Finding the right doctor for your child is one of the most important steps parents can take toward lifelong health.
In Canada, the first point of care for children is often a family doctor — a trained physician who provides ongoing medical care for patients of all ages, from newborns to adolescents.
At Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills, Dr. Helen Dion is a Calgary-based family physician with advanced training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and a special interest in women’s and mental health.
Her practice offers a warm, family-friendly environment where children receive thorough care and parents get clear guidance and support.
1. Who Is a Children’s Doctor (Child or Infant Doctor)?
A children’s doctor — also called a pediatrician — specializes in the physical, emotional, and developmental health of infants, children, and teenagers.
However, in many communities, family doctors like Dr. Dion also serve as children’s doctors, providing preventive care, immunizations, and routine checkups, and referring to pediatric specialists when necessary.
Common terms parents search for:
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Children’s doctor near me
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Infant doctor near me
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Kids doctor near me
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Baby doctor near me
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Pediatrics accepting new patients near me
All of these often refer to a family physician with pediatric expertise — the gateway to all child and adolescent health services in Alberta.
2. The Family Doctor’s Role in Children’s Healthcare
In Canada’s health system, your family doctor is your child’s primary care provider. They handle initial assessment, treatment, referrals, and follow-up — ensuring care is coordinated across specialists.
How Family Doctors Help Children
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Newborn and Infant Checkups: monitor growth, feeding, sleep, and early development.
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Immunizations and Screenings: track provincial vaccine schedules and early testing.
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Acute Care: treat infections, rashes, allergies, and minor injuries.
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Chronic Conditions: manage asthma, eczema, ADHD, and diabetes with specialist input.
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Mental Health: identify stress, anxiety, and behavioural issues early.
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Referrals: connect families to pediatricians or specialized centres when needed.
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Parental Guidance: provide trusted advice on nutrition, sleep, and safety.
If your child needs specialized care, Dr. Dion coordinates the referral process and continues to follow up to ensure progress and continuity of care.
3. When to See a Family Doctor vs a Pediatric Specialist
| Situation | Start with | Possible Referral to |
|---|---|---|
| Routine checkups and vaccines | Family doctor (Dr. Helen Dion) | Pediatrician if specialized care needed |
| Fever, cold, or infection | Family doctor | Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist |
| Growth or development concerns | Family doctor | Pediatric Endocrinologist / Development clinic |
| Emotional or behavioural issues | Family doctor | Child Psychologist / Psychiatrist |
| Chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes | Family doctor | Pediatric Pulmonologist / Endocrinologist |
The family doctor remains the central coordinator, handling medical records, lab results, and ongoing care even after a referral.
4. Advantages of Having a Family Doctor for Your Child
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One doctor for the whole family — parents, infants, teens, and seniors.
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Integrated records for better continuity.
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Immediate access for minor illnesses or questions.
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Comprehensive advice on nutrition, sleep, growth, and development.
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Easier coordination with pediatric hospitals and specialists.
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Strong long-term relationship based on trust and familiarity.
5. Dr. Helen Dion – Family Physician with Pediatric Expertise
Dr. Helen Dion is a Calgary family doctor with over ten years of experience treating children and families. She holds certification in Family Medicine and Pediatric Emergency Medicine from the University of Edinburgh (UK).
Her practice focuses on:
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Comprehensive pediatric care for infants, toddlers, and teens.
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Women’s health and family planning for mothers and caregivers.
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Mental health support for both adolescents and parents.
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Preventive care — annual checkups, growth monitoring, and screenings.
At Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills (909 Na’a Drive SW), Dr. Dion and her team provide a modern, friendly setting that makes children and families feel at ease.
Parents consistently praise her compassionate approach and clear communication.
6. How to Find a Children’s Doctor in Calgary
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Visit AlbertaFindADoctor.ca to see which family physicians are accepting new patients.
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Use the CPSA Directory to verify credentials and registration status.
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Contact clinics such as Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills to book an introductory appointment.
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Ask about integrated pediatric and family care options — Dr. Dion’s practice welcomes new patients from Calgary and surrounding areas.
7. When to Seek Immediate Care for a Child
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department if your child has:
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Difficulty breathing or persistent high fever
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Seizures or unresponsiveness
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Severe injuries or signs of dehydration
For non-emergencies, contact your family doctor first. Dr. Helen Dion offers same-day appointments and rapid referrals when urgent specialist assessment is needed.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Do family doctors treat children in Canada?
Yes. Family doctors are trained to treat patients of all ages, including newborns and children.
What’s the difference between a family doctor and a pediatrician?
Family doctors handle general care and referrals; pediatricians manage complex or specialized conditions. The two often work together.
How can I find a children’s doctor near me in Calgary?
Search the CPSA directory or visit AlbertaFindADoctor.ca, then contact Dr. Helen Dion at Pinnacle Trinity Hills, where new pediatric patients are welcome.
Is Dr. Helen Dion accepting new patients?
Yes — as of 2025, Dr. Dion is accepting new patients for family and pediatric care in southwest Calgary.
9. Summary – Children’s Health Starts with a Trusted Family Doctor
For families searching “children’s doctor near me”, the first and best place to start is with a family doctor. They provide ongoing care, make referrals when needed, and build a long-term relationship with your child and family.
In Calgary, Dr. Helen Dion embodies that approach — delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that supports children’s growth, women’s health, and mental well-being through every stage of life.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is family medicine?
A primary-care specialty that provides lifelong comprehensive care for individuals and families.
How is family practice different from general practice?
Family medicine is a certified specialty emphasizing continuity and prevention; general practice is a broader term for similar care.
Do family doctors in Calgary accept new patients?
Yes — availability varies. Check Alberta Health Services’ “Find a Doctor” database for updates.
Can family physicians handle mental-health concerns?
Yes. Family doctors can assess, treat, and refer for mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
