Paediatrician
From Newborn Care to Neurodevelopmental Challenges
Medivik paediatrician Dr Vivek Akkera identifies, treats, and manages general paediatric and developmental concerns in infants, toddlers, and children across Greater Sydney, the Hunter Region, and the Central Coast.
If you have questions, here is a good place to start.
Why See a Paediatrician Instead of Your GP?
A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in children’s health, development, and behaviour, from infancy through to adolescence. While a GP can manage many common childhood illnesses and general health concerns, a paediatrician has additional training in diagnosing and managing more complex medical, developmental, behavioural, and learning-related conditions in children.
When To See A Paediatrician
Your child may benefit from seeing a paediatrician if they’re dealing with the following:
- Recurrent infections, asthma, headaches, or growth concerns
- Feeding, reflux, or weight gain concerns in babies and infants
- Delays in speech, learning, social skills, or overall development
- Concerns about ADHD or autism, including attention, behaviour, communication, or social interaction
- Anxiety, behavioural challenges, school refusal, or emotional difficulties
- Weight management concerns, including obesity, poor weight gain, or unhealthy eating habits
- Complex medical or developmental needs requiring coordinated care
- Referral for further assessment, or ongoing paediatric support
Meet Our Paediatrician
When you choose Medivik, your child is cared for by Dr Vivek Akkera, a Consultant General Paediatrician with 16 years of experience across hospital and community paediatrics in Australia, the United Kingdom, and India.
Dr Akkera’s qualifications and experience include:
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
- Nearly 10 years within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- MBBS with distinction and MD in Paediatrics completed in India
- Specialised neonatal training completed in Leicester, United Kingdom
- Fellowship training in General Paediatrics completed in Australia
- Clinical interests in developmental and behavioural paediatrics, including ADHD and autism assessments
- Formal ADOS-2 training to support comprehensive autism assessments
Why Families in the Hills District Choose Dr Akkera and Medivik
When your child needs specialist care, choosing the right paediatrician matters. Here’s why families trust Dr Akkera and Medivik:
Longer Consultations
We believe children and families deserve time to be properly heard. Initial paediatric consultations are scheduled for 40 minutes, allowing for a more thorough discussion of your child’s health, development, behaviour, and concerns.
Shorter Wait Times
We understand how stressful it can be to wait months for paediatric support. Medivik Paediatrics aims to provide families with shorter wait times for appointments, helping children access assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care sooner.
Accessible Location
Our clinic is conveniently located at: 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153. Situated within the Hills District, our practice is easily accessible for families travelling from Bella Vista, Norwest, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, and surrounding suburbs.
Our Comprehensive Paediatrician Services
We provide comprehensive care across all aspects of children’s health, from routine check-ups to complex medical needs. Whether you’re seeking preventive care or specialist assessment, Medivik offers the full spectrum of paediatric services under one roof.
ADHD & Behavioural Management
Assessment and ongoing support for ADHD, emotional regulation, behavioural challenges, attention difficulties, and concerns affecting home, school, or social functioning.
Autism Assessments & NDIS Access Support
Comprehensive autism assessments with guidance and documentation to support families navigating diagnosis, therapies, and NDIS access requirements.
Developmental and Mental Health Support
Support for developmental delays, learning concerns, anxiety, mood changes, social difficulties, and other behavioural or emotional concerns in children and adolescents.
Paediatric Weight Management
Evidence-based support for healthy growth, nutrition, obesity management, poor weight gain, and lifestyle habits affecting a child’s overall wellbeing.
Newborn & Infant Health Concerns
Care for feeding difficulties, reflux, sleep and settling concerns, growth issues, developmental milestones, and other common newborn and infant health concerns.
Adolescent Health
Holistic care for teenagers navigating puberty, mental health, sleep, school stress, chronic conditions, and the physical and emotional changes of adolescence.
How to Become a Paediatrician in Australia?
The journey to becoming a paediatrician in Australia is one of the most rigorous training pathways in medicine. Understanding this extensive preparation helps you appreciate the depth of expertise your child receives.
