Dr. Robert Malcolm Gow – Pediatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Robert Malcolm Gow is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a child-friendly pediatric clinic within Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality of medical care. Dr. Gow 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 engaging for young patients and their families, fostering a positive healthcare experience.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine in Australia. With over 16 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2008, he has developed a deep expertise in child healthcare. Dr. Gow is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his rigorous training and professional excellence in pediatric medicine.

Dr. Gow’s clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care and evidence-based practice. He is committed to working collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to support the well-being of his young patients. His approach emphasizes preventive health, early intervention, and education, all delivered in a warm and reassuring manner. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to each child's unique needs, ensuring families feel supported and informed throughout their healthcare journey.

Dr. Robert Gow 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.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.

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

• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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. Gow 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. Gow practices within a pediatric clinic located in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The facility is situated in a child-friendly environment, easily accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus routes). The practice is conveniently reachable by metered street parking and nearby parking lots. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Gow is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Gow 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. Gow'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 should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Gow's office is closed?

Dr. Gow'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. Gow 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. Gow can help assess.

What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Gow 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. Gow is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.

401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600 | Fax: (613) 738-4835

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

Dr. Gow 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. Gow 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/Gow-Robert-Malcolm/0036796-50772