Description
About Dr. Isabelle Chiu
Dr. Isabelle Chiu is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, 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. The clinic is situated in the vibrant Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood, offering easy access via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. It is conveniently located near major community events and accessible to the public, with on-site or nearby parking generally available. The clinic provides a professional and discreet environment for comprehensive infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.
As an Infectious Disease Specialist, she focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a broad range of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Her practice emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care, and collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal health outcomes. Dr. Chiu’s approach is rooted in a compassionate understanding of her patients’ needs, ensuring they receive thorough and personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific conditions.
Dr. Chiu graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 1985. Following her medical degree, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She is an experienced Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. She maintains her expertise through ongoing professional development and adherence to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Her professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using the latest evidence-based practices. She is committed to educating her patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance. Dr. Chiu also has a special focus on managing infections in vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised patients. She values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive management. Additionally, she is proficient in Cantonese, which allows her to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse patient population in Edmonton.
Infections and Conditions Addressed by Dr. Isabelle Chiu
Dr. Isabelle Chiu provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Chiu 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.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Specialist consultation for complicated cases, recurrent infections, or those involving the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Chiu manages complex or severe viral illnesses.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Includes PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) services.
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Guidance on antiviral treatment and prevention (vaccination).
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Focus on chronic Hepatitis B and C, utilizing modern antiviral therapies to achieve viral suppression or cure.
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Chiu manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Toxoplasmosis: Management involves specific antiparasitic drugs.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Serious fungal infections that can affect internal organs, often occurring in immunocompromised individuals.
- Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Isabelle Chiu is necessary.
Infectious Disease Services by Dr. Isabelle Chiu
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents to enhance patient outcomes, reduce microbial resistance, and decrease the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and management of complex or unusual infections.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Chiu.
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 the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Chiu practices at an infectious disease clinic located in Edmonton's Downtown East neighborhood, specifically in the Boyle Street and Riverdale areas. The clinic offers a welcoming and discreet environment for specialized infectious disease consultations, with easy access to public transportation via ETS (LRT and Bus). The facility is equipped for comprehensive infectious disease assessment and management, with on-site or nearby parking generally available for patients. Its proximity to major community events and accessible location makes it convenient for patients requiring expert infectious disease care in Edmonton.
Frequently Asked Questions about Infectious Diseases
- What is Dr. Chiu's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Dr. Chiu contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. She advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- Dr. Chiu, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Chiu may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chiu?
- A consultation with Dr. Chiu is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from her expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Chiu specialize in?
- An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Chiu, 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. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Practice & Licensing Information
an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton
10240 Kingsway NW, Room 324 CSC
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
Office Phone: (780) 944-2706 | Office Fax: (780) 425-4179
Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Chiu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=310d57ad-7624-415f-a274-dbce74ae3dfd&i=287