About
Dr. Leena Shahbaz is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Toronto, 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 evidence-based care. Dr. Shahbaz's role encompasses a broad spectrum of child healthcare services, including preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and management of common childhood illnesses. Her focus is on promoting healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. The clinic environment is designed to be child-friendly and welcoming, fostering a family-centered approach to care.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands. With over six years of experience practicing as a Pediatrician since 2018, Dr. Shahbaz has built a reputation for her clinical expertise and compassionate approach. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pediatric care and continuous professional development.
Dr. Shahbaz believes in family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to deliver personalized, evidence-based pediatric health services. She is dedicated to preventive health strategies, early intervention, and health education for young patients and their families in Toronto. Fluent in English and Urdu, she strives to communicate effectively and empathetically, ensuring families feel supported and informed throughout their healthcare journey.
Dr. Leena Shahbaz provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- 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.
- Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- 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.
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
- 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. Leena Shahbaz.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Shahbaz 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.
The practice is situated within the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Toronto's vibrant Parkdale and Roncesvalles neighborhood. Patients can enjoy easy access to the facility via public transit options including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus services. The location is family-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere designed to be accessible and comfortable for children and families. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide an inclusive environment for all visitors. For those arriving by car, metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available, making it convenient for families to visit with minimal stress. The practice's central location near popular landmarks like Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and Lee's Palace adds to its community-oriented setting, making it a convenient choice for families seeking pediatric care in Toronto.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Shahbaz 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. Shahbaz 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. Shahbaz's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shahbaz, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Shahbaz is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Shahbaz 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. Shahbaz'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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Shahbaz?
- Dr. Shahbaz 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.
- How involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?
- Dr. Shahbaz 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.
Juravinski Cancer Centre
2200 Dundas St E
Toronto, ON M6R 1X3
Phone: (888) 350-2323 | Fax: (833) 479-0224
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Shahbaz 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. Shahbaz 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/Shahbaz-Leena/0296438-104963