Dr. Karen Elaine Forward – Pediatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Karen Elaine Forward is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus in Hamilton, 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 meets rigorous professional guidelines. Dr. Forward 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. Her approach is warm, reassuring, and family-centered, aiming to create a welcoming environment where young patients and their families feel comfortable and supported.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada, and has over 13 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2011. Dr. Forward is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to pediatric medicine. Her extensive training and ongoing professional development enable her to provide the highest quality of care tailored to each child's unique needs.

Dr. Forward’s clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered, evidence-based practice with a strong focus on preventive health. She collaborates closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to support optimal growth and development in her young patients. Fluent in English, she is dedicated to fostering trusting relationships and ensuring that every child receives compassionate, personalized care in a supportive environment.

Dr. Karen Forward provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• 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.
• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).

Adolescent Health Concerns

• 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.
• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• 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. Karen Forward.

• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• 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.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.

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. Forward 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 General Campus, located in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods, serves as a key medical facility with a dedicated pediatric unit. The hospital is situated near Dundurn Castle National Historic Site, making it a recognizable landmark. The facility is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit, offering convenient options for families. The hospital prides itself on being wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a friendly environment for young patients. Metered street parking and nearby lots are available for those arriving by car, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

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

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

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

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. Forward 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. She 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.

When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Forward will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.

What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Forward?

Dr. Forward 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. She will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.

The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
1200 Main Street W.
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5

Phone: (905) 521-2100

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

Dr. Forward 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. Forward 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/Forward-Karen-Elaine/0242826-87026