Dr. Tara Deborah Gelman – Pediatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Tara Deborah Gelman is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her patients receive safe and effective care. Her focus encompasses preventive health, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, always aiming to promote healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming, child-friendly, and supportive, fostering a positive experience for both young patients and their families.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has accumulated over 19 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2005. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Dr. Gelman maintains a strong commitment to ongoing education and clinical excellence. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of pediatric care, ensuring that children receive tailored, family-centered treatment that respects their unique needs and developmental stages.

Dr. Gelman’s clinical philosophy centers on delivering family-centered care grounded in evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to preventive health strategies, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and collaborating closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. Her approach emphasizes open communication, trust, and a supportive environment to help young patients thrive. She provides care in English and is committed to supporting children and their families throughout all stages of development in Toronto’s diverse community.

Dr. Tara Gelman provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.

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.
• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• 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.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.

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. Gelman 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. Gelman's practice is located at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Toronto's Davisville North neighborhood. The facility is situated close to the vibrant Distillery District, making it a convenient destination for families. Accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), the location is easily reachable by public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a comfortable environment for young patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available, ensuring convenience for families arriving by car. The practice environment emphasizes safety, accessibility, and a family-friendly atmosphere, fostering a positive healthcare experience for all.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Gelman is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Gelman 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. Gelman'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. Gelman 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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Gelman?

Dr. Gelman 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.

What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Gelman's office is closed?

Dr. Gelman's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

What does a Pediatrician like Dr. Gelman 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. Gelman is dedicated to providing family-centered care and supporting children through all stages of their development.

What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?

During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Gelman, She will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
586 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON M4P 1P2

Phone: (416) 489-3273 | Fax: (416) 489-1510

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

Dr. Gelman 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. Gelman 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/Gelman-Tara-Deborah/0180372-76466