Dr. Gaëlle Vekemans

Dr. Gaëlle Vekemans provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• 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. Gaëlle Vekemans.

• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• 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.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.

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. Vekemans 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

CPSC Coeur des Laurentides is situated in the vibrant areas near central Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for families in the region. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, offering a friendly environment for young patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for visitors. The practice is located near local points of interest, making visits comfortable and straightforward for families living in or visiting Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Vekemans covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Vekemans are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC. 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or Dr. Vekemans's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Vekemans, a Pediatrician?

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Vekemans is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Vekemans 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). It's best to check with Dr. Vekemans'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.

What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?

During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Vekemans, she will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.

How does Dr. Vekemans help manage chronic health conditions in children?

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Vekemans 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.

When should I take my child to see Dr. Vekemans if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. Vekemans's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Vekemans 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. Vekemans 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.

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. Vekemans will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

CPSC Coeur des Laurentides
10 Rue Saint-Antoine
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC J8C 2C2

Phone: (819) 774-8574 | Fax: (844) 560-8178

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.

Dr. Vekemans is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Dr. Vekemans 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=98304