Kandice VincentThe 4 Best Pediatric Surgeons in Toronto
Having a child go through surgery is an incredibly tough journey—for parents and especially the child, be they adolescent, preschooler, or even newborn. But with skilled pediatric surgeons leading with expertise, precision, and compassion, you and your loved one will have the vital medical support you need.
These specialists are extensively trained, focusing on delicate surgeries tailored to young patients' needs. They handle diverse issues, from congenital anomalies to trauma, with a holistic approach to managing post-operative care and recovery. With them, you and your child are not alone in this challenge.
How We Chose the Best Pediatric Surgeons in Toronto
How much does a consult with a pediatric surgeon cost in Toronto?
If you’re a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident, there’s no fee for visiting a pediatric surgeon as long as you provide your provincially registered health card.
Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options
1. Dr Jacob Langer
Dr Jacob Langer is internationally acclaimed for his pioneering work on Hirschsprung disease and other pediatric colorectal conditions as well as his significant contributions as a pediatric surgeon within Canada’s healthcare system.
He completed his paediatric surgery fellowship at SickKids, alongside a research fellowship in fetal surgery at the University of California. Apart from SickKids and Humber River Hospital, he is also licensed to practice in California, Ohio, and Missouri in the US.
Beyond the confines of the operating room, Dr Langer boasts an extensive background in clinical research, having published over 230 peer-reviewed journals. He has also excelled as an educator at McMaster University, Washington University, and the University of Toronto.
Adding to his expertise, Dr Langer is also at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery for children and prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies, such as Down syndrome and cleft lip conditions.
Pros
- Prolific academic and clinical researcher
- Multi-awarded for his contributions to pediatric surgery
- Well-versed in colorectal conditions like Hirschsprung disease
- Updated with advances in minimally invasive surgery
- Extensive track record of positive patient outcomes
Cons
- Some reports on tardy follow-up appointments
Patient Reviews
He is such a compassionate, caring, and kind doctor
“Dr. Langer is amazing – my daughter was born at 30 weeks with Hirschprung Disease, which went undiagnosed for 4 months. He is such a compassionate, caring, and kind doctor. We feel so blessed that he is involved in our daughter’s care (just wish we’d met him when she was born!). In addition to being an excellent surgeon, he is also very good at follow-up appointments.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
So kind and professional when stress was so high
“Amazing doctor, so kind and professional when stress was so high due to surgery for my son. I didn’t know a kind and supportive bedside manner existed anymore… it’s alive and well with Dr. Langer. God Bless Sick Kids and Dr. Langer.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
2. Dr Sharifa Himidan
Dr Sharifa Himidan shines as a proficient pediatric surgeon and a passionate advocate for accessible health care through community surgery. Her recent contributions in Ukraine, where she treated children with physical trauma, underscore her commitment. Currently, she holds the esteemed role of director of community pediatric surgery at SickKids, channelling her expertise into full-time clinical practice.
Prior to these pivotal roles, she completed her fellowship in pediatric critical care at SickKids and further honed her skills through a fellowship in pediatric general surgery at Baylor College in Houston, Texas.
Dr Himidan serves as a dedicated staff physician at North York General Hospital and Humber River Hospital, specialising in thoracic, general neonatal, and pediatric surgery. Her focus extends to minimal access surgery, intricate congenital anomalies, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Notably, she has delved into the positive impacts of music in easing anxiety and pain for children during surgical experiences.
Pros
- Comforting and friendly countenance
- Proven experience with complex surgeries
- Specialises in minimally invasive surgery and congenital anomalies
- Operates neonatal to adolescent patients
- Strong network of medical affiliates
Cons
- Few minor lapses in communication
Patient Reviews
Great bedside manner and overall professional in her approach
“I met Dr. Himidan for the first time today and oh, how wonderful a surgeon she is. I asked a lot of questions about my daughter’s medical condition and she sat at ease and answered all thoroughly without rushing us. Great bedside manner and just overall professional in her approach and knowledge.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Dr. Himidan is not only a great surgeon, she is an amazing person
“Dr. Himidan is an amazing surgeon. She performed life a life-saving procedure and extremely complicated surgery on my child at 4 months old. Dr Himidan is not only a great surgeon, she is an amazing person she is kind and compassionate she goes out of her way to keep you informed and takes her time to explain everything in a way that you can understand, she is a blessing to our family. We love you and our forever special to our family.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
3. Dr Augusto Zani
Dr Augusto Zani is a distinguished neonatal and pediatric surgeon, notable as the lead scientist behind Zani Lab at SickKids’ Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Research Institute. With an extensive research background, he boasts authorship of over 130 peer-reviewed articles and has recently been awarded the 35th Annual Andrew Sass-Kortsak Award.
