Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lawrence – Pediatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lawrence is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Ottawa, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), with license number 58793. Dr. Lawrence 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 is rooted in building trusting relationships with her young patients and their families, ensuring a supportive environment for every visit.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada and has over 31 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 1993. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Lawrence brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her training and ongoing professional development enable her to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care tailored to each child's unique health needs.

Dr. Lawrence is committed to family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and guardians to support optimal health outcomes. She believes in preventive health strategies, early intervention, and education to empower families in managing their children's health. Fluent in both English and French, she strives to create a welcoming and accessible environment for diverse families across Ottawa. Her clinical philosophy centers on compassionate, individualized care that nurtures the physical and emotional well-being of her young patients.

Dr. Sarah Lawrence provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• 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. Sarah Lawrence.

• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.

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. Lawrence 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. Lawrence practices at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre located within Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The healthcare facility is a key pediatric unit within the hospital, providing specialized child healthcare services in a family-friendly environment. The hospital is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus), with convenient public transit options and wheelchair accessibility. The facility is designed to be welcoming to children and families, featuring a comfortable, child-friendly setting. Metered street parking and nearby lots are available for visitors, ensuring easy access for families coming from different parts of Ottawa. The hospital's location near popular landmarks like Dow's Lake Pavilion (nearby) and Little Italy (Corso Italia) makes it a convenient and attractive destination for pediatric care.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Lawrence is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Lawrence 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. Lawrence'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. Lawrence?

Dr. Lawrence 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.

How often should my child see a Pediatrician for well-child visits?

Well-child visits are scheduled regularly from birth through adolescence. In the first year, visits are frequent (e.g., shortly after birth, then at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months). After that, they typically occur at 15, 18, 24 months, and then annually from age 3 onwards, or as per provincial guidelines. Dr. Lawrence will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

How does Dr. Lawrence help manage chronic health conditions in children?

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Lawrence 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.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
401 Smyth Road, Room 5109A
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600 | Fax: (613) 738-4215

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

Dr. Lawrence 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. Lawrence 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/Lawrence-Sarah-Elizabeth/0044815-58793