Dr. Joëlle Rouillard Lafond – Pediatrician | Alma, QC

Dr. Joëlle Rouillard Lafond is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Hôpital d'Alma-CIUSSS SLSJ in Alma, QC, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that her practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices in child healthcare. Dr. Rouillard Lafond 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 family-centered approach fosters a supportive environment where children and their families feel comfortable and cared for, making her clinic a welcoming space for young patients.

She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 14 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2010. Throughout her career, she has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds all necessary certifications to practice Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents) in Quebec. Her qualifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pediatric medicine and providing expert care tailored to each child's needs.

Dr. Rouillard Lafond’s clinical philosophy is rooted in family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health. She values collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and effective treatment plans. Dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of young patients in Alma, she speaks both French and English, enabling clear communication and a trusting relationship with families. Her goal is to foster healthy, happy childhoods through compassionate, personalized, and comprehensive pediatric care.

Dr. Joëlle Rouillard Lafond provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa - initial assessment & coordination): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and ability to function.

This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Joëlle Rouillard Lafond.

• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Mental Health Screening & Initial Support: Basic screening for common pediatric mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and providing initial support or referrals as needed.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• 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.

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. Rouillard Lafond 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.

Hôpital d'Alma-CIUSSS SLSJ, situated in Alma's vibrant area near central Alma, serves as a key medical facility providing specialized pediatric services. The hospital is conveniently located close to notable local points of interest, making it accessible for families. Public transit options are available, with local buses stopping nearby, ensuring easy access for patients from different parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with a family-friendly environment. Parking is straightforward, with metered street parking and nearby lots available to accommodate visitors, making it easy for families to attend appointments without hassle.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Rouillard Lafond 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. Rouillard Lafond 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. Rouillard Lafond's office, especially for subspecialty care.

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Rouillard Lafond is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Rouillard Lafond 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. Rouillard Lafond'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 immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Rouillard Lafond?

Dr. Rouillard Lafond follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for QC. 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.

If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?

If Dr. Rouillard Lafond or your family doctor refers your child to a subspecialist, it's helpful to prepare for the appointment. Bring any relevant medical records, test results, a list of current medications, and your child's health card. Write down your questions and concerns beforehand. Be prepared to discuss your child's symptoms, medical history, and any family history that might be relevant. Understanding the reason for the referral and what you hope to gain from the visit can make the consultation more effective.

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

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Rouillard Lafond 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 can I do if my child is having trouble sleeping?

Sleep is crucial for a child's development. If your child is having trouble sleeping, establishing a consistent bedtime routine is very important. This includes a calming wind-down period, a set bedtime, and ensuring their sleep environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet. Limiting screen time before bed can also help. Dr. Rouillard Lafond can discuss age-appropriate sleep needs, common sleep problems, and strategies to address them. Sometimes, underlying issues like anxiety or medical conditions can affect sleep, which Dr. Rouillard Lafond can help assess.

Hôpital d'Alma-CIUSSS SLSJ
300 boul Champlain S
Alma, QC G8B 3N8

Phone: (418) 669-2000 | Fax: (418) 662-8633

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

Dr. Rouillard Lafond is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Dr. Rouillard Lafond 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=10630