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Gastrointestinal Health Research

At some point in their lives, 6 out of 10 Canadians will suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Alberta has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world; about 25,000 people in our province have been diagnosed with the condition. Many researchers see this as an opportunity to study the causes of and seek out new treatments for GI health issues. Alberta is home to world-renowned centres of excellence in GI research. Through their work, we can find find newer, more effective ways to treat patients.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR GASTROINTESTINAL INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNITY RESEARCH (CEGIIR)

Right now it’s hard to say why people get GI disease, how it becomes a chronic condition, or how it leads to cancer. CEGIIR is working hard to change that. They’re researching GI conditions to improve research, find better treatments, and make patients’ lives better.

CEGIIR’s team of scientists is focusing on the following areas.

  • Inflammatory GI disorders
  • Non-ulcer dyspepsia
  • Gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori
  • IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • Viral hepatic and biliary disorders
  • GI cancers

THE ZEIDLER GASTROENTEROLOGY HEALTH AND RESEARCH CENTRE

Started in 2006, the University of Alberta’s state-of-the-art Zeidler Gastroenterology Health and Research Centre is the first clinical facility in Canada dedicated to gastroenterology patient care and research.

 The Zeidler Centre is leading the way in discovery, cure development, and doctor and researcher training. A large number of the new gastroenterology drugs, tools, and treatments in use have been assessed, tested, and developed at the centre.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

DINA KAO

“To conduct research, we need patient participation.”

Dina Kao is a gastroenterologist who found herself studying Clostridium difficile infection. She believes that while Alberta is ideally suited for health research, we need patient involvement more than anything.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT RESEARCH HAPPENING IN ALBERTA

CANCER RESEARCH

WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH RESEARCH

HEART AND STROKE RESEARCH