About
Dr. Katharine Jill Nicholson is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at St. Joseph Health Centre in North Bay, 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 each child receives safe and effective care. Dr. Nicholson 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 approach emphasizes building trusting relationships with families in a warm and welcoming environment, making each visit a positive experience for both children and parents.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2014, bringing over 10 years of dedicated experience in child healthcare. Dr. Nicholson is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest pediatric guidelines and best practices, providing evidence-based care tailored to each child's unique needs.
Dr. Nicholson's clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to support the health and well-being of her young patients. She believes in preventive health strategies, early intervention, and comprehensive management of pediatric health issues. Fluent in English, she is dedicated to fostering open communication, ensuring families feel supported and informed throughout their child's healthcare journey. Her goal is to help children thrive physically, emotionally, and socially, guiding them toward a healthy future.
Dr. Katharine Nicholson 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.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
- Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
- 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.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- 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.
- 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.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Katharine Nicholson.
- 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.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Nicholson 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 within St. Joseph Health Centre in North Bay's Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood, the pediatric unit serves as a vital healthcare resource for families in the region. The facility is conveniently situated near the North Bay Museum and Capitol Centre (Theatre), making it accessible and familiar to the local community. Public transit options, including North Bay Transit, provide easy access for families without personal vehicles. The building is wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming to children and families, with friendly staff and child-friendly amenities. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The pediatric unit plays a key role within the hospital, dedicated to providing specialized, compassionate care to support the health and development of North Bay’s children.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Nicholson 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. Nicholson 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. Nicholson's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Nicholson, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Nicholson is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Nicholson 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. Nicholson'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. Nicholson?
- Dr. Nicholson 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.
- 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. Nicholson 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. Nicholson can help assess.
St. Joseph Health Centre
400 Mckeown Avenue, Department of Family Medicine
North Bay, ON P1B 0B2
Phone: (705) 495-8115 | Fax: (705) 495-8114
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Nicholson 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. Nicholson 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/Nicholson-Katharine-Jill/0257708-90983