Providing thorough, gentle, safe and practical Paediatric care to children from birth to adolescence.
Our Specialist Medical Therapy Solutions specialist Paediatricians are highly experienced having worked extensively in hospitals and health centres. They are fully trained and accredited in accordance with the guidelines of their colleges and associations and work together with our Allied Health professionals to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for your child.
Our doctors will ask questions and listen to any concerns you may have. Our aim is to provide a caring and compassionate service that is focused on your child’s wellness and health.
Our Paediatricians know a lot about the many different conditions and illnesses that can affect children’s health, welfare, behaviour and education. Here are just a few –
Ear Infections
Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is a prevalent childhood condition where there is inflammation or infection in the middle ear. This can occur when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, often due to a bacterial or viral infection. It’s a frequent occurrence in children because their Eustachian tubes, which help drain fluid from the middle ear, are shorter and more horizontal than in adults, making them more prone to blockages and infections. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing difficulties. Rest assured, it’s a condition we commonly encounter and can effectively treat with appropriate medical care.
Respiratory Infections
Including colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Asthma is one of most common chronic diseases of childhood and children face unique challenges with asthma being the leading cause of emergency department visits, hospitalisations and missed school days. Common triggers include allergies, colds and exercise. Left untreated, asthmatic children often have less stamina than other children, or avoid playing and other physical activities to prevent coughing or wheezing. Unfortunately Asthma can’t be cured but with the right treatment it can be managed to prevent damage to the lungs.
Skin Conditions
Our paediatricians can assist with any skin concerns your child may may have. Whether it’s eczema, rashes, acne, and infections like impetigoor other skin issues, we have the expertise to diagnose and provide tailored treatment options. We’ll start by conducting a thorough examination to determine the exact nature of the condition. From there, we’ll recommend a personalised treatment plan which may involve topical creams, ointments, or other appropriate interventions. Additionally, we’ll provide guidance on skincare routines and strategies to help manage and prevent future flare-ups. Rest assured, we’re committed to ensuring your child’s skin health and comfort.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Managing allergies to foods, environmental factors, or other substances. A child who sneezes or coughs a lot, regularly develops rashes or hives, gets stomach aches, stomach cramps or nausea after eating certain foods may have allergies. Allergies have been known to trigger Asthma. Early identification of childhood allergies will improve your child’s quality of life and reduce the number of missed school days. Dr Khan identifies the allergy and provides action plans to manage your child’s allergic reactions.
Your child’s pediatrician plays a crucial role in managing allergies and sensitivities by providing a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan. Out paediatrician will start by conducting a thorough evaluation to identify specific allergens or sensitivities that may be triggering your child’s symptoms. Based on this assessment, our pediatrician may recommend allergen avoidance strategies, prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms, and offer guidance on creating an allergy-friendly environment at home. Additionally, we can develop an action plan for addressing allergic reactions, especially in severe cases. Regular follow-up appointments will ensure that the treatment plan is effective and adjusted as needed. The goal is to help your child lead a healthy, symptom-free life despite any allergies or sensitivities they may have.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is common in children and can be confused with other conditions, therefore an accurate diagnosis is essential. The impact of epilepsy will vary for each child. Once diagnosed, seizures usually respond well to treatment and most children will enjoy a normal and active childhood. Once diagnosed, seizures usually respond well to treatment, and most children will enjoy a normal and active childhood. However, it’s important to understand that the impact of epilepsy can vary for each child. Some may experience occasional seizures that are well-controlled with medication, while others may require more comprehensive management strategies. Our pediatricians are here to guide you through the treatment options and provide ongoing support to ensure the best possible quality of life for your child.
Growth and Developmental Issues
Our paediatricians can assess and monitor your child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. We see children with developmental delay, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, oppositional behaviours, anger issues, sleep disorders, learning difficulties, language disorders, tics and Tourettes Disorder, anxiety and depression, and a range of other conditions.
We make sure to watch and understand how your child grows, learns, and feels. Sometimes, children may need extra help with things like talking, learning, or managing their feelings. We’re here to support children with a wide range of needs, like delayed development, autism, attention and behavior challenges, and more. Our goal is to help every child thrive and be their best selves.