- Medical Degree. Six years of full-time study at an accredited Australian university, covering comprehensive medical education and clinical training
- General Prevocational Training. One to two years working across different hospital departments as a junior doctor, building broad medical experience
- Basic Training with RACP. Three years as a Basic Trainee with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, working in paediatric departments and completing major written and clinical examinations
- Advanced Training. Minimum three additional years in accredited specialist positions, working in both neonatal units and general paediatric departments
- Clinical Experience. Years spent working directly with children in hospitals, learning to recognise rare conditions, manage complex cases, and communicate effectively with young patients and worried parents
- Fellowship (FRACP). Awarded only after successfully completing all examinations and training requirements, granting full qualification to practise as a paediatrician
In total, becoming a paediatrician requires approximately 13 to 15 years of education and training beyond high school. This extensive preparation ensures that when you bring your child to a paediatrician like Dr Akkera, you’re receiving care from someone with deep, specialised knowledge in children’s health, development, and unique medical needs.
When to See a Paediatrician Instead of Your GP?
Knowing when to take your child to a paediatrician rather than your GP can feel confusing, but there are clear situations where specialist care makes a real difference.
Your GP remains yout best choice for routine checks, common illnesses like colds and flu, minor injuries, scheduled vaccinations, and general health advice.
See a paediatrician when:
- Developmental delays or concerns arise, such as delayed speech, motor skills, or social interaction
- Chronic conditions need ongoing management, including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or allergies
- Behavioural or learning difficulties persist, including suspected ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or anxiety
- Growth concerns emerge, such as failure to thrive, unexplained weight loss, or hormone-related issues
- Newborn complications require follow-up care after premature birth or NICU stay
- Complex symptoms don’t improve despite treatment from your GP
- Multiple health issues interact in ways that need specialist coordination
Your Child's Journey
Your First Visit
Your journey begins here. Book your child’s first appointment through our online portal. A referral isn’t required, but it is if you’d like to claim a Medicare rebate.
Preparing for Your Visit
Please bring your referral letter, Medicare card, and Blue Book. School reports, past records, or short videos of symptoms are also helpful for giving us a clear picture.
Virtual Consultations
Some visits are easier from home. Telehealth lets you connect with your paediatrician clearly and reliably, without the stress of travel or waiting.
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The Day of Your Visit
Your first consultation usually lasts 40 minutes. You’ll find us at the Bond Building in Bella Vista, Dangar Medical Practice in Singleton, or the Riverside Park Office Tower in West Gosford.
Is your child struggling with ADHD?
What Can We Do For Your Child Today?
Parent Form
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Doctor Referral Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paediatricians
What are paediatricians?
Paediatricians are medical doctors with specialised training in the health, growth, development and medical care of babies, children and teenagers. They diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses, developmental concerns and behavioural issues.
How do I choose a paediatrician in Sydney?
Choosing the right paediatrician starts with considering their qualifications, experience, and approach to care. After that, consider location, as you’ll likely need to visit multiple times for follow-ups. Choose a practice within 20-30 minutes of your home for convenience. Medivik serves families across Western Sydney, including Blacktown, Seven Hills, Castle Hill, and surrounding suburbs. Check wait times for initial appointments, as some practices have 3 to 6 month waitlists, whilst others can see families within weeks. Ask about Medicare rebates to understand out-of-pocket costs. Finally, choose a paediatrician whose communication style makes you and your child feel comfortable and heard.
How much does it cost to see a paediatrician in Sydney?
The cost of seeing a paediatrician in Sydney varies depending on the complexity and length of the consultation. At Medivik, first-time consultations are $650 for a comprehensive 40-minute appointment. With a valid GP referral, you can claim a Medicare rebate, which significantly reduces your out-of-pocket cost to $384.40.
What conditions does a paediatrician treat?
Paediatricians diagnose, treat, and manage a comprehensive range of conditions affecting children from birth through adolescence. At Medivik, Dr Akkera treats newborn concerns, including neonatal complications, feeding difficulties, reflux and GERD, blocked tear ducts, jaundice, and follow-up care for premature infants.
For developmental and behavioural issues, he assesses and manages autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, learning difficulties, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. Chronic conditions under his care include asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, eczema, food allergies, and other ongoing health issues requiring specialist management.
Can a paediatrician diagnose ADHD?
Yes, paediatricians can assess and diagnose ADHD in children using clinical evaluations and standard diagnostic guidelines. Some paediatricians like Dr Akkera specialise in neurodevelopmental assessments.
Can a paediatrician diagnose autism?
Yes, paediatricians can diagnose autism spectrum disorder, often using developmental assessments and structured observations, or refer to other specialists if needed.