Dr. Jennifer Carole Cheung deBruyn – Gastroenterologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Jennifer Carole Cheung deBruyn is a specialized Pediatric Gastroenterologist, dedicated to diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a reputable gastroenterology clinic within a hospital department 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 the delivery of safe, ethical, and comprehensive care. Dr. deBruyn’s focus is on the unique digestive health needs of children, ranging from common issues like reflux and constipation to complex conditions such as pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Her clinic offers a child-friendly atmosphere, equipped with specialized pediatric tools and staff trained to support young patients and their families through diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. deBruyn graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in Canada. She subsequently completed extensive postgraduate training in pediatric gastroenterology, earning the necessary certifications to practice this subspecialty in Alberta. Her credentials include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, along with additional training in endoscopic techniques and pediatric-specific digestive care procedures. She maintains her licensure through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 015419, ensuring compliance with provincial medical standards and ongoing professional development.

Guided by a compassionate and family-centered approach, Dr. deBruyn aims to provide gentle, effective, and individualized care for each young patient. She emphasizes family education, ensuring parents and caregivers understand their child's condition and treatment options. Her practice fosters a welcoming, child-friendly environment, especially during procedures, to reduce anxiety and promote cooperation. Dr. deBruyn collaborates closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to deliver holistic care that supports the overall well-being and growth of her patients. She provides all services and consultations in English, committed to supporting Calgary families with expertise and empathy.

Dr. Jennifer deBruyn diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Pediatric Gastrointestinal, Liver & Nutritional Disorders

• Chronic Diarrhea & Malabsorption in Children (e.g., Toddler's Diarrhea, Post-infectious IBS): Persistent loose stools in children, requiring investigation for various causes including infections, malabsorption syndromes, or functional disorders.
• 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.
• Pediatric Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas in children, which can be acute, recurrent, or chronic, with various underlying causes.

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Esophageal Motility Disorders (e.g., Achalasia, Esophageal Spasms, Nutcracker Esophagus): Disorders affecting the coordinated muscle movements of the esophagus required for swallowing, leading to symptoms like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), chest pain, and regurgitation.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Acid Reflux / Heartburn: Chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and potential complications like esophagitis.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A chronic immune system disease characterized by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus, causing inflammation, difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and chest pain.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Gallstone Disease (Cholelithiasis), Cholecystitis & Choledocholithiasis: Formation of hardened deposits (gallstones) in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation. Choledocholithiasis refers to gallstones in the common bile duct.
• Chronic Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, D): Long-term viral infections that cause inflammation and damage to the liver, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if untreated.
• Pancreatic Cysts, Tumors & Pancreatic Insufficiency (Evaluation & Co-management): Evaluation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) or growths (tumors) on or in the pancreas, and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Jennifer deBruyn.

• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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 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 Pancreatic Disorders (Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Insufficiency): Diagnosis and management of pancreatic conditions in children, including support for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. deBruyn 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.

Dr. deBruyn practices within a dedicated gastroenterology unit located in a hospital setting in Calgary's NW neighbourhoods including Bowness, Montgomery, and Greenwood. The facility is conveniently situated near landmarks such as the Scotiabank Saddledome, making it accessible for families from across the city. Public transit options include Calgary Transit’s CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, ensuring easy access for patients via multiple routes. The hospital facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators, and offers paid parking options for visitors. The location is designed to provide a welcoming environment for children and their families, with easy access to specialized pediatric digestive care services.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. deBruyn, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. deBruyn, 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. deBruyn'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. deBruyn, 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. deBruyn 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.

What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. deBruyn diagnose and treat both?

Yes, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. deBruyn can diagnose and treat both IBS and IBD, but they are very different conditions. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation and physical damage (like ulcers and strictures) to the digestive tract, visible during endoscopy and on biopsies. It's an autoimmune-related condition. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gut disorder, meaning the GI tract doesn't work correctly, but there's no visible inflammation or damage on standard tests. IBS causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, it doesn't cause the destructive inflammation seen in IBD. Diagnosis involves different criteria and investigations for each.

What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. deBruyn?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. deBruyn 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.

Are there significant risks associated with procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy?

Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy are generally very safe procedures, especially when performed by an experienced Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. deBruyn. Complications are uncommon. Potential risks can include bleeding, particularly if polyps are removed or biopsies are