Dr. Laura Kirsten Gerber is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Burlington, 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 patients receive safe and effective medical care. Dr. Gerber 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 emphasizes building trusting relationships with families in a warm and welcoming environment.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada, Dr. Gerber has over 21 years of experience as a Pediatrician, having started her practice in 2003. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and expertise in child healthcare. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to ongoing learning and applying the latest evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes for her young patients.
Dr. Gerber's clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to support each child's unique needs. She believes in preventive health, early intervention, and holistic approaches that foster healthy development. Dedicated to serving the Burlington community, she provides medical services in English, ensuring clear communication and personalized attention for every family she cares for.
Dr. Laura Gerber provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
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.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
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.
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Laura Gerber.
- 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.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- 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.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
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. Gerber 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.
Dr. Gerber practices at a child-friendly pediatric clinic located in Downtown Burlington, in the Central neighborhood. The clinic is situated near Spencer Smith Park, offering a scenic and calming environment for young patients and their families. Accessible via Burlington Transit, the location is easy to reach for families using public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming and accommodating to children and families. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access for those arriving by car. The practice environment is designed to be warm, inviting, and conducive to a positive healthcare experience for children of all ages.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Gerber 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. Gerber 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. Gerber's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Gerber, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Gerber is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Gerber 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. Gerber'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 does a Pediatrician like Dr. Gerber 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. Gerber is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.
- 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. Gerber 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.
- 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. Gerber 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. Gerber can help assess.
- How involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?
- Dr. Gerber believes in family-centered care, which means parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's healthcare team. She encourages open communication, welcomes your questions and concerns, and will involve you in all decisions regarding your child's health and treatment. Your insights into your child's behavior, symptoms, and daily life are invaluable for providing the best possible care.
Ste. 200, 700 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7R 3M8
Phone: (289) 288-0061 | Fax: (289) 288-0473
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Gerber 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. Gerber 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/Gerber-Laura-Kirsten/0158930-73620