Dr. Thelma Huard Girard – Pediatrician | Alma, QC

Dr. Thelma Huard Girard is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Hôpital d'Alma in Alma, 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 each child receives quality medical attention. She 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 comforting space for families.

Dr. Huard Girard holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 4 years of experience practicing as a Pediatrician since 2020. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents) in Québec, ensuring her expertise in child healthcare.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and preventive health strategies. Dr. Huard Girard values collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals to support the well-being of her young patients in Alma. She speaks French fluently and is dedicated to providing accessible and empathetic care tailored to each child's unique needs.

Dr. Thelma Huard Girard 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.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
• Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

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

• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• 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.

This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Thelma Huard Girard.

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.

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. Huard Girard 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.

Hôpital d'Alma is situated in the vibrant area near central Alma, QC, serving as a key medical facility in the region. The hospital's Pediatric unit is easily accessible from various parts of Alma, with convenient access via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making it easy for families to visit without stress. The hospital is close to local points of interest, providing a family-friendly environment that supports holistic health and wellness.

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

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

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Huard Girard is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Huard Girard 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. Huard Girard'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 should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Huard Girard's office is closed?

Dr. Huard Girard's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Huard Girard 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. Huard Girard 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.

Hôpital d'Alma
300 boul Champlain S
Alma, QC G8B 5W3

Phone: (418) 669-2000 | Fax: (418) 662-8633

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

Dr. Huard Girard is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Dr. Huard Girard 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=20424