About
Dr. Myrna Balmaceda Zapata is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in St. Catharines, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. Dr. Zapata adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice meets rigorous professional guidelines. She 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 approach emphasizes family-centered, supportive care that nurtures the well-being of her young patients and their families, creating a safe and welcoming environment for children of all ages.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of the Philippines (Philippines) and has accumulated over 41 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 1983. Dr. Zapata is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development. Her extensive clinical background enables her to address a wide spectrum of pediatric health concerns with evidence-based practices and compassionate care.
Dr. Zapata’s clinical philosophy centers on providing family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to support each child's unique health journey. She believes in preventive health measures, early intervention, and health education to foster lifelong wellness. Fluent in English, Filipino, and Ilocano, she strives to communicate effectively with diverse families in St. Catharines, ensuring that her patients and their families feel heard, supported, and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Myrna Zapata provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Myrna Zapata.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- 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.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- 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. Zapata 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.
Dr. Zapata practices within a child-friendly pediatric clinic located in an area near central St. Catharines. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit, with convenient parking options nearby. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a safe and comfortable environment for young patients during their visits. The surrounding neighborhood features local points of interest and community resources that support family health and wellness.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Zapata 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. Zapata 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. Zapata's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zapata, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Zapata is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Zapata 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. Zapata'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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Zapata?
- Dr. Zapata 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.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Zapata 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. Zapata 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.
318 Ontario Street
St Catharines, ON L2R 5L8
Phone: (905) 688-6650 | Fax: (905) 688-4551
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Zapata 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. Zapata 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/Zapata-Myrna-Balmaceda/0038018-51994