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 10 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2014, she has developed a deep expertise in caring for children. Dr. Smith is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), affirming her specialized training and commitment to pediatric medicine.

Dr. Smith’s clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, evidence-based practices, and preventive health strategies. She believes in collaborating closely with parents and caregivers to develop personalized care plans that support each child's unique health journey. Fluent in both English and French, she strives to communicate effectively with diverse families in Ottawa, ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their child's healthcare experience.

Dr. Jennifer Smith provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• 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

• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.

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.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.

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

• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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. Smith 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.

Connor House Family Practice is situated in the Elmvale Acres neighborhood of Ottawa, ON, serving families in the surrounding communities of Hawthorne Meadows and Billings Bridge. The practice is conveniently located near Westgate Shopping Centre, making it easy for families to combine healthcare visits with errands or shopping. Accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus routes), the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby parking lots, ensuring convenience for patients and visitors.

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

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

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

What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Smith's office is closed?

Dr. Smith'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.

Connor House Family Practice
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600

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

Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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/Smith-Jennifer-Erin/0266232-93651