Dr. Leona Fishman Shapiro – Pediatrician | North York, ON

Dr. Leona Fishman Shapiro is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Cancer Centre Of Southeastern Ontario in North York, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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, ensuring a family-centered approach to care.

Dr. Shapiro graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 40 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 1984, she brings a wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise to her practice. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), affirming her credentials and commitment to excellence in pediatric care.

Her clinical philosophy revolves around family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. Dr. Shapiro is dedicated to collaborating closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to support the well-being of her young patients in North York. She also speaks French in addition to English, enabling her to serve a diverse community with cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Dr. Leona Shapiro provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• 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

• 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.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.

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

• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• 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.
• 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.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• 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. Shapiro 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 located at the Cancer Centre Of Southeastern Ontario, situated in North York's areas near central North York. The facility serves as a key medical hub within the hospital complex, providing specialized pediatric services. It is conveniently accessible via local public transit, making it easy for families to reach. The location is close to local points of interest, including community centers and parks, fostering a family-friendly environment. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access for patients and visitors.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Shapiro 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. Shapiro 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. Shapiro's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shapiro, a Pediatrician?

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Shapiro is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Shapiro 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. Shapiro'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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Shapiro 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. Shapiro 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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Shapiro?

Dr. Shapiro 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.

Cancer Centre Of Southeastern Ontario
1100 Sheppard Avenue East, Kingston General Hospital
North York, ON M2K 2W1

Phone: (416) 250-9248 | Fax: (416) 519-1139

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

Dr. Shapiro 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. Shapiro 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/Fishman-Shapiro-Leona/0027870-32693