Dr. Karen Emma Thomas – Pediatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Karen Emma Thomas is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Greenbelt Family Health Team in Hamilton, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Thomas 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 practice environment is designed to be welcoming and friendly to children and families, ensuring a positive experience for every patient.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2015, accumulating over 9 years of experience in child healthcare. Dr. Thomas is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest evidence-based practices in pediatric medicine.

With a family-centered approach, Dr. Thomas is dedicated to building trusting relationships with her young patients and their families. She emphasizes collaboration with parents and caregivers, providing education and support to promote optimal health and development. Her practice philosophy centers on preventive health, early intervention, and personalized care, all delivered in English, to support children through all stages of growth in a compassionate and professional manner.

Dr. Karen Thomas 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.
• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.

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.
• 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.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• 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 Thomas.

• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.

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. Thomas 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.

Greenbelt Family Health Team is situated in Hamilton's Westdale neighborhood, close to the Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area). The practice is conveniently located within Ancaster Village, making it accessible for families in the region. Public transit options, including the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), provide easy access to the facility. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and strives to create a welcoming environment for children and families. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for patients' convenience, ensuring easy access for everyone.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Thomas is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas'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. Thomas, she will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She 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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Thomas?

Dr. Thomas 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.

What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.

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

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

Greenbelt Family Health Team
Unit 1C, 1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 521-2100

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

Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas 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/Thomas-Karen-Emma/0273118-95222