About
Dr. Fatima Fakhshad Bhetasi is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in Welland, 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 her patients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Dr. Bhetasi’s role encompasses a broad spectrum of child healthcare services, focusing on promoting healthy growth, development, and well-being from birth through adolescence. Her clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, fostering a positive experience for young patients and their families.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Bombay in India and has over 18 years of experience as a Pediatrician, practicing since 2006. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Bhetasi is well-qualified to manage a wide range of pediatric health concerns. Her extensive training and experience enable her to provide expert care tailored to the unique needs of each child, ensuring optimal health outcomes and support for families throughout their child’s developmental journey.
Dr. Bhetasi’s clinical philosophy is rooted in family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to develop individualized treatment plans. She advocates for evidence-based practice and preventive health strategies, including health education and early intervention. She is committed to fostering trust and open communication, ensuring that families feel supported and informed. In addition to English, she also speaks Gujarati and Hindi, which helps her connect effectively with diverse patient populations in Welland and surrounding communities.
Dr. Fatima Bhetasi provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Fatima Bhetasi.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- Comprehensive Well-Child Visits (Infancy through Adolescence): Regular check-ups to monitor growth, development, nutrition, and overall health, including physical exams and age-appropriate guidance.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
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. Bhetasi 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.
Dr. Bhetasi practices at a pediatric clinic located in the North Welland neighborhood of Welland, ON. The clinic is conveniently situated near Merritt Island Park and the Welland Recreational Canal, providing a pleasant environment for families. Public transit options, including Niagara Region Transit (NRT) and Welland Transit routes, serve the area, making it accessible for most patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with ample parking available at or near the location. The environment is designed to be friendly and supportive, ensuring a comfortable visit for young patients and their caregivers.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Bhetasi 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. Bhetasi 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. Bhetasi's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Bhetasi, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Bhetasi is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Bhetasi 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. Bhetasi'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.
- When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?
- The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Bhetasi will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.
- How does Dr. Bhetasi help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Bhetasi 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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Bhetasi help?
- Current guidelines generally recommend no screen time for children under 18-24 months (except for video-chatting with family), and limiting high-quality programming to about 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5 years, co-viewed with a parent. For older children and teens, it's important to balance screen time with other healthy activities like physical activity, social interaction, and sleep. Dr. Bhetasi can discuss these recommendations, help your family create a media use plan, and address concerns about the impact of screen time on your child's health and development.
- What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Bhetasi's office is closed?
- Dr. Bhetasi'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.
Suite 3101, 390 Lincoln Street East
Welland, ON L3B 4N4
Phone: (905) 788-1777 | Fax: (905) 788-1779
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Bhetasi 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. Bhetasi 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/Bhetasi-Fatima-Fakhshad/0220678-83392