About
Dr. Amy Elizabeth Acker is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in Kingston, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every child receives safe, effective, and personalized medical care. Dr. Acker focuses on preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, promoting healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Her practice environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, making both children and families feel comfortable and supported.
Dr. Acker graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada. She has over 17 years of experience as a Pediatrician, having begun her practice in 2007. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pediatric care. Her extensive training and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with the latest advances in child healthcare and best practices.
Dedicated to family-centered care, Dr. Acker believes in building strong partnerships with parents and caregivers. Her approach combines evidence-based medicine with compassionate communication, ensuring that families are well-informed and actively involved in their child's health decisions. She provides care in English and is committed to supporting the health and well-being of young patients in Kingston, offering a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and collaboration with other healthcare providers when needed.
Dr. Amy Acker provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
- Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
- 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. Amy Acker.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
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. Acker 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.
Located in the vibrant downtown area of Kingston, in the Queen's University neighborhood, Dr. Acker's practice is situated within a well-equipped pediatric clinic or hospital department. The facility is conveniently accessible via Kingston Transit, with stops nearby for easy public transportation access. The building is wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming to children and families, creating a comfortable environment for young patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring convenient access for families driving in from different parts of Kingston and the surrounding regions. The practice's location in Kingston's historic district makes it a central and accessible choice for families seeking quality pediatric care.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Acker 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. Acker 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. Acker's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Acker, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Acker is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Acker 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. Acker'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.
- 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. Acker 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.
- How does Dr. Acker help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Acker plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.
- What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Acker's office is closed?
- Dr. Acker'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.
- How often should my child see a Pediatrician for well-child visits?
- Well-child visits are scheduled regularly from birth through adolescence. In the first year, visits are frequent (e.g., shortly after birth, then at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months). After that, they typically occur at 15, 18, 24 months, and then annually from age 3 onwards, or as per provincial guidelines. Dr. Acker will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.
- What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Acker?
- Dr. Acker follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for ON. This schedule outlines the vaccines your child should receive at different ages to protect them from serious preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), chickenpox, hepatitis B, influenza, rotavirus, pneumococcal, and meningococcal diseases. She will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.
Unit 15, 166 Brock Street
Kingston, ON K7L 5G2
Phone: (613) 544-3400 | Fax: (613) 544-3559
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Acker 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. Acker 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/Acker-Amy-Elizabeth/0203591-79140