Dr. Marla Sari Guralnick is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Burnaby, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her patients receive safe and effective care. Dr. Guralnick 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 is family-centered, aiming to create a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and cared for.
She graduated with her MD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York in the United States. She holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to pediatric excellence. Her ongoing professional development ensures that she stays current with the latest pediatric care guidelines and practices.
Dr. Guralnick is dedicated to family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She believes in collaborating closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to support the well-being of her young patients. In addition to English, she speaks French and Hebrew, enabling her to serve diverse families in Burnaby with culturally sensitive and accessible care.
Dr. Marla Guralnick provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- 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.
- 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. Marla Guralnick.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- 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.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
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. Guralnick 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. Guralnick practices at a family-friendly pediatric clinic located in Burnaby's Brentwood Park neighborhood, near Willingdon Heights. The clinic is conveniently situated close to Central Park Access and BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology), making it accessible for families across the region. Public transit options are plentiful, with TransLink services including SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as bus routes providing easy access. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, creating a comfortable environment for all. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of access for patients arriving by car.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Guralnick 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. Guralnick 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. Guralnick's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Guralnick, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Guralnick is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Guralnick 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. Guralnick'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 should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Guralnick?
- A fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and playful, a specific number on the thermometer isn't always the most important factor. You can help them feel more comfortable by offering fluids, dressing them in light clothing, and ensuring they get rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate for age and no contraindications) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort; always follow dosing instructions. Contact Dr. Guralnick's office if your child is under 3 months with any fever, has a very high fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, or if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.
- What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Guralnick 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. Guralnick is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Guralnick 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. Guralnick 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.
- 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. Guralnick will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.
- 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. Guralnick 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.
6548 Hastings St E, Kensington Children's Clinic
Burnaby, BC V5B 1S2
Phone: (604) 299-9765 | Fax: (604) 299-9772
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Guralnick is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. Guralnick 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/327682/Guralnick%2CMarla