Dr. Kaleem Ashraf – Pediatrician | Niagara Falls, ON

Dr. Kaleem Ashraf is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital in Niagara Falls, ON, 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 all care delivered meets provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Ashraf 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 child-friendly and welcoming, making every visit a positive experience for families.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Liaquat Medical College in Pakistan and has accumulated over 9 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2015. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Ashraf maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in pediatric care. His certifications and experience underpin his ability to provide high-quality medical services tailored to the needs of each young patient.

Driven by a philosophy of family-centered care and evidence-based practice, Dr. Ashraf is dedicated to fostering healthy habits, early detection of health issues, and collaborative decision-making with families. He believes in building trusting relationships with his patients and their caregivers, ensuring that every child receives personalized, compassionate attention. Fluent in English and Urdu, he strives to communicate effectively with diverse families in Niagara Falls, supporting children’s health and well-being at every stage of development.

Dr. Kaleem Ashraf 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.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints 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.
• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• 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.
• 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. Kaleem Ashraf.

• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• 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.
• 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. Ashraf 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.

McMaster Children's Hospital's pediatric unit in Niagara Falls is situated in the Downtown Niagara Falls (Queen St area) neighborhood. The facility is part of a specialized medical center within the hospital complex, serving as a key resource for child healthcare in the region. It is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Skylon Tower and various hotels, making it accessible for families. Public transit options, including Niagara Region Transit (NRT), provide easy access to the hospital. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with parking available at or near the location to ensure convenience for visitors.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Ashraf is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Ashraf 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. Ashraf'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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Ashraf?

Dr. Ashraf follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for ON. This schedule outlines the vaccines your child should receive at different ages to protect them from serious preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), chickenpox, hepatitis B, influenza, rotavirus, pneumococcal, and meningococcal diseases. He will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.

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. Ashraf, 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.

How involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?

Dr. Ashraf believes in family-centered care, which means parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's healthcare team. He encourages open communication, welcomes your questions and concerns, and will involve you in all decisions regarding your child's health and treatment. Your insights into your child's behavior, symptoms, and daily life are invaluable for providing the best possible care.

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

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

McMaster Children's Hospital
5547 Portage Road, Department of Paediatrics Division of Emergency Medicine
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 5Y2

Phone: (289) 296-4500 | Fax: (289) 296-5537

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

Dr. Ashraf 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. Ashraf 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/Ashraf-Kaleem/0256003-91630