Dr. Valerie Sales

Dr. Valerie Sales 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.
• 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

• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• 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.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• 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. Valerie Sales.

• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• 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.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• 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.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.

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. Sales 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.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is situated in Markham's vibrant Markham Village, Old Markham Village neighborhood. The practice is conveniently accessible from the Markham Fairgrounds area, with excellent public transit options including York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. 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 to accommodate visitors, making it easy for families to attend appointments without hassle.

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

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

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

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

Dr. Sales'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.

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. Sales 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.

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

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. Sales 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.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
T-Wing, 2nd floor, 381 Church Street PO 1800, Odette Cancer Centre
Markham, ON L3P 7P3

Phone: (905) 472-7000 | Fax: (905) 472-7621

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

Dr. Sales 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. Sales 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/Sales-Valerie/0053865-67490