Description
About Dr. Maria Mar
Dr. Maria Mar is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at McMaster University Medical Centre in Toronto, 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), ensuring that every patient receives safe, up-to-date, and personalized care. Dr. Mar 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, welcoming environment designed to be child-friendly and accessible.
Graduating with a Medical Degree from the University of Barcelona in Spain, Dr. Mar has over five years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2019. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting her specialized training and commitment to excellence in pediatric medicine. Her ongoing professional development ensures she stays current with the latest advances and guidelines in child healthcare, enabling her to provide the best possible outcomes for her young patients.
Dr. Mar’s clinical philosophy centers on family-centered, evidence-based practice. She believes in collaborating closely with parents and caregivers to support each child's unique health journey, emphasizing preventive health measures and early intervention when needed. Fluent in English, Catalan, and Spanish, she strives to communicate effectively with diverse families across Toronto, fostering a trusting and supportive relationship that encourages proactive health management and holistic well-being.
Common Conditions Dr. Maria Mar Addresses
Dr. Maria Mar provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
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
- Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
- 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. Maria Mar.
Pediatrician Services Offered by Dr. Maria Mar
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- 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.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
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. Mar 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
McMaster University Medical Centre is situated in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor, within the vibrant Discovery District. The practice is conveniently accessible via public transit, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. It is located near notable landmarks such as St. Lawrence Market and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a friendly environment for young patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, making it easy for families to visit for routine appointments or urgent care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Mar 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. Mar 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. Mar's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Mar, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Mar is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Mar 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. Mar'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.
- How often should my child see a Pediatrician for well-child visits?
- Well-child visits are scheduled regularly from birth through adolescence. In the first year, visits are frequent (e.g., shortly after birth, then at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months). After that, they typically occur at 15, 18, 24 months, and then annually from age 3 onwards, or as per provincial guidelines. Dr. Mar will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.
- When should I take my child to see Dr. Mar if they are sick?
- You should contact Dr. Mar's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
Contact & Licensing Information
McMaster University Medical Centre
555 University Ave, The Boris Clinic
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8
Phone: (416) 813-6122
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Mar 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. Mar 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/Miserachs-Barba-Maria-del-Mar/0293539-103037