Dr. Melany Ann Gaetani – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Melany Ann Gaetani is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital/ Genet in Toronto, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Gaetani 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 welcoming and child-friendly, ensuring a family-centered approach to healthcare that emphasizes support, education, and shared decision-making.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine in Ireland. With over 6 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2018, she has developed a strong expertise in managing a wide range of pediatric health issues. Dr. Gaetani is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical practice and continuous professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on delivering family-centered care grounded in evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to promoting preventive health, early detection of developmental concerns, and fostering collaborative relationships with parents and other healthcare professionals. Dr. Gaetani provides care in English and is committed to supporting the well-being and healthy development of her young patients across Toronto, ensuring each child receives personalized, respectful, and comprehensive care.

Dr. Melany Gaetani provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
• Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• 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.
• 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. Melany Gaetani.

• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• 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.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• 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. Gaetani 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.

McMaster Children's Hospital/Genet is situated within Toronto's vibrant Bay Street Corridor, known as the Discovery District. The facility serves as a key pediatric healthcare unit within this renowned hospital, providing specialized services for infants, children, and adolescents. The practice is conveniently located near Little Italy, easily accessible via public transit options including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The hospital environment is designed to be welcoming and family-friendly, with wheelchair accessibility and a warm atmosphere for children and families. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for all patients and visitors. The practice aims to serve the local community by offering high-quality pediatric care in a supportive and accessible setting.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Gaetani is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Gaetani 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. Gaetani'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.

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. Gaetani 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.

What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Gaetani?

Dr. Gaetani follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for ON. This schedule outlines the vaccines your child should receive at different ages to protect them from serious preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), chickenpox, hepatitis B, influenza, rotavirus, pneumococcal, and meningococcal diseases. She will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.

McMaster Children's Hospital/ Genet
Room 1S, 555 University Ave, Division of Genetics and Metabolics
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-1500

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

Dr. Gaetani 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. Gaetani 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/Gaetani-Melany-Ann/0324170-114740