Dr. Michelle Elisa Porepa – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Michelle Elisa Porepa is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto, 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 latest clinical guidelines and ethical practices. Dr. Porepa focuses on preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, always aiming to promote healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Her approach is warm and reassuring, creating a welcoming environment for young patients and their families, with the goal of fostering trust and open communication.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and has accumulated over 15 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2009. Dr. Porepa is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to excellence in pediatric care. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring her practice remains current with evolving pediatric standards and evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Porepa's clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to support each child's unique health needs. She is committed to evidence-based practice, preventive health strategies, and building strong partnerships with her patients' families. Fluent in English, she provides care with empathy and respect, supporting children and adolescents through all stages of their growth and development in Toronto's diverse community.

Dr. Michelle Porepa 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.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental 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.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.

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. Porepa 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 Health Centre is situated in Toronto's vibrant 'The Danforth West, Riverdale' neighborhood, serving as a key medical facility within the hospital. The pediatric unit is located on the hospital campus, which is easily accessible via public transit, including the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with a friendly, family-oriented environment. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making visits comfortable and accessible for families from across Toronto and the surrounding areas. The hospital's location near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) further underscores its role as a hub for specialized pediatric care in the city.

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

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

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

What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Porepa's office is closed?

Dr. Porepa's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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. Porepa 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 does a Pediatrician like Dr. Porepa 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. Porepa is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their 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. Porepa will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

St. Joseph's Health Centre
235 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1N2

Phone: (416) 465-7421 | Fax: (416) 465-6588

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

Dr. Porepa 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. Porepa 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/Porepa-Michelle-Elisa/0210696-81064