About
Dr. Helen M. Machida is a specialized Pediatric Gastroenterologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, AB, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that young patients receive expert and compassionate care. Dr. Machida focuses on the unique digestive health needs of children, ranging from common issues like gastroesophageal reflux to complex conditions such as pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. Her clinic offers a child-friendly atmosphere and is equipped to handle the specific needs of young patients with digestive disorders, fostering an environment where children feel safe and supported during their medical journey.
She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. Her certifications include FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada), LMCC, and additional approvals from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, specifically in Pediatric Gastroenterology. Dr. Machida has extensive training in pediatric digestive health, enabling her to provide comprehensive and tailored care for her young patients.
Dr. Machida's clinical philosophy emphasizes providing gentle, effective, and family-centered care for children's digestive issues. She is committed to educating families about their child's condition, involving them in treatment planning, and creating a supportive environment for procedures. Her approach includes collaborating closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to ensure holistic and coordinated care. Fluent in English, she dedicates herself to serving families in Calgary with compassion and professionalism, always prioritizing the well-being and comfort of her young patients.
Dr. Helen Machida diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Pediatric Gastrointestinal, Liver & Nutritional Disorders
- Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) & Disease (GERD): Frequent spitting up or vomiting in infants, or heartburn, regurgitation, and feeding difficulties in older children. GERD implies complications or persistent troublesome symptoms.
- Pediatric Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), Allergies & Intolerances: Non-IgE mediated food allergies causing severe GI symptoms, or other food allergies/intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance, cow's milk protein allergy) affecting the digestive system in children.
- Neonatal Cholestasis & Jaundice Evaluation: Investigation of prolonged jaundice or impaired bile flow in newborns and infants to identify conditions like biliary atresia or other liver diseases.
Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Obscure & Overt): Bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which can be visible (overt) or hidden (occult/obscure), requiring investigation to identify and treat the source.
- Colorectal Polyps (Adenomatous, Serrated) & Colorectal Cancer Prevention/Screening: Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can be precursors to colorectal cancer. Screening (e.g., colonoscopy, FIT) is vital for removal of polyps, prevention, and early detection of cancer.
- Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, damaging the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity involves GI symptoms related to gluten without the autoimmune damage.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus
- Crohn's Disease (Ileal, Colonic, Ileocolonic, Perianal): A chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, causing transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and potential complications like strictures or fistulas.
- Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis): A chronic inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and ulcers primarily in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically presenting with bloody diarrhea, urgency, and abdominal pain.
- Indeterminate Colitis & IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U): Cases of IBD, particularly early in the disease course, where it is difficult to definitively distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis based on clinical, endoscopic, and histological features.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Helen Machida.
- Diagnosis & Lifelong Management of Celiac Disease in Children & Adolescents: Confirming celiac disease through serology and/or endoscopy with biopsies, and providing comprehensive education and support for a strict gluten-free diet, nutritional monitoring, and management of associated conditions.
- Pediatric Endoscopy & Advanced Procedures (Upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Polypectomy): Performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in children of all ages, often requiring specialized pediatric-sized equipment, sedation protocols tailored to children, and a child-friendly environment.
- Evaluation & Management of Failure to Thrive & Pediatric Malabsorption Syndromes: Systematic investigation into causes of poor weight gain or growth in children, including malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis related, short bowel syndrome), and implementing nutritional rehabilitation.
- Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD-U) Diagnosis & Care: Specialized diagnosis, treatment (including nutritional therapies, immunomodulators, biologics), and long-term multidisciplinary management of IBD in children, focusing on disease control, optimizing growth and development, and quality of life.
- Pediatric Liver Disease & Hepatology Services (e.g., Biliary Atresia, Neonatal Cholestasis, Metabolic Liver Disease, Autoimmune Liver Disease): Specialized care for various acute and chronic liver conditions affecting infants and children, including diagnostic workup, medical management, and coordination with transplant teams if necessary.
- Pediatric Pancreatic Disorders (Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Insufficiency): Diagnosis and management of pancreatic conditions in children, including support for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
- Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) in Infants & Children: Diagnosing and treating GERD in pediatric patients with lifestyle advice, medication, or further investigation. Diagnosis and management of EoE, including dietary elimination and medical therapies.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Machida for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Alberta Children's Hospital is situated in Calgary's NW: Bowness, Montgomery, Greenwood neighborhood, serving as a leading pediatric medical facility in the region. The hospital's pediatric gastroenterology unit is a vital part of the hospital's specialized care services. The hospital is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), with stops nearby offering convenient access from downtown Calgary and surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accommodation for all patients and families. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots provide additional accessibility options, making it convenient for families to visit. As a prominent healthcare hub, Alberta Children's Hospital offers state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to pediatric health, with a focus on providing comprehensive digestive care for children in Calgary and beyond.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Machida, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. Machida, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Machida's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Machida, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
- Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. Machida for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.
- My child has ongoing stomach problems. When would they need to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. Machida who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology?
- As a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Helen M. Machida specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive, liver, and nutritional problems specifically in infants, children, and adolescents. Common reasons for a referral to her include persistent or severe symptoms like chronic abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, chronic diarrhea or constipation, poor weight gain or failure to thrive, suspected or confirmed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, significant gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), food allergies or intolerances with significant GI symptoms (like FPIES), or concerns about liver function. She is experienced in using age-appropriate diagnostic tools, including pediatric endoscopy if needed, and developing treatment plans that consider a child's growth and development.
- What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Helen M. Machida?
- Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Machida is common for various reasons, including: persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD); difficulty or pain when swallowing; unexplained abdominal pain or bloating; chronic nausea or vomiting; significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., chronic diarrhea, severe constipation); blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; iron deficiency anemia with no obvious cause; suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis); Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) not responding to initial management; celiac disease; abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease (like hepatitis or fatty liver); pancreatitis; or for screening and surveillance colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer, especially if there's a family history or personal history of polyps.
Alberta Children's Hospital
28 Oki Dr NW
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8
Phone: (403) 955-7319
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Machida is a licensed Pediatric Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or pediatrician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Machida for pediatric gastroenterology services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=e9298b50-779d-4a06-a933-1406955eaa02&i=904