Dr. Sarah Jane McKillop – Oncologist / Hematologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Sarah Jane McKillop is a dedicated Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and blood disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that every patient receives safe, ethical, and evidence-based treatment. Dr. McKillop’s focus is on the unique aspects of treating blood disorders and cancers in children, from infancy through adolescence, offering specialized support throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship phases.

She completed her medical education with an MD Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University in 2006 and has undergone extensive post-graduate training in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, focusing on childhood cancers and blood disorders. Her certification and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest level of expertise in her field, enabling her to deliver state-of-the-art care tailored to each child's specific needs.

Dr. McKillop’s clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatment, and family-centered care. She is dedicated to supporting her patients and their families through every step of their journey, ensuring clear communication and compassionate support. Serving the Edmonton community, she speaks English fluently and is committed to advancing pediatric cancer and blood disorder care through ongoing research and quality improvement efforts.

Dr. Sarah McKillop has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Common Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Conditions

• Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood.
• Childhood Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Cancers of the lymphatic system that occur in children and adolescents, with various subtypes and treatment approaches.
• Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): An autoimmune condition causing low platelet counts in children, often following a viral infection.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Sarah McKillop or your referring physician.

• Management of Chemotherapy & Radiation Side Effects in Children: Age-appropriate strategies to prevent and manage treatment-related side effects in pediatric patients.
• Pediatric Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy: Performing diagnostic bone marrow procedures tailored for children, often with sedation or anesthesia.
• Treatment of Benign Hematologic Disorders in Children & Adolescents: Comprehensive care for pediatric patients with conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, ITP, hemophilia, and various anemias.
• Long-Term Follow-Up & Survivorship Care for Childhood Cancer Survivors: Monitoring for late effects of cancer treatment, promoting healthy development, and providing ongoing support for survivors of childhood cancer.
• Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Childhood Cancers: Specialized, family-centered care for leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, sarcomas, and other cancers affecting infants, children, and adolescents.
• Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Consultation & Coordination (Referral to Transplant Center): Evaluating and coordinating referrals for stem cell transplantation in children with specific cancers or severe blood disorders.
• Genetic Counseling & Testing Referrals for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Assessment of family history and risk factors, and coordination of referrals for genetic counseling and testing for inherited predispositions to cancer (e.g., BRCA).

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (Childhood Cancers and Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. McKillop provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. McKillop or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Dr. McKillop practices at a specialized cancer centre located within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB. The facility is situated in the vibrant S Central area near the University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighbourhood. Patients can enjoy convenient access from nearby landmarks such as the Living History Museum. The centre is easily reachable via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available on-site for visitors. The location offers a welcoming environment dedicated to providing comprehensive pediatric cancer and blood disorder care.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. McKillop, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist such as Dr. McKillop are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), Dr. McKillop's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. McKillop, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist like Dr. McKillop for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. McKillop help manage them?

Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, which differ depending on the specific drugs used, the dose, and individual patient factors. Common ones include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and increased risk of infection due to low blood counts. Dr. McKillop and the oncology nursing team will discuss potential side effects of your specific treatment plan in detail and will actively work to prevent and manage them with medications (e.g., anti-nausea drugs, growth factors to boost blood counts), supportive care advice (nutrition, hydration, rest), and regular monitoring. Open communication about any side effects you experience is very important for effective management.

What is Radiation Oncology and when is it used?

Radiation Oncology is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation (like X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles) to damage or destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment, before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy. It can also be used for palliative care to relieve symptoms. Dr. McKillop specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. If this treatment is indicated for a patient's type of cancer, Dr. McKillop may coordinate with a Radiation Oncologist to ensure comprehensive care.

8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 407-8798 | Fax: (780) 407-8821

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. McKillop is a licensed Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=200733b9-4bd2-4d66-a8ed-0edb0f26bbcf&i=962