Dr. Jonathan Benjamin Tolkin – Pediatrician | North York, ON

Dr. Jonathan Benjamin Tolkin is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Southlake Regional Health Centre in North York, 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 welcoming and friendly for young patients and their families, fostering a trusting and supportive atmosphere.

Dr. Tolkin graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Dublin in Ireland. With over 40 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 1984, he has developed a deep expertise in child healthcare. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice aligns with the rigorous standards of the profession and the needs of his young patients.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. Dr. Tolkin is dedicated to working collaboratively with parents and other healthcare professionals to support each child's unique health journey. He provides care primarily in English and is committed to building long-term relationships with families in North York, ensuring that every child receives attentive, personalized, and compassionate medical attention.

Dr. Jonathan Tolkin provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.

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.
• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Adolescent Health Concerns

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

• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• 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.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.

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. Tolkin 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.

Southlake Regional Health Centre, situated in the areas near central North York, ON, serves as a vital hub for pediatric healthcare in the region. The hospital is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for families traveling from various neighborhoods. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a safe and friendly environment. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of access for patients and visitors. As a key component of the hospital's pediatric services, the dedicated unit offers specialized care tailored to infants, children, and adolescents, supporting the health and well-being of young patients in the community.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Tolkin is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Tolkin 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. Tolkin'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 expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?

During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Tolkin, He will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. He will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.

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

Southlake Regional Health Centre
4800 Leslie Street
North York, ON M2J 2K9

Phone: (416) 497-1987 | Fax: (416) 497-0712

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

Dr. Tolkin 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. Tolkin 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/Tolkin-Jonathan-Benjamin/0038208-52184