Dr. Mena Bahnam – Pediatrician | Brantford, ON

Dr. Mena Bahnam is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Brantford, 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 patients receive safe and effective care. Dr. Bahnam 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, child-friendly, and accessible, fostering a positive experience for young patients and their families.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Jordan (Jordan) and has accumulated over 6 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2018. Dr. Bahnam is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest pediatric guidelines and best practices.

Dr. Bahnam's clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She is dedicated to building trusting relationships with her young patients and their families, working collaboratively to support healthy growth and development. She provides care in English and is devoted to making each child's healthcare journey as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

Dr. Mena Bahnam 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.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
• 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. Mena Bahnam.

• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.

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. Bahnam 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.

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton's outpatient clinic is located in Brantford's Holmedale neighborhood, within the North Ward area. Patients can enjoy the proximity to local attractions such as the Woodland Cultural Centre and Bell Homestead National Historic Site. The facility is easily accessible via Brantford Transit, making it convenient for families to visit. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and strives to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment for children of all ages. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available to accommodate visitors, ensuring a stress-free visit for families seeking pediatric care in Brantford.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Bahnam is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Bahnam 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. Bahnam'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 should I take my child to see Dr. Bahnam if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. Bahnam'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.

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

If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?

If Dr. Bahnam 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.

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
217 Terrace Hill St
Brantford, ON N3R 1G8

Phone: (519) 304-8882 | Fax: (519) 304-7880

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

Dr. Bahnam 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. Bahnam 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/Bahnam-Mena/0295025-104499