About Dr. Richa Agnihotri, MD, FRCPC, DipABLM

Dr. Richa Agnihotri

Community Paediatrician

Dr. Richa Agnihotri is a Consultant Community Paediatrician based in the picturesque Niagara Region, where she is a passionate advocate for the health and well-being of children and youth.

Dr. Agnihotri completed her medical education in the United Kingdom, followed by a residency in General Pediatrics at Western University. She currently holds the position of Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University and serves as the President of the Community Paediatrics Section of the Canadian Paediatric Society. Additionally, she is a Board Member of the Pediatricians of Ontario Section of the Ontario Medical Association. Her leadership extends to several specialized committees, including the Early Years Task Force, the Anti-Racism MedEd Working Group, and the Sleep Special Interest Group of the Canadian Paediatric Society.

With a focused interest in child development, behavior, and mental health, Dr. Agnihotri has pursued advanced training in pediatric mental health, particularly in the diagnosis and management of ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and continues to expand her expertise to meet the evolving needs of the communities she serves.

Dr. Agnihotri is deeply committed to upstream prevention in healthcare, recognizing the profound impact that early intervention and proactive strategies can have on long-term health outcomes. She is certified in plant-based nutrition and healthcare coaching, and is also Board-Certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She integrates evidence-based lifestyle strategies into her practice, working collaboratively with children and families to develop comprehensive care plans that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Her approach to care is grounded in empowering children, parents, and caregivers to make informed, values-driven decisions about health. By aligning lifestyle changes with individual goals, circumstances, medical needs, and potential barriers, Dr. Agnihotri helps families create sustainable and impactful solutions for wellness. She is currently leading research initiatives aimed at improving community-based paediatric care.

A strong proponent of interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Agnihotri believes that building supportive networks for children and families is essential to achieving optimal health outcomes. Her vision on this topic was featured in a TEDx talk at McMaster University, titled "Children Are The Most Powerful Motivators For Behaviour Change."

Dr. Agnihotri enjoys teaching, speaking, and creating educational resources for both children and caregivers. She is committed to staying at the forefront of medical research and continually enhancing her skills to support the flourishing of children and families.

Dr. Agnihotri believes in the power of a child-oriented world, emphasizing that when we listen to and act upon the insights children share with us, we not only improve their well-being but also our own. Healthier children lead to healthier communities, which in turn contribute to healthier generations.

In her personal time, Dr. Agnihotri enjoys yoga (she is a certified yoga teacher), running, nature walks, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoys singing, cooking, meeting new people, and learning new skills.