Dr. Melanie Purtzki is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Calgary, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that every young patient receives safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Dr. Purtzki 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 family-centered approach that emphasizes trust, communication, and support for both children and their families.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada, followed by extensive postgraduate training in pediatrics. Dr. Purtzki holds the necessary certifications to practice as a Pediatrician in Alberta, including specialty certification in Pediatrics. Her commitment to ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advances in pediatric medicine, enabling her to provide the highest quality of care tailored to each child's unique needs.
Driven by a philosophy of family-centered and evidence-based practice, Dr. Purtzki is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of her young patients in Calgary. She values collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care. Fluent in English, she strives to create a trusting and supportive environment where families feel comfortable discussing concerns and making informed health decisions for their children.
Dr. Melanie Purtzki 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
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- 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).
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
- 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. Melanie Purtzki.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- 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.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- 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.
- 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. Purtzki 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Purtzki practices at a pediatric clinic located in Calgary's SW neighborhoods, including Haysboro, Kingsland, and Kelvin Grove. The facility connects easily to East/West South and Heritage Park Historical Village, making it convenient for families to access. Public transit options such as Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT) serve the area, providing an accessible travel choice for many families. The clinic's environment is wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming to children and families, emphasizing a family-centered approach. Metered street parking and nearby lots are available for those driving, ensuring convenient access for patients and caregivers.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Purtzki covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Purtzki are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB. 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or Dr. Purtzki's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Purtzki, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Purtzki is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Purtzki 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It's best to check with Dr. Purtzki'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.
- 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. Purtzki 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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Purtzki 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. Purtzki 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.
- My child is a picky eater. What advice can a pediatrician offer?
- It's very common for toddlers and young children to go through phases of picky eating. Dr. Purtzki can offer practical advice, such as maintaining a regular meal and snack schedule, offering a variety of healthy foods without pressure, involving your child in food preparation, and modeling healthy eating habits. She can also assess your child's growth and development to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition and rule out any underlying medical concerns. If needed, a referral to a dietitian may be considered.
- If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?
- If Dr. Purtzki 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.
- How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Purtzki?
- 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. Purtzki'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.
258-1011 Glenmore Trail SW
Calgary, AB T2V 4R6
Phone: (403) 252-6651 | Fax: (403) 640-0710
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Purtzki is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Dr. Purtzki 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=53e95c20-5ae6-4eb1-9de0-27e9e982d44e&i=1182