Newborn Care
Just home with a new baby and completely overwhelmed? Have a fussy baby? Twins or triplets? Trouble feeding? Or just need some help, but don’t know where to start. Our Paediatricians can help with all these concerns and any others you may have. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Being a new parent can be really tough, especially with a newborn, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. If your baby is fussy, or if you have twins or triplets, we’re here to support you. We can help with feeding troubles and any other questions or worries you may have. Just reach out, and we’ll guide you through this journey.
Childhood Infections and Infectious Diseases
Common childhood infections, such as chickenpox, strep throat, and urinary tract infections, can significantly impact a child’s health. Swift and accurate diagnosis, along with appropriate treatment, are vital. If you suspect your child may have any of these conditions, it’s imperative to seek advice from a healthcare professional. They will offer a precise diagnosis and suggest the most suitable course of action, which may encompass medication, rest, and other supportive measures. Additionally, they may refer you to a pediatrician, who possesses the expertise to deliver optimal care and support for your child’s well-being.
Remember, responding promptly and accurately is crucial for your child’s comfort, recovery, and to prevent potential complications linked to childhood infections.
Infectious diseases are caused by germs like bacteria or viruses. In children, they can lead to things like coughs, fevers, and sometimes more serious problems. We’re here to figure out what’s causing the sickness and provide the right treatment. Some common ones include things like strep throat, the flu, or even common colds. We’ll also give advice on how to prevent these infections and keep your child healthy.
Vaccinations and Immunisations
We’ll make sure your child gets the right shots at the right times. We’ll also let you know which vaccines are best for your child’s health.
Injuries and Accidents
Handling minor injuries, fractures, and advising on accident prevention. Kids will be kids and accidents do happen. When your child get hurt, our paediatricians are here to help with those scrapes or small broken bones. We’ll fix them up and make sure they’re feeling better. We’ll also talk about how to keep accidents from happening. Whether it’s in the playground or at home, we’ll give you tips to keep your child safe and sound.
Behavioral and Mental Health Issues
Behavioral and mental health issues in children are important aspects of their overall well-being. Our pediatricians are trained to address these concerns and support your child’s mental and emotional health. Seeking help for behavioral and mental health issues is a positive step toward ensuring your child’s long-term well-being
If your child is struggling with behavioral or mental health issues, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. These issues can manifest in various ways, including changes in behavior, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or signs of anxiety or depression.
Here are some ways we can help:
Assessment and Diagnosis: We’ll start by talking with you and your child to understand their behavior and emotions. This may involve asking about their daily routines, relationships, and any significant life events.
Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, We’ll work with you to create a personalised treatment plan. This might include counseling, therapy, or other interventions.
Referrals: If necessary, we can refer you to mental health specialists or therapists who have expertise in specific areas.
Medication Management: In some cases, medication may be recommended to help manage certain conditions. we’ll carefully explain the options, benefits, and potential side effects, ensuring you’re comfortable with the decision.
Parental Guidance: we’ll provide guidance on parenting techniques that can help support your child’s emotional well-being. This might include strategies for communication, discipline, and creating a supportive environment at home.
Monitoring Progress: We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to track your child’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Chronic Conditions
Managing chronic illnesses in children is a team effort, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Conditions like diabetes, asthma, and genetic disorders require ongoing care. For example, in diabetes, we help monitor blood sugar levels and create a plan for insulin or medication. With asthma, we develop strategies to manage symptoms and provide inhalers or other treatments. For genetic disorders, we work to understand the specific challenges your child faces and create a tailored care plan. We’ll also guide you on lifestyle adjustments, medications, and regular check-ups to keep your child as healthy and active as possible.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Our paediatricians see children with Gastrointestinal Issues such as diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis, and acid reflux. At Specialist Medical & Therapy Solutions, our paediatricians are here to address any concerns you may have about your child’s gastrointestinal health. Whether it’s issues like constipation, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort, we’re equipped to evaluate and provide appropriate care. We’ll begin by discussing your child’s symptoms and medical history, and may perform a physical examination. Based on our assessment, we’ll recommend a tailored treatment plan, which may involve dietary adjustments, medications, or other interventions. Additionally, we’ll offer guidance on nutrition and lifestyle habits that can support your child’s digestive health. Please know that we’re dedicated to ensuring your child feels comfortable and well taken care of throughout this process.
