Description
About Dr. Maria Carmen
Dr. Maria Carmen is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at EPICare Medical Family Practice in Ottawa, 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, ethical, and evidence-based medical care. Dr. Carmen 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, fostering a positive experience for both young patients and their families.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon in Mexico and has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2018, accumulating over 6 years of dedicated experience in child healthcare. Dr. Carmen is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting her specialized training and commitment to excellence in pediatric medicine. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of pediatric health concerns, from routine check-ups to managing complex health issues, always with a family-centered approach.
Dr. Carmen's clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She collaborates closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to ensure each child’s unique needs are met. Dedicated to supporting children through all stages of development, she also speaks Spanish in addition to English, facilitating communication with diverse patient families. Her goal is to foster a trusting relationship with her patients and their families, helping children thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Common Conditions Dr. Maria Carmen Addresses
Dr. Maria Carmen 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.
- Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
- 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.
- 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. Maria Carmen.
Pediatrician Services Offered by Dr. Maria Carmen
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- 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.
- 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. Carmen 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
EPICare Medical Family Practice is located in Ottawa's vibrant Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The practice is conveniently situated near landmarks such as the Confederation Building and Library and Archives Canada, making it easily accessible for families in the area. Public transit options include OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus routes), ensuring a straightforward commute. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a comfortable environment for young patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, making visits convenient for families with private vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Carmen 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. Carmen 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. Carmen's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Carmen, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Carmen is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Carmen 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. Carmen'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.
- If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?
- If Dr. Carmen or your family doctor refers your child to a subspecialist, it's helpful to prepare for the appointment. Bring any relevant medical records, test results, a list of current medications, and your child's health card. Write down your questions and concerns beforehand. Be prepared to discuss your child's symptoms, medical history, and any family history that might be relevant. Understanding the reason for the referral and what you hope to gain from the visit can make the consultation more effective.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Carmen 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. Carmen 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.
- When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?
- The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Carmen will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.
- What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Carmen 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. Carmen is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.
- What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?
- During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Carmen, She will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.
Contact & Licensing Information
EPICare Medical Family Practice
401 Smyth Rd
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1
Phone: (613) 737-7600
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Carmen 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. Carmen 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/Liy-Wong-Maria-Del-Carmen/0310980-108984