Dr. Tala El Tal – Pediatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Tala Tal is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. Dr. Tal adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice meets the rigorous professional and ethical guidelines required for medical care in Ontario. Her focus is on promoting healthy growth and development from birth through adolescence, emphasizing preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses. Her clinic environment is designed to be welcoming, child-friendly, and accessible to families, fostering a trusting and supportive atmosphere for her young patients and their families.

Dr. Tal graduated with a Medical Degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. She has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2023, accumulating over one year of dedicated experience in child healthcare. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting her advanced training and expertise in pediatrics within Ontario. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that she remains current with the latest pediatric guidelines and evidence-based practices.

Guided by a philosophy of family-centered care, Dr. Tal believes in working collaboratively with parents and caregivers to achieve the best health outcomes for her patients. She emphasizes preventive health, early intervention, and education to empower families in managing their children's health. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, she is able to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population across Ottawa, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all families seeking her care.

Dr. Tala Tal provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
• 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.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.

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

• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Mental Health Screening & Initial Support: Basic screening for common pediatric mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and providing initial support or referrals as needed.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• 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. Tal 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.

Queensway Carleton Hospital, situated in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods, serves as a key medical facility within the city. The hospital's Pediatric Unit, where Dr. Tal practices, offers specialized child healthcare services in a family-friendly environment. The hospital is easily accessible via public transit, including OC Transpo services such as the O-Train LRT and buses. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making it easy for families to access the hospital and pediatric services in a comfortable and accessible setting.

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

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

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

When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Tal will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Tal 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. Tal 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.

Queensway Carleton Hospital
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600 | Fax: (613) 738-4297

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

Dr. Tal 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. Tal 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/El-Tal-Tala/0329320-119685