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Addressing conditions where the immune system is compromised.
When a child’s immune system is not working as strongly as it should, it means they might get sick more often or have a harder time fighting off infections. This can be caused by different reasons, like certain medical conditions or treatments. Our job is to figure out what might be weakening their immune system. We do special tests and ask lots of questions to understand. Once we know, we work with you to create a plan to help support your child’s immune system. This might involve special medications, vaccinations, or other treatments. Our goal is to make sure your child can stay as healthy as possible and enjoy a normal, active life.
Childhood Cancers
Participating in diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care for pediatric cancers.
Being a part of your child’s cancer journey is a big responsibility, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, we use special tests to understand the type and stage of the cancer. From there, we work with a team of specialists to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs. This plan might include things like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Throughout the treatment, we’ll closely monitor your child’s progress and adjust the plan if needed. Our goal is to provide the best possible care to help your child beat cancer and move forward towards a healthy, happy future.
Nutritional Concerns
Providing guidance on infant feeding, childhood nutrition, and addressing concerns like obesity or failure to thrive.
We’re here to help you make sure your child is eating well and growing strong. For babies, we’ll talk about how to feed them and what foods are best. As they grow, we’ll give advice on keeping a healthy diet. If you’re worried about your child’s weight or growth, we’ll work together to find the best solutions. Our goal is to make sure your child is healthy and happy.
Genetic and Developmental Disorders
Evaluating and providing care for genetic conditions or developmental delays.
Genetic conditions and developmental delays are like puzzles we help families solve. Some children are born with special traits or challenges because of their genes. Others might take a little longer to reach certain milestones. We have special tests and tools to figure out what might be causing these differences. If we find something, we’ll work together to create a plan that best supports your child. This could involve therapy, special programs, or sometimes medications. Our aim is to provide the right care and resources so your child can grow, learn, and thrive to the best of their abilities.
Vision and Hearing Problems
Diagnosing and managing visual and auditory issues. Checking your child’s eyes and ears is an important part of their health. Sometimes, kids can have trouble seeing or hearing, and that’s something we want to catch early. We use special tests to see how well they can see and hear. If we find any issues, we’ll work with you to figure out the best way to help. This might involve glasses or hearing aids, or sometimes other treatments. Our goal is to make sure your child can see and hear clearly so they can learn, play, and communicate effectively.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Diagnosing and managing congenital heart defects and other cardiac issues in children.
Sometimes, children are born with heart problems, which we call congenital heart defects. These are issues with the structure of the heart that can affect how it works. As pediatricians, we’re trained to find and understand these problems. We’ll use special tests to see what’s going on inside your child’s heart. If we find a problem, we’ll work with you to create a plan. This might include medications, special procedures, or sometimes even surgery. Our goal is to make sure your child’s heart can work as well as possible so they can lead a healthy and active life.
Our Paediatric Specialists
Dr Fouzia Khan
MBBS DCH FRACP
Dr Fouzia Khan is a general paediatrician specialising in managing children from birth to 16 years.
Dr Khan received training at both Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with extensive training in neonatal care, managing growth and development concerns, behavioral issues, weight management and other complex medical conditions. She is passionate about providing the best quality care for children with chronic illness along with support for their families.
Dr Khan is an avid teacher with regular involvement in medical student and junior medical staff training. Her research into enteric fever in children will be published in the near future.
Dr Abhilasha Sharma
MBBS FRACP FFPMANZCA
Dr Abhilasha Sharma is an Australian trained dual qualified Paediatrician and Specialist Pain Physician. She is a Staff Specialist in Pain Medicine at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
Dr Sharma is a passionate clinician with expertise in a variety of paediatric conditions affecting newborns through to adolescents. She believes that children need an individually tailored management plan within their psycho-social environment. She enjoys working in a multi-disciplinary partnership with families, general practitioners, allied health professionals and educators to enable children reach their full potential.
In addition to general paediatric conditions, her special interest is in children’s acute and chronic medical conditions with particular interests in developmental delay, growth and behavioural concerns, ADHD, sleep disturbance, unsettled babies, constipation, incontinence and toileting problems and respiratory issues.