Dr Zani began his pediatric surgery training at Italy’s Sapienza University of Rome, his home country. His fascination with stem cell therapy in NEC led him to University College London before he practised at the esteemed medical institutions of Great Ormond Street Hospital and King’s College Hospital. Subsequently, he moved to Toronto, culminating his expertise with a neonatal surgery fellowship at U of T.
His specialisation includes congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and delving into neurodevelopmental delays in NEC survivors. Both entail intricate surgical interventions with high mortality rates. He also delves into minimally invasive surgery and congenital anomalies.
Pros
- Multi-awarded for his research contributions to pediatric surgery
- Clinical interests in NEC and CDH
- Proficient in neonatal surgery
- At the forefront of clinical research in his field
- Extensive medical training
- Exceptional bedside manners
Cons
- Doesn’t do operations for adolescents often
Patient Reviews
Always willing to talk and explain anything and everything to us
“Forever grateful to Dr.Zani! Amazing surgeon and amazing doctor who was always willing to talk and explain anything and everything to us about our daughter’s care.” – Veronica Fernhout, Facebook Post Comment
Not only is he an amazing surgeon and a caring and conscientious doctor
“We truly hit the jackpot when Augusto was on shift when we arrived at SickKids – not only is he an amazing surgeon and a caring and conscientious doctor, but he’s also an NEC expert and has researched the disease extensively. He checked in on us nearly every shift, even when he wasn’t assigned to Elliott; he explained every procedure, and treatment plan, and involved us in every decision the full 75 days we were in the hospital.” – Rikkaela Anna and Dan Lovitsch, Facebook Post
4. Dr Karen Allison Bailey
Fantastic first day of the Gordon S. Cameron Visiting Professor Event @mch_childrens featuring Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye from @nationwidekids and @NCHPedSurg! Great discussion of challenging clinical cases and research from our division. pic.twitter.com/ybKe5oDQpq
— McMaster Pediatric Surgery (@MacPedSurg) June 9, 2022
Dr Karen Allison Bailey is a prominent figure at McMaster University as an associate professor in the Department of Surgery. She not only serves as a staff pediatric surgeon at the McMaster Children’s Hospital but also assumes the roles of director of the Pediatric Trauma Program and the academic division head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery.
She obtained her medical degree from McMaster University and pursued her post-grad training at the U of T, undertaking a residency in pediatric surgery and a fellowship in general surgery. Her journey came full circle, as it led her back to McMaster, where she pursued health management.
Dr Bailey specialises in trauma intestinal motility, sepsis, inguinal hernia, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that occurs in neonatal patients. Beyond her clinical expertise, she has a passion for elevating the quality of pediatric healthcare, evident through several of her research publications.
Pros
- Detailed and informative during appointments
- Specialises in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery
- Excellent with neonatal surgeries
- Active in the medical academe
- Calm and comforting demeanour
Cons
- Relatively long wait times
- Mostly based in Hamilton
Patient Reviews
She spent lots of time with us and made sure to explain everything
“My son was referred to Dr. Bailey after we discovered an inguinal hernia when he was 15 months old. It took about 4 weeks to get the appointment and when we did finally get to see her, she spent lots of time with us and made sure to explain everything… On the day of surgery, she met with us, was thorough, kind, caring and so were all the staff at McMaster Children’s Hospital. She even met us in the waiting room and went over everything when she was finished.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
A phenomenal surgeon, and also a parent that made every effort to connect
“She saved our just six-year-old son when his appendix was ruptured. She was a phenomenal surgeon, and also a parent that made every effort to connect and speak to me as a mother. I will forever be grateful for her help, especially in a healthcare system that is falling apart in Ontario.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
