Dr. Linda Janina Bakovic – Pediatrician | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Linda Janina Bakovic is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within Thunder Bay, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Bakovic 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. The clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, ensuring a positive experience for young patients and their families.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Canada and has been practicing as a Pediatrician since 2014, bringing over 10 years of experience in child healthcare. Dr. Bakovic 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 expertise encompasses a broad range of pediatric services aimed at supporting the health and well-being of children in the Thunder Bay area.

Driven by a philosophy of family-centered care and evidence-based practice, Dr. Bakovic is committed to collaborating closely with families, parents, and other healthcare professionals to deliver personalized, holistic pediatric care. She emphasizes preventive health strategies, early diagnosis, and treatment, ensuring her young patients receive the best possible care in a supportive, compassionate environment. She provides care in English and is dedicated to fostering healthy growth and development for all her patients.

Dr. Linda Bakovic provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Constipation & Other Common Digestive Issues: Difficulties with bowel movements or other common gastrointestinal complaints in children.
• Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Linda Bakovic.

• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
• 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.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.

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. Bakovic 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. Bakovic practices at a pediatric clinic situated in the vibrant Port Arthur Central neighborhood of Thunder Bay, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near Magnus Theatre and Downtown Port Arthur (North Core), making it accessible for families in the Waterfront area. Public transit options, including Thunder Bay Transit, serve the location, ensuring easy access for patients and families. The facility is wheelchair accessible and strives to create a welcoming environment for children and families. Parking is available at or near the clinic, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The setting is designed to be family-friendly, emphasizing comfort and accessibility for all patients.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Bakovic is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Bakovic 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. Bakovic'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.

How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Bakovic?

A fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and playful, a specific number on the thermometer isn't always the most important factor. You can help them feel more comfortable by offering fluids, dressing them in light clothing, and ensuring they get rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate for age and no contraindications) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort; always follow dosing instructions. Contact Dr. Bakovic's office if your child is under 3 months with any fever, has a very high fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, or if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Bakovic 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. Bakovic 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. Bakovic will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.

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

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

My child is a picky eater. What advice can a pediatrician offer?

It's very common for toddlers and young children to go through phases of picky eating. Dr. Bakovic can offer practical advice, such as maintaining a regular meal and snack schedule, offering a variety of healthy foods without pressure, involving your child in food preparation, and modeling healthy eating habits. She can also assess your child's growth and development to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition and rule out any underlying medical concerns. If needed, a referral to a dietitian may be considered.

Suite 1, 104-1260 Golf Links Rd
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 0A1

Phone: (807) 766-3370

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

Dr. Bakovic 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. Bakovic 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/Bakovic-Linda-Janina/0277612-97305