Description
About Dr. Katherine MacCulloch
Dr. Katherine MacCulloch is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Victoria, BC, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that each patient receives safe and effective care. She 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, fostering a positive experience for families during their visits.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician. Dr. MacCulloch has earned key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining excellence in pediatric healthcare and staying current with medical advancements.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She collaborates closely with parents, guardians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure each young patient’s unique needs are met. Fluent in English, Dr. MacCulloch is dedicated to providing accessible, empathetic, and comprehensive care to children and adolescents across Victoria, fostering healthy development and well-being in a supportive environment.
Common Conditions Dr. Katherine MacCulloch Addresses
Dr. Katherine MacCulloch 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.
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- 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.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
- 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.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Katherine MacCulloch.
Pediatrician Services Offered by Dr. Katherine MacCulloch
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- 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.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- 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.
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. MacCulloch 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. MacCulloch's practice is situated in a pediatric clinic within Victoria's Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via Major North-South Route and has close access to Saanich/Highway, making it easy for families to reach. Public transit options are available through the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), with stops nearby for added convenience. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and aims to create a welcoming environment for children and families, emphasizing comfort and ease of access. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring that families can attend appointments without difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are pediatric services with Dr. MacCulloch covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. MacCulloch are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or Dr. MacCulloch's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. MacCulloch, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. MacCulloch is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. MacCulloch 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP). It's best to check with Dr. MacCulloch'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.
- How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. MacCulloch?
- A fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and playful, a specific number on the thermometer isn't always the most important factor. You can help them feel more comfortable by offering fluids, dressing them in light clothing, and ensuring they get rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate for age and no contraindications) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort; always follow dosing instructions. Contact Dr. MacCulloch's office if your child is under 3 months with any fever, has a very high fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, or if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.
- What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. MacCulloch's office is closed?
- Dr. MacCulloch's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. MacCulloch 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. MacCulloch 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.
- 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. MacCulloch 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
403-1990 Fort St, Willows Pediatrics
Victoria, BC V8R 6V4
Phone: (250) 727-2156
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. MacCulloch is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. MacCulloch 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/355247/MacCulloch%2CKatherine