Dr. Sonia Bédard – Pediatrician | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Sonia Bédard is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Clinique Médigo in Gatineau, QC, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and ethical medical practice. Dr. Bédard 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 welcoming, child-friendly environment that supports the overall well-being of her young patients.

She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 30 years of experience practicing as a Pediatrician since 1994. Dr. Bédard has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds all necessary certifications to practice Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents) in Quebec. Her professional credentials ensure she is well-equipped to provide expert pediatric services tailored to each child's unique health needs.

Dr. Bédard's clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and proactive health promotion. She collaborates closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and effective management of her patients' health. Her dedication to young patients in Gatineau is driven by a genuine commitment to fostering healthy development and supporting families. Fluent in French, she communicates clearly and compassionately, ensuring families feel heard and supported at every step of their child's healthcare journey.

Dr. Sonia Bédard provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
• 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).
• 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.
• Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
• 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. Sonia Bédard.

• 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.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• 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. Bédard 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.

Clinique Médigo is situated in Gatineau's Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighbourhood. The practice is conveniently located near Federal Government Buildings (Place du Portage), making it accessible for families working or living in the area. Public transit options include the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), which includes the Rapibus BRT system, providing easy access to the clinic. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with paid parking options conveniently located nearby. The environment is designed to be warm and child-friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for young patients and their families.

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

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

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

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. Bédard'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.

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

For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Bédard 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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Bédard 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. Bédard 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.

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. Bédard 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. Bédard can help assess.

How involved can parents be in their child's healthcare with a Pediatrician?

Dr. Bédard believes in family-centered care, which means parents and caregivers are essential partners in a child's healthcare team. She encourages open communication, welcomes your questions and concerns, and will involve you in all decisions regarding your child's health and treatment. Your insights into your child's behavior, symptoms, and daily life are invaluable for providing the best possible care.

Clinique Médigo
165 boul Saint-Raymond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 0A7

Phone: (819) 282-7091 | Fax: (819) 770-8686

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

Dr. Bédard is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Dr. Bédard 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=94246