Dr. Marina Sandra Yacob – Pediatrician | London, ON

Dr. Marina Sandra Yacob is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at LHSC- University Hospital in London, 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 practice aligns with the province’s rigorous medical regulations. Dr. Yacob 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 practice environment is designed to be family-friendly, welcoming, and supportive, fostering a trusting relationship with her young patients and their families.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has accumulated over 3 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2021. Dr. Yacob is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her specialized training and commitment to pediatric healthcare excellence. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices in child health.

With a philosophy rooted in family-centered care, Dr. Yacob is dedicated to collaborating closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to optimize health outcomes. She emphasizes preventive health, early intervention, and tailored care plans that respect each child's unique needs. Fluent in English and French, Dr. Yacob is able to communicate effectively with diverse families, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for her patients in London.

Dr. Marina Yacob provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• 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.
• Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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.
• 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.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.

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. Yacob 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.

LHSC- University Hospital is situated in London's Downtown London, North London East neighborhood, serving as a key medical facility within the city. The hospital's pediatric unit is conveniently located near Victoria Hospital (LHSC) and Westminster Ponds, making it accessible for families in the area. Public transit options are readily available via the London Transit Commission (LTC), providing easy access for patients and visitors. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, fostering a supportive environment for young patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of visit for families attending appointments at the hospital's pediatric services.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Yacob is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Yacob 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. Yacob'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. Yacob will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Yacob 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. Yacob 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.

LHSC- University Hospital
800 Commissioners Rd E, Division of Cardiology
London, ON N6A 5W9

Phone: (519) 685-8500

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

Dr. Yacob 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. Yacob 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/Yacob-Marina-Sandra/0318221-111991