Dr. James A. Talbot – Infectious Disease Specialist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. James A. Talbot 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, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Talbot's role involves a comprehensive approach combining 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, ensuring high-quality patient care in a professional and discreet environment.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 1985. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine (or Pediatrics, as applicable), and then pursued a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Additionally, he holds qualifications in Medical Microbiology, which enhances his diagnostic capabilities. Dr. Talbot is an experienced Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases, enabling him to deliver expert care across a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. His certifications include comprehensive postgraduate qualifications recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), affirming his competency in this specialty.

Driven by a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, Dr. Talbot emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education on infection prevention strategies, and antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance. He places particular focus on vulnerable populations and managing complex infections, collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health agencies, and other healthcare specialists. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a dedicated focus on optimizing health outcomes and maintaining the highest standards of infectious disease management in Edmonton.

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

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Talbot manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.

• Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Includes prophylactic strategies and treatment of viral (CMV, EBV), fungal, and bacterial infections.
• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Risk assessment, screening, and management of infections in patients treated with immunosuppressive biologic agents for autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, IBD).
• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Close collaboration with oncologists.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Talbot manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Prompt treatment is important to prevent spread.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Serious infections affecting bones (osteomyelitis) or joints (septic arthritis), often requiring long courses of antibiotics and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Talbot manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.

• 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): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
• Malaria: A mosquito-borne parasitic disease prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions.

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

• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Diagnosis of latent TB infection and active TB disease.
• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Support for public health and institutional outbreak investigations using microbiological data.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial management of infections affecting bones and joints.

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

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 Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Talbot practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in the vibrant S Central neighborhood of Edmonton, specifically in Ritchie and Strathcona (Whyte Ave East). The clinic is conveniently situated near the Shaw Conference Centre (Edmonton Convention Centre), making it accessible for patients from across the city. Patients can reach the clinic via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The clinic is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease services. Parking is typically available near the clinic, with accessible spots for individuals with mobility needs.

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

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Talbot 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.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Talbot?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Talbot 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. He combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

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

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Talbot 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. Talbot may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. 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.

What is Dr. Talbot's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Dr. Talbot contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.

an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton
9758 86 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 2L4

Office Phone: (780) 707-2711

Dr. Talbot 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. Talbot, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Talbot's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=d13d55f2-f3f1-488f-b086-93ec8e6f31ae&i=1421