About
Dr. Robert William White is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Surrey Memorial Hospital in Surrey, BC, he is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. White 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, ensuring a positive experience for young patients and their families.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and ongoing professional development enable him to provide up-to-date, evidence-based pediatric care tailored to each child's unique needs.
Dr. White's philosophy centers on family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to support the health and well-being of his young patients. He is committed to preventive health strategies, early intervention, and fostering a trusting relationship with families. Fluent in English, he strives to create a supportive and informative environment where families feel empowered to participate actively in their child's healthcare journey.
Dr. Robert White provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
- Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
- 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
- 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.
- 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. Robert White.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- 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. White 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Surrey Memorial Hospital, located in Surrey's West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood, serves as a key medical facility with a dedicated pediatric unit where Dr. White provides care. The hospital is easily accessible via Highway 99 and is well-connected by public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo Line and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with a family-friendly environment. Metered street parking and nearby lots provide convenient options for visitors. The hospital's pediatric wing offers specialized services in a comfortable setting, ensuring young patients receive the best possible care in a supportive atmosphere.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. White covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. White are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or Dr. White's office, especially for subspecialty care.
The MSP covers most routine pediatric services, but specific procedures or tests might need prior approval. Contact Dr. White's office or MSP directly for detailed coverage information. - Do I need a referral to see Dr. White, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. White is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. White 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP). It's best to check with Dr. White'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 can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?
- During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. White, he will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. He will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. White 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. White 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. White 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.
- How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. White?
- A fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and playful, a specific number on the thermometer isn't always the most important factor. You can help them feel more comfortable by offering fluids, dressing them in light clothing, and ensuring they get rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate for age and no contraindications) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort; always follow dosing instructions. Contact Dr. White's office if your child is under 3 months with any fever, has a very high fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, or if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.
- How involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?
- Dr. White believes in family-centered care, which means parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's healthcare team. He encourages open communication, welcomes your questions and concerns, and will involve you in all decisions regarding your child's health and treatment. Your insights into your child's behavior, symptoms, and daily life are invaluable for providing the best possible care.
Surrey Memorial Hospital
308-13710 94a Ave
Surrey, BC V3V 1N1
Phone: (604) 589-2444 | Fax: (604) 589-3660
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. White is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. White 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304809/White%2CRobert