Dr. Richard Bryan Hamat – Pediatrician | Woodbridge, ON

Dr. Richard Bryan Hamat is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Diagnostic Imaging, in Woodbridge, ON, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. He diligently adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Hamat 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. His clinic environment is designed to be welcoming, friendly, and child-focused, ensuring a positive experience for young patients and their families.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has been serving as a Pediatrician since 1989, accumulating over 35 years of experience in child healthcare. Dr. Hamat is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of pediatric practice.

Guided by a philosophy of family-centered and evidence-based care, Dr. Hamat is dedicated to fostering healthy development through preventive health strategies, collaborative decision-making with families, and ongoing education. He provides medical services in English and strives to build trusting relationships with his patients and their families in Woodbridge, ensuring each child receives personalized and comprehensive care.

Dr. Richard Hamat 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.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• 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.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.

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. Hamat 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.

Diagnostic Imaging, located in areas near central Woodbridge, ON, serves as a key medical facility specializing in pediatric care. The practice is situated within a modern healthcare complex easily accessible via local public transit. The neighborhood features points of interest such as community parks and family-friendly venues, making it convenient for families to visit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families. Parking is available at or near the facility to ensure ease of access for patients and visitors. This location is an important part of the pediatric healthcare network in Woodbridge, providing specialized diagnostic and medical services for young patients in a comfortable setting.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Hamat is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Hamat 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. Hamat'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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Hamat 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. Hamat 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.

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. Hamat 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. He 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.

Diagnostic Imaging,
8333 Weston Road, St. Michael's Hospital
Woodbridge, ON L4L 8E2

Phone: (905) 850-3250 | Fax: (905) 850-5607

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

Dr. Hamat 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. Hamat 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/Hamat-Richard-Bryan/0040291-54267