Dr. Muhammed Dhalla

Dr. Muhammed Dhalla provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Pediatric Rheumatic Conditions

• Juvenile Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease causing muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash.
• Vasculitis (e.g., Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, Kawasaki Disease - rheumatic aspects): Inflammation of blood vessels, which can have rheumatic manifestations.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): The most common type of arthritis in children, causing joint inflammation and stiffness.

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.

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.

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

• Treatment of Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) & Other Connective Tissue Diseases: Managing autoimmune conditions affecting multiple organ systems in children, such as scleroderma or mixed connective tissue disease.
• Long-Term Management of Chronic Pediatric Rheumatology Disorders in Children: Providing ongoing, specialized care for children with chronic conditions requiring subspecialist expertise.
• Diagnostic Testing & Interpretation for Pediatric Rheumatology Conditions: Ordering and interpreting specialized tests relevant to the specific pediatric subspecialty to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Diagnosis & Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Specialized care for children with chronic arthritis, utilizing various medical therapies to control inflammation and preserve joint function.
• Management of Pediatric Vasculitis (e.g., Kawasaki Disease, Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, Polyarteritis Nodosa): Treating inflammatory conditions of the blood vessels in children.
• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination for Complex Pediatric Cases: Collaborating with other specialists, therapists, and healthcare professionals to provide integrated care for children with multiple or complex health needs.
• Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Pain & Inflammatory Disorders in Children: Investigating unexplained joint pain, swelling, muscle weakness, or signs of systemic inflammation.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatric Rheumatology (Specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. Dhalla 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. Dhalla practices within a pediatric clinic located in Calgary’s SE: Southwood, Canyon Meadows neighbourhood. The facility is situated in a family-friendly area accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT options, making it convenient for families across the city. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and strives to create a welcoming environment for children and families. Metered street parking and nearby lots are available for those arriving by car, providing easy access for patients and visitors. The setting is designed to be comfortable and accommodating for young patients and their families seeking specialized pediatric care.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Dhalla 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 Pediatric Rheumatologist like Dr. Dhalla 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. Dhalla's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Dhalla, a Pediatric Rheumatologist?

For a general Pediatric Rheumatologist, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Dhalla is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Dhalla 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. Dhalla's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required.

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

Dr. Dhalla'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 can I do if my child is having trouble sleeping?

Sleep is crucial for a child's development. If your child is having trouble sleeping, establishing a consistent bedtime routine is very important. This includes a calming wind-down period, a set bedtime, and ensuring their sleep environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet. Limiting screen time before bed can also help. Dr. Dhalla can discuss age-appropriate sleep needs, common sleep problems, and strategies to address them. Sometimes, underlying issues like anxiety or medical conditions can affect sleep, which Dr. Dhalla can help assess.

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

If Dr. Dhalla 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.

When should I take my child to see Dr. Dhalla if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. Dhalla'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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Dhalla?

Dr. Dhalla follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for AB. 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. He will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.

250-8500 Blackfoot Trail SE, 250
Calgary, AB T2J 7E1

Phone: (403) 879-7911 | Fax: (403) 879-7899

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

Dr. Dhalla is a licensed Pediatric Rheumatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or general pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Dhalla 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=1fe7deee-ed74-4c2e-9fe6-13576b2c65b5&i=371