About
Dr. Shakeela Rao Ahmed is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Halton Health Care 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 every patient receives safe and effective medical care. Dr. Ahmed 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, making every visit a positive experience for families.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Karachi in Pakistan, and has over 22 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2002. Dr. Ahmed is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive clinical background underpins her commitment to delivering quality pediatric care tailored to each child's unique needs.
Dr. Ahmed's philosophy centers on family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. She values collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals to support her young patients' well-being. Fluent in English and Urdu, she strives to create a trusting, respectful environment where families feel comfortable discussing all aspects of their child's health. Her dedication is rooted in a genuine passion for caring for children and supporting their healthy development in North Bay.
Dr. Shakeela Ahmed 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.
- Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - uncomplicated): Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system, common in children.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- 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.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
- 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.
- 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. Shakeela Ahmed.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
- 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.
- 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.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
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. Ahmed 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.
Halton Health Care is situated in North Bay's Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood. The practice is conveniently located near Canadore College / Nipissing University Campus, making it accessible for students and families alike. Families can easily reach the clinic via North Bay Transit, with multiple public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, ensuring comfort and ease of access. Metered street parking and nearby lots are available for those arriving by car, providing convenience for local families seeking quality pediatric care in a friendly environment.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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. Ahmed's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ahmed, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Ahmed is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Ahmed 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. Ahmed'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. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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.
- When should I take my child to see Dr. Ahmed if they are sick?
- You should contact Dr. Ahmed's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
- If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?
- If Dr. Ahmed 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.
- What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?
- During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Ahmed, She will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.
Halton Health Care
400 McKeown Avenue
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. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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/Ahmed-Shakeela-Rao/0216652-81858