About
Dr. Raphael Sturm is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Viva Medical Clinic in Thornhill, ON, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives safe and effective care. Dr. Sturm 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 and child-friendly, fostering a comfortable setting for young patients and their families.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University in the United States. Since beginning his practice in 2021, he has accumulated over three years of experience as a Pediatrician, developing a strong foundation in child healthcare. Dr. Sturm is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist in Pediatrics, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in pediatric medicine.
Dr. Sturm believes in family-centered care and evidence-based practice, dedicating himself to fostering healthy habits and early intervention. He values collaboration with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure each child’s unique needs are met. Providing care in English, he is committed to supporting the well-being and healthy development of his young patients in Thornhill and surrounding communities.
Dr. Raphael Sturm provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
- Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
- Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Raphael Sturm.
- 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.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- 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.
- 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. Sturm 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.
Viva Medical Clinic is situated in the vibrant areas near central Thornhill, ON, offering accessible and convenient pediatric care to families in the community. The clinic is nestled close to local points of interest, making it easy for families to visit. Public transit options serve the area, providing a straightforward route for those using buses and trains. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, creating a friendly environment for young patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available, ensuring convenient access for families arriving by car. The practice is committed to serving families in Thornhill and surrounding neighborhoods with compassionate, high-quality pediatric care.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Sturm 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. Sturm 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. Sturm's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sturm, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Sturm is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Sturm 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. Sturm'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 does Dr. Sturm help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Sturm plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Sturm 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. Sturm 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.
Viva Medical Clinic
202-441 Clark Ave W
Thornhill, ON L4J 6W8
Phone: (905) 764-5114 | Fax: (905) 886-0588
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Sturm 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. Sturm 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/Sturm-Raphael/0333920-123943