Dr. Mitchell Ian Zelman – Pediatrician | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Mitchell Ian Zelman is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within a hospital department in Nanaimo, BC, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that young patients receive safe, effective, and family-centered care. Dr. Zelman 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 environment of his clinic is designed to be welcoming and engaging for children and their families, fostering a supportive atmosphere for all.

He graduated with an MD CM from McGill University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician. His certifications include recognition from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining excellence in pediatric healthcare. Dr. Zelman regularly participates in ongoing medical education to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and guidelines in child health, ensuring his patients benefit from the most up-to-date medical knowledge and techniques.

With a family-centered approach, Dr. Zelman emphasizes collaboration with parents and caregivers, respecting their insights and concerns as vital components of a child's healthcare. He is dedicated to providing personalized, respectful, and holistic care, supporting children’s health and well-being in Nanaimo. He offers his services in English and strives to build trusting relationships with his patients and their families, guiding them through all stages of childhood development with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Mitchell Zelman 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.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• 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.

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

• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• 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.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.

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. Zelman 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. Zelman's practice is situated in a family-friendly pediatric clinic located in the Central Nanaimo area, within the Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible from Vancouver Island University (VIU) and is served by the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), making it convenient for families traveling via public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a safe and comfortable environment for young patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby lots, ensuring ease of access for families arriving by car. The clinic's location in a vibrant, community-oriented part of Nanaimo fosters a positive experience for children and their loved ones seeking quality pediatric care.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Zelman is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Zelman 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. Zelman'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 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. Zelman will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Zelman 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. Zelman 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 involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?

Dr. Zelman believes in family-centered care, which means parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's healthcare team. He encourages open communication, welcomes your questions and concerns, and will involve you in all decisions regarding your child's health and treatment. Your insights into your child's behavior, symptoms, and daily life are invaluable for providing the best possible care.

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

Dr. Zelman'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.

What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Zelman 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. He provides comprehensive medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Zelman is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.

1125 Dufferin Cres Unit 202
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B5

Phone: (250) 591-2115 | Fax: (250) 591-2116

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

Dr. Zelman is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. Zelman 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/361573/Zelman%2CMitchell