Dr. Shelagh Elisabeth Anson – Pediatrician | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Shelagh Elisabeth Anson is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within a hospital department in Vancouver, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Anson's focus encompasses preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, promoting healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Her practice environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, ensuring a family-centered approach to healthcare.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician, with certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive training and continuous professional development underpin her commitment to delivering high-quality pediatric care. Dr. Anson stays current with the latest medical research and guidelines to provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each child's individual needs.

Dr. Anson's clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, collaboration with parents and caregivers, and a commitment to preventive health strategies. She believes in building trusting relationships with her young patients and their families, ensuring open communication and shared decision-making. Fluent in both English and French, she is dedicated to serving Vancouver's diverse community, offering accessible and culturally sensitive pediatric services that support the health and well-being of children at every stage of development.

Dr. Shelagh Anson provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa - initial assessment & coordination): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and ability to function.
• 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. Shelagh Anson.

• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• 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.

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. Anson 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.

Located within a pediatric clinic in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood, specifically in the Arbutus Ridge South area, Dr. Anson's practice is situated in a dedicated pediatric department of a hospital or specialized medical facility. The setting is designed to serve families with young children, with a focus on accessibility and family-friendliness. The facility is easily reachable via public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The location is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and their families. Parking is available at or near the facility to ensure convenience for visiting families. As a key medical facility in Vancouver, her practice offers a safe, accessible, and supportive environment for pediatric healthcare needs.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Anson is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Anson 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. Anson'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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Anson 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. Anson 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. Anson 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. She 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. Anson?

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. Anson'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.

When should I take my child to see Dr. Anson if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. Anson's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

1R47-4480 Oak St, Children's & Women's Health Centre, Div of Neonatology
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Phone: (604) 875-2135 | Fax: (604) 875-3106

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

Dr. Anson is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. Anson 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/326079/Anson%2CShelagh