About
Dr. Sarah Lavoie is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at CSSS de Chicoutimi in Chicoutimi, QC, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that young patients receive safe and effective medical care. Dr. Lavoie 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 to support the health and well-being of every child she cares for.
She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 8 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2016. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents) in QC, including continuous professional development to stay current with evolving pediatric guidelines and best practices.
Dr. Lavoie’s clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She is committed to collaborating closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to ensure that each child’s unique needs are met. Fluent in French, she strives to create a welcoming and accessible environment for her patients and their families. Her dedication is rooted in the belief that healthy children are the foundation of a thriving community, and she takes pride in supporting children’s health in Chicoutimi with empathy and professionalism.
Dr. Sarah Lavoie 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.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- 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.
- Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
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.
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Sarah Lavoie.
- 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.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
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. Lavoie 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.
CSSS de Chicoutimi is situated in the vibrant area near central Chicoutimi. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for families coming from different parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, ensuring a comfortable environment for all. Ample parking options are available, including metered street parking and nearby parking lots, facilitating easy visits for patients and their caregivers. The surroundings feature local points of interest, making the clinic a familiar and friendly place for families to access pediatric care in Chicoutimi.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie 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. Lavoie's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lavoie, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Lavoie is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie'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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie 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.
- If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?
- If Dr. Lavoie 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 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. Lavoie will provide a recommended schedule for your child. These visits are important for tracking growth, development, providing immunizations, and addressing any concerns early.
CSSS de Chicoutimi
305 rue Saint-Vallier
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5H6
Phone: (418) 541-1000 | Fax: (418) 696-4673
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Lavoie is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Dr. Lavoie 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=16518