About
Dr. Margaret Ellen Clarke is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in West Vancouver, 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). Dr. Clarke 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 that young patients and their families feel comfortable and supported during each visit.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from McMaster University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician. Dr. Clarke has earned certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pediatric care. Her training and ongoing education ensure she remains current with the latest practices and guidelines in child healthcare.
Dedicated to family-centered and evidence-based practice, Dr. Clarke emphasizes collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals to deliver personalized care. She is committed to supporting the health and well-being of her young patients, providing care in English and fostering a supportive, engaging environment for children and their families in West Vancouver.
Dr. Margaret Clarke 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.
- Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- 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.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Margaret Clarke.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- 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.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- 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.
- 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. Clarke 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.
Dr. Clarke's practice is located within a pediatric clinic in West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay, Gleneagles neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible via public transit, with options provided by TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). It is situated near Dundarave Village and Horseshoe Bay Village, making it easy for families to visit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a comfortable environment for young patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby to ensure ease of access for families driving to appointments.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Clarke 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. Clarke 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. Clarke's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Clarke, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Clarke is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Clarke 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. Clarke'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. Clarke?
- Dr. Clarke follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for BC. 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.
- What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Clarke's office is closed?
- Dr. Clarke'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.
- How does Dr. Clarke help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Clarke plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Clarke 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. Clarke 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.
6495 Argyle Ave
West Vancouver, BC V7W 2E8
Phone: (403) 560-6068 | Fax: (604) 921-7046
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Clarke is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. Clarke 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/363301/Clarke%2CMargaret