About
Dr. Karim Galal Hussein Aref is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in Ajax, 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 every child receives safe, effective, and family-centered care. Dr. Aref 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 child-friendly, making each visit comfortable and reassuring for young patients and their families.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt and has over 20 years of experience as a Pediatrician, practicing since 2004. Recognized as a Specialist by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), he maintains a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice. His certifications and extensive clinical experience enable him to deliver high-quality pediatric care tailored to each child's unique needs.
Dr. Aref believes in a family-centered approach, emphasizing open communication, preventive health strategies, and collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals. He is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of young patients in Ajax. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, he strives to make his services accessible and culturally sensitive to diverse families in the community.
Dr. Karim Aref 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.
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
- Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
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.
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
- 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. Karim Aref.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
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. Aref 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.
Located in Ajax's Southwood, Pickering Beach neighborhood, the pediatric clinic is situated within a welcoming healthcare facility that serves the local community. The practice is conveniently accessible from Ajax Town Hall and is well-served by Durham Region Transit (DRT) bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a friendly environment for young patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, making it easy for families to visit for routine check-ups or urgent care needs. The location is designed to support the health and comfort of children and their families, ensuring a positive healthcare experience in a family-friendly setting.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Aref 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. Aref 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. Aref's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Aref, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Aref is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Aref 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. Aref'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. Aref 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. Aref can help assess.
- How does Dr. Aref help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Aref 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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Aref?
- Dr. Aref 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.
580 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax, ON L1S 2J4
Phone: (905) 683-2320 | Fax: (905) 683-7669
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Aref 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. Aref 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/Aref-Karim-Galal-Hussein/0235701-85980