Dr. Savithiri Ratnapalan – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Savithiri Ratnapalan is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Toronto, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical medical care. She 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 thoughtfully designed to be child-friendly and welcoming, fostering a positive experience for young patients and their families.

Graduating with a Medical Degree from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Dr. Ratnapalan has over 22 years of experience as a Pediatrician, having practiced since 2002. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and expertise in pediatric healthcare. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and excellence in child medicine.

Driven by a philosophy of family-centered, evidence-based practice, Dr. Ratnapalan is dedicated to supporting children’s health and development through collaborative care. She emphasizes preventive health measures, early intervention, and working closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care. Fluent in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, she values clear communication and strives to build trusting relationships with her young patients and their families in Toronto.

Dr. Savithiri Ratnapalan 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.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• 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).
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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.
• 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.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental 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. Ratnapalan 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. Ratnapalan practices at a pediatric clinic located in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible via public transit, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus services, with stops nearby in Kensington Market and Chinatown. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, fostering a friendly environment. Paid parking options are conveniently located close to the clinic, making visits easier for families coming from different parts of the city.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Ratnapalan is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Ratnapalan 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. Ratnapalan'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 does a Pediatrician like Dr. Ratnapalan 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. She provides comprehensive medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Ratnapalan is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.

How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Ratnapalan?

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. Ratnapalan'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.

What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Ratnapalan?

Dr. Ratnapalan 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.

555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-7532 | Fax: (416) 813-5043

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

Dr. Ratnapalan 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. Ratnapalan 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/Ratnapalan-Savithiri/0134526-70848