Dr. Keerat Kaur Dhaliwal – Pediatrician | Victoria, BC

Dr. Keerat Kaur Dhaliwal is a specialized Pediatric Neonatologist, dedicated to the critical care of newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely or with complex medical needs. Practicing at a pediatric clinic or hospital department in 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). She provides advanced medical care for high-risk newborns, focusing on their critical early stages of life and development, ensuring that the most vulnerable patients receive expert attention during their earliest moments.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Pecsi Orvostudomanyi Egyetem in Hungary and holds specialty certification as a Pediatric Neonatologist. Her qualifications include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her expertise and commitment to excellence in pediatric subspecialty care. Her training and certifications enable her to deliver specialized services tailored to the needs of infants and children with complex health conditions.

Dr. Dhaliwal is committed to family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She believes in working collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to support the well-being and development of her young patients. She speaks Hindi and Punjabi (Panjabi) in addition to English, which helps her connect with diverse families in Victoria. Her approach emphasizes compassion, thoroughness, and a dedication to improving health outcomes for children and adolescents from birth through age 18.

Dr. Keerat Dhaliwal provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Newborn & Neonatal Conditions

• Common Congenital Anomalies (e.g., certain heart defects, cleft lip/palate - initial management): Structural or functional abnormalities present at birth requiring initial assessment and care.
• Prematurity & Related Complications: Health issues arising from being born before 37 weeks of gestation, such as respiratory distress syndrome or feeding difficulties.
• Congenital Infections (e.g., CMV, Group B Strep): Infections passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• 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.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Keerat Dhaliwal.

• Long-Term Management of Chronic Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Disorders in Children: Providing ongoing, specialized care for children with chronic conditions requiring subspecialist expertise.
• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination for Complex Pediatric Cases: Collaborating with other specialists, therapists, and healthcare professionals to provide integrated care for children with multiple or complex health needs.
• Pediatric Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Consultation: Focused evaluation and management of complex or specific conditions within a pediatric subspecialty (e.g., Cardiology, Respirology, Endocrinology) upon referral.
• Diagnostic Testing & Interpretation for Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Conditions: Ordering and interpreting specialized tests relevant to the specific pediatric subspecialty to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (Specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. Dhaliwal 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.

Located within a dedicated pediatric department in Victoria's healthcare facilities, the practice is situated in areas near central Victoria, easily accessible via the Access to Saanich/Highway and Major North-South Route. The facility is well-connected to the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making it convenient for families to attend appointments. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with wheelchair accessibility and a family-friendly atmosphere. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available to accommodate visitors, ensuring ease of access for all families seeking pediatric care in Victoria.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Dhaliwal covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatric Neonatologist like Dr. Dhaliwal 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. Dhaliwal's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Dhaliwal, a Pediatric Neonatologist?

For a general Pediatric Neonatologist, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Dhaliwal is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Dhaliwal 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. Dhaliwal's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Dhaliwal 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. Dhaliwal 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.

What is the role of a Pediatric Neonatal-Perinatal like Dr. Dhaliwal?

A Pediatric Neonatal-Perinatal is a pediatrician who has completed additional specialized training in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Dr. Dhaliwal focuses on diagnosing and managing specific complex medical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents related to her area of expertise. This often involves working closely with general pediatricians, family doctors, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

When should I take my child to see Dr. Dhaliwal if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. Dhaliwal's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

Victoria General Hospital, 1 Hospital Way, Division of Neonatology
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5

Phone: (250) 727-4212

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

Dr. Dhaliwal is a licensed Pediatric Neonatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or general pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Dhaliwal 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/364991/Dhaliwal%2CKeerat