Dr. Michele E. Bjornson – Pediatrician | Calgary, AB

Dr. Michele E. Bjornson is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic within a hospital department in Calgary, AB, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and family-centered care. Dr. Bjornson 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 child-friendly and welcoming, fostering a supportive atmosphere for families seeking pediatric services.

She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents) in Alberta. Dr. Bjornson graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta and has earned specialty certification as a Pediatrician, reflecting her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development. Her certifications ensure she is well-equipped to address a wide spectrum of child health needs with evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Bjornson’s clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, collaborative decision-making, and evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to supporting young patients and their families in Calgary through proactive health promotion, preventive strategies, and a respectful, supportive approach. Her practice provides care primarily in English, with a focus on building trusting relationships with children and their families to foster healthy lives and positive health outcomes.

Dr. Michele Bjornson provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
• 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

• Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• 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. Michele Bjornson.

• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• 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.

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. Bjornson 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Located in the SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood of Calgary, the pediatric clinic is situated within a modern hospital department dedicated to child healthcare. The facility is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including the CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Visitors will find the environment welcoming and family-friendly, with wheelchair accessibility and a focus on accommodating children and families comfortably. Parking is available at or near the facility, making visits convenient for families traveling by car. The clinic's setting encourages a positive experience for young patients and their loved ones, emphasizing a family-centered approach to healthcare.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Bjornson covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Bjornson are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB. 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or Dr. Bjornson's office, especially for subspecialty care.

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Bjornson is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Bjornson 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). It's best to check with Dr. Bjornson'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 does Dr. Bjornson help manage chronic health conditions in children?

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Bjornson 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. Bjornson 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. Bjornson can help assess.

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

When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Bjornson will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.

What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. Bjornson?

Dr. Bjornson follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for AB. 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.

4448 Front St SE
Calgary, AB T3M 1M4

Phone: (403) 956-1111

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

Dr. Bjornson is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Dr. Bjornson 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=23a679bf-4ced-4007-a25b-6d84a9eeff45&i=184