Dr. Aruna Uma Chandran – Infectious Disease Specialist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Aruna Uma Chandran is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). As a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), she combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.

Dr. Chandran graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1998. Following medical school, she completed residency training, typically in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics, and subsequently pursued a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She may also hold qualifications in Medical Microbiology. With extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases, she is an experienced Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) with key certifications that qualify her to practice in Alberta. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice infectious disease medicine in the province.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She emphasizes educating patients about their condition and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and focusing on vulnerable populations and complex infection management. Dr. Chandran advocates for collaborative care with primary care physicians, public health agencies, and other specialists to ensure optimal patient and community health. She offers all patient communication and care in English, with a dedication to improving health outcomes for her patients in Edmonton.

Dr. Aruna Chandran provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Chandran manages specialized care for individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for severe or unusual infections.

• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Management of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) related infections.
• Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: May involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic antimicrobials.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Chandran manages diagnosis that can be challenging and often requires specialized laboratory tests.

• Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Diagnosis via stool microscopy or antigen tests; treated with specific antiparasitic medications.
• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Examples include invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
• Malaria: Treatment with appropriate antimalarial drugs based on species and resistance patterns; chemoprophylaxis for travelers.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Chandran manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.

• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Can be caused by bacteria spreading from other sites of infection or direct inoculation.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): May require oral or intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage for abscesses.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Aruna Chandran is necessary.

• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Pre-travel risk assessment, vaccinations, and advice on preventing travel-related infections.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Management of complex TB treatment regimens, including drug-resistant TB.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
• Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Expertise in selecting targeted therapies to optimize outcomes and minimize resistance.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Guidance on optimal specimen collection and diagnostic test selection.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Chandran.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant associations including AMMI Canada and PHAC. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Chandran practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood. The clinic is situated close to the Legislature Grounds and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring convenient access for all.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Chandran?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Chandran manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. She combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chandran?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chandran for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Chandran receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Chandran's clinic for referral instructions.

What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chandran specialize in?

An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Chandran, is a medical doctor (MD) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illnesses caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They manage a wide range of complex infections, including those that are difficult to diagnose, are severe, or occur in patients with weakened immune systems. A Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Are services from Dr. Chandran covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Chandran is covered under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes hospital consultations, outpatient clinic visits for ongoing management of complex infections, and interpretation of specialized diagnostic tests. Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chandran, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Chandran's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chandran?

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chandran if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.

an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton
10240 Kingsway NW, CSC 3-14
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

Office Phone: (780) 735-4111

Dr. Chandran is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Chandran, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Chandran's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=895f1975-7bb9-4d30-a1bb-029cb49b0839&i=263