How to find a pediatrician in Calgary?
In Calgary, there are three main ways to access pediatric care for children:
- through a family doctor (first line of care)
- specialized pediatric clinics (by referral only)
- emergency services.
Most pediatric clinics require a referral from a family doctor or walk-in clinic, and wait times range from 1–2 weeks for urgent cases to several months for scheduled appointments.
1. Children's health care system in Calgary
Levels of health care for children
| Level | Type of care | When to seek care | How to access care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary care | Family doctor, walk-in clinics | Regular checkups, vaccinations, minor illnesses | Directly |
| Secondary care | Pediatric clinics | Complex cases, specialized diagnostics | By referral only |
| Emergency care | Alberta Children’s Hospital, South Health Campus | Life-threatening conditions | No referral, 24/7 |
| Age limits: |
Pediatric care is provided to children from birth to 18 years of age. After 18, patients are transferred to the care of family doctors or general practitioners.
2. How to find a family doctor for your child
Official search resources
- Alberta Find a Doctor
An online portal for Primary Care Networks that lists doctors who are accepting new patients.
- College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta Verify the license and qualifications of any doctor in Alberta.
Practical tips
- Ask people you know:
Family and friends may be able to recommend their doctor.
- Call Health Link (811): Free consultations with information specialists and help finding the nearest doctor.
- Check clinic websites:
Many family centers have their own websites with information about accepting new patients.
Recommended family clinics
- Signature Medical Centre Comprehensive, family-oriented care for children. Phone: 403-454-7550
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; walk-ins welcome from 9:00 a.m.
- Excel Health Family practice with walk-in clinic and special play area for children.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
3. Specialized pediatric clinics
| Clinic | Address | Phone | Wait time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Pediatrics | Gulf Canada Square, 340–401 9 Ave SW | 403-221-4434 | Waiting time: approx. 1 month | Founded in 1922, French-speaking Dr. Menard; asthma educator |
| Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic | Unit 305, 4015 University Ave NW | 403-284-0001 | — | 11 pediatricians; founded in 1990 |
| Calgary Children’s Clinic | 55 Midpark Way SE | 403-264-3100 | Indefinite: 1–2 weeks; Plan: 4–6 months | 3 experienced pediatricians; Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Infinity Pediatrics | 9913 85 Ave NW | 403-727-5055 | — | Behavioral and developmental disorders; by referral |
Waiting times by type of consultation
- Urgent cases (1–3 weeks):
Calgary Children’s Clinic (1–2 weeks), Associate Pediatrics (≈1 month)
-
Scheduled consultations (1–8 weeks):
Associate Pediatrics (1–2 months); Sage Fox Medical (1–2 months) - Developmental consultations (2–18 months):
Associate Pediatrics (<5 years) – 6–7 months; (>5 years) – 16–18 months.
4. Referral process to a pediatrician
Referral requirements
- Name, Alberta Health Care number, date of birth
- Current demographic information
- Relevant medical information and growth chart
- Referring physician information with valid Prac ID
How to obtain a referral
- From your family physician
- From a walk-in clinic
- From a nurse practitioner with Prac ID
Urgent cases: Mark the referral “URGENT” in capital letters.
5. Alternative healthcare options
Virtual pediatric care
- Virtual Kids Pediatric Urgent Care Evenings, weekends, and holidays; 24-hour online booking; covered by provincial insurance.
Emergency care
- Alberta Children’s Hospital
28 Oki Drive NW; 24/7 emergency department; over 75,000 visits per year.
Info: 403-955-7211
- South Health Campus – C-Pod
Mon–Sun 1:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.; 9 pediatric beds; approximately 14,000 patients annually.
6. Language services and support
- Alberta Health Services Language Services
Telephone interpretation in 240 languages; video interpretation in 40+ languages; free 24/7. Basic phrases in English: I speak Ukrainian. I need an interpreter. My child needs medical attention.
7. Funding and insurance
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
- Proof of identity, proof of residence, legal status
- For newborns: separate registration with birth certificate
- Processing: up to 6 weeks
Alberta Child Health Benefit
- Children under 18 (19 if in school); covers dental care, medications, eyeglasses, diabetic supplies
- Contact: 780-427-6848 or 1-877-469-5437
8. Specialized services
Developmental support programs
- Health Link Pediatric Rehabilitation Line (811):
Consultations with occupational therapists and physical therapists; Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Children's mental health
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Ages 5–18; East Calgary Health Centre; Alberta Children's Hospital.
- ConnecTeen:
Phone: 403-264-8336, Text: 587-333-2724.
Home Care
- Pediatric Home Care Children ages 0–18; in collaboration with Alberta Children’s Hospital; Classic LifeCare.
Phone: 403-943-1600 / 403-943-1920.
9. Useful contacts and resources
| Service | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Health Link | 811 | Medical advice, doctor search, translation |
| Calgary 9-1-1 | 9-1-1 | Emergencies |
| Alberta Children’s Hospital | 403-955-7211 | General information |
| Community Pediatrics Acute | 403-943-9137 | Urgent consultations |
| Pediatric Urgent Follow Up | 403-955-2200 | Follow-up care after discharge |
| Online resources: |
- MyHealth.Alberta.ca
- Alberta Find a Doctor
- 211ab.ca
10. Tips for parents
Preparing for your visit
- Gather your child's medical history in English.
- Prepare a list of questions in advance.
- Bring your Alberta Health Card and previous documents.
- Write down the symptoms and how long they have been present.
If you do not have a family doctor
- Call 811 for advice.
- Visit a walk-in clinic for a referral.
- Use Virtual Kids for urgent advice.
- In critical cases, contact Alberta Children's Hospital.
Planning ahead
- Start looking for a family doctor as soon as you arrive.
- Register with AHCIP as soon as possible.
- Familiarize yourself with the locations of the nearest medical facilities.
- For chronically ill children: establish contact with a pediatric specialist, learn about home care, and prepare an emergency action plan.