About
Dr. Sidra Hassan Zaidi is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Cambridge, ON, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her role as an Infectious Disease Specialist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides comprehensive consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment guidelines.
Dr. Zaidi earned her Medical Degree from Aga Khan University in Pakistan. Following medical school, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine and subsequently pursued a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She has been practicing as an Infectious Disease Specialist for over three years, since 2021, gaining extensive experience in managing complex infectious conditions. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her certifications include advanced training in infectious disease management, ensuring her practice aligns with provincial and national standards.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. Dr. Zaidi is dedicated to educating her patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. She promotes antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance and focuses on managing infections in vulnerable populations and complex cases. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists, she strives to optimize patient outcomes and community health. Additionally, she is proficient in Hindi and Urdu, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with diverse patient populations.
Dr. Sidra Zaidi provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Zaidi manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Can be caused by bacteria spreading from other sites of infection or direct inoculation.
- Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Zaidi manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by parasites like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, or Entamoeba histolytica.
- Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
- Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Fungal infections caused by organisms found in specific geographic regions, which can cause lung infections or disseminate throughout the body.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Zaidi manages specialized care for individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for severe or unusual infections.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Prophylaxis and treatment of febrile neutropenia and specific infections common in cancer patients.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Prevention and treatment of bacterial, fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), and viral (e.g., CMV, adenovirus) infections.
- Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Management of infections that occur post-transplantation due to immunosuppressive therapy.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Sidra Zaidi is necessary.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Expertise in selecting targeted therapies to optimize outcomes and minimize resistance.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Zaidi.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Zaidi primarily practices at The Hospital for Sick Children in Cambridge, ON. Inpatient consultations are often provided at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, located in the Preston Centre within Preston Heights. The hospital and clinic are conveniently situated near Preston Towne Centre and are accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment for complex infectious disease management. Parking is typically available nearby, with accessible spots for ease of access.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Zaidi is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Zaidi may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. an Infectious Disease Specialist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zaidi?
- For most consultations with Dr. Zaidi that are medically necessary and covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (519) 740-4905.
- Are services from Dr. Zaidi covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Zaidi under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Zaidi?
- As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Zaidi manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Zaidi specialize in?
- An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Zaidi, is a medical doctor (MD) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illnesses caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They manage a wide range of complex infections, including those that are difficult to diagnose, are severe, or occur in patients with weakened immune systems. an Infectious Disease Specialist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Zaidi?
- You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Zaidi if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.
The Hospital for Sick Children
700 Coronation Blvd, Department of Paediatrics
Cambridge, ON N1R 3G2
Office Phone: (519) 621-2333 | Office Fax: (519) 740-4905
Dr. Zaidi is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in Ontario. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Zaidi, particularly for services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Zaidi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zaidi-Sidra-Hassan/0335942-127549