About
With expertise in Cardiology, Dr. Derek Chew provides comprehensive consultations and follow-up care for heart-related conditions. Practicing in Calgary, AB, he serves patients from the surrounding region. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality and safe medical care for his patients. Dr. Chew specializes in adult cardiology, offering expert evaluation, diagnosis, and management of various cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Chew completed his medical education with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Toronto in 2011. He has undergone extensive post-graduate training in Cardiology, which includes specialized fellowship programs and certifications in cardiovascular medicine. His training emphasizes evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in the field, equipping him to provide optimal care tailored to each patient's needs.
He adopts a professional and clinical approach to patient care, committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice in Calgary. Dr. Chew is dedicated to fostering a patient-centered environment, ensuring clear communication and compassionate treatment. He speaks English fluently, facilitating effective and thorough discussions with his patients to promote understanding and shared decision-making.
Dr. Chew provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).
- Pericardial Diseases (e.g., Pericarditis): Diagnosis and management of inflammation or fluid accumulation affecting the sac surrounding the heart.
- Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
Valvular Heart Disease
- Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valve Conditions: Evaluation and management of less common conditions affecting the right-sided heart valves.
- Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
- Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
- Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.
- Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Chew is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.
- Pediatric Cardiology Consultation: Diagnosis and management of heart conditions specifically in infants, children, and adolescents.
- Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
- Sports Cardiology Consultation: Evaluating cardiovascular health and risk in athletes or highly active individuals.
- Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Interventional Cardiology Consultation: Assessing suitability for procedures like coronary angiography, angioplasty, and stenting.
Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Chew. The specific services required will depend on your individual diagnosis and referral. Please discuss specific service needs with your referring physician.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Chew's practice is primarily based at medical facilities located in the NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhoods of Calgary. These facilities provide convenient access connecting Calgary's east/west and south regions. Patients can easily reach the clinics via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus services, and BRT options. The facilities are wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Chew covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Chew are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when you have a valid health card and a required referral. Most medically necessary diagnostic tests ordered by a cardiologist (like ECGs, standard echocardiograms, stress tests) are also usually covered. Some advanced tests or specific procedures might have different coverage rules or require pre-approval. It's always best to confirm specific coverage with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the testing facility.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Chew?
- Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chew. This ensures the consultation is appropriate for your medical needs and facilitates coordination of your care. Please ask your doctor to send a referral request.
- Can heart disease be prevented?
- While some risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, many key risk factors for heart disease *can* be modified or managed. Controlling high blood pressure, managing cholesterol and diabetes, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and managing stress significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
- Does Dr. Chew replace my family doctor for general care?
- No, Dr. Chew focuses specifically on your cardiovascular health as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor remains central to your overall healthcare, managing other health issues and coordinating routine care. Dr. Chew collaborates closely with your family doctor, providing reports and recommendations.
- What are some common heart tests Dr. Chew might order?
- Common tests include: Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), Stress Test (treadmill or chemical), Holter monitoring (24hr+ ECG), and blood tests (e.g., cholesterol, kidney function). Depending on your situation, he might also consider Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cardiac CT, MRI, or referral for Cardiac Catheterization if needed. The reason for each test will be explained.
3280 Hospital Dr NW, GE55 CWPH Building
Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6
Phone: (403) 220-5500 | Fax: (403) 984-0870
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Chew is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=4b71866a-c965-439f-8400-b50b0269de37&i=281