About
Dr. Isabelle Pelletier is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-Fatima in La Pocatière, QC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Dr. Isabelle Pelletier completed her Family Medicine (2010), 1999. She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.
Key aspects of her practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. She offers consultations in French.
Dr. Isabelle Pelletier provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Dermatological Skin Conditions
- Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Effective antimicrobial therapy for common bacterial skin infections to resolve infection, prevent spread, and alleviate associated symptoms.
- Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Providing effective remedies for bothersome and often contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, along with advice on hygiene and prevention of recurrence.
- Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity, skin type, patient preference, and potential impact on self-esteem.
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.
Mental Health Concerns
- Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
- Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Assessing symptoms of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite) and other mood disorders. Offering empathetic supportive counseling, discussing and initiating treatment options including lifestyle interventions, evidence-based antidepressant medications, and facilitating referrals to psychotherapy or psychiatry for moderate to severe or treatment-resistant cases.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
- Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.
Common Acute Conditions
- Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Providing prompt care for sudden or severe headaches, offering effective relief, and establishing a plan for ongoing management if headaches are recurrent or chronic.
- Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
- Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Helping patients manage their allergy symptoms effectively to improve daily comfort and quality of life.
- Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr Pelletier. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.
- Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Performing objective medical assessments for various administrative or regulatory requirements.
- Hospital Discharge Follow-Up & Transitions of Care Management: Providing prompt and comprehensive follow-up care after hospital stays, emergency room visits, or specialist procedures to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to the community. This includes medication reconciliation, review of discharge summaries and specialist reports, management of ongoing issues, addressing any new concerns, and coordination of any further treatment, rehabilitation, or home care services.
- Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, including appropriate antibiotic stewardship.
- Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Providing care for various acute dermatological concerns, offering treatment options (topical or oral) and referrals to dermatology if needed for severe or complex cases.
- Coordination with Allied Health Professionals & Community Health Services: Working as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic, patient-centered care that addresses all aspects of your physical, mental, and social well-being.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Pelletier. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.
All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
At Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr Pelletier frequently works with patients towards goals such as:
- Patients with a recurring ear infection, or their child tugging at their ear and being fussy can find relief and achieve their child successfully overcoming challenges like picky eating habits, minor feeding issues, or common toileting problems with practical, patient, and evidence-informed strategies suggested and supported by Dr Pelletier under Dr Pelletier's care, often allowing them to resume comfortably and confidently navigating crowded, stimulating public spaces like busy shopping malls, bustling farmers' markets, large airports, or public transit hubs without feeling overwhelmed, excessively stressed, or physically unsafe without former limitations.
- The path to wellness when facing wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting involves working towards feeling significantly more comfortable, markedly less anxious, and substantially more trusting about visiting the doctor and engaging with the healthcare system due to the consistently positive, supportive, and long-standing therapeutic relationship they have established with Dr Pelletier. Dr Pelletier guides patients so they can again enjoy consistently maintaining good, ergonomic posture and avoiding musculoskeletal discomfort while working for extended periods at a computer station, office desk, or in other sedentary job roles.
Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Pelletier, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.
Dr Pelletier's practice at Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-Fatima is situated in a family medical practice in central La Pocatière neighborhood of La Pocatière. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.
- What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?
- A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.
- I have multiple health problems. How does Dr Pelletier handle complex care?
- Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr Pelletier does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.
- Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?
- Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, such as the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, may be helpful in finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.
- Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. It is best to confirm with Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-Fatima if you have questions about specific services or fees.
- How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?
- Finding a family doctor in Quebec who is accepting new patients may take time and effort. You can check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, which may have a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or clinics directly. There may also be provincial programs to assist with finding a family doctor.
Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-Fatima
1201 6e av Pilote
La Pocatière, QC, G0R 1Z0
Phone: (418) 856-7000
Dr. Isabelle Pelletier is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
Registration Number: 99148
Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=99148
Family doctors like Dr Pelletier are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.