Dr. Elissa Rennert-May – Infectious Disease Specialist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Elissa Rennert-May is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic is located in Calgary's NW neighborhoods: Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington), offering an accessible and discreet environment for comprehensive infectious disease evaluation and management. It is conveniently situated near Heritage Park Historical Village and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available for patients. Dr. Rennert-May adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.

She is an experienced Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Rennert-May graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 2011. Following medical school, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Infectious Disease Specialist in Alberta. Her certifications include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining current standards of practice.

Dr. Rennert-May’s professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases through evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, emphasizing antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance. Her focus also includes managing infections in vulnerable populations and complex cases, collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and community health. She offers all patient communication and care in English, ensuring clear and compassionate engagement.

Dr. Elissa Rennert-May provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Rennert-May manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.

• Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause serious illness in immunocompromised individuals or when acquired during pregnancy.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.
• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Examples include invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Rennert-May manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.

• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Life-threatening conditions caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Managed in collaboration with orthopedic specialists.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Rennert-May manages management may involve antiviral medications for specific viruses, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination.

• COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Expertise in antiviral treatments and evolving understanding of the disease.
• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Diagnosis, management, and treatment of liver inflammation caused by hepatitis viruses.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Elissa Rennert-May is necessary.

• 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.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Management of complex TB treatment regimens, including drug-resistant TB.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Expert advice on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and community settings.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Development and implementation of antimicrobial guidelines and protocols.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.

Note:

This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Rennert-May.

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, PHAC, and provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Rennert-May practices at an infectious disease clinic situated in Calgary's NW neighborhoods, including Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is conveniently located near Heritage Park Historical Village, easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The facility provides a professional and discreet setting equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. Patients can expect a welcoming environment committed to high standards of care, privacy, and accessibility for those seeking expert infectious disease management in Calgary.

Are services from Dr. Rennert-May covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Rennert-May, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Rennert-May, 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. Rennert-May's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Rennert-May is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Rennert-May may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. An Infectious Disease Specialist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rennert-May?

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. Rennert-May for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Rennert-May receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Rennert-May's clinic for referral instructions.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Rennert-May?

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Rennert-May 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 Calgary
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Office Phone: (403) 944-1110

Dr. Rennert-May is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist 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. Rennert-May, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Rennert-May's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=74ee24c7-5e99-4bbf-b95c-611d19b0f599&i=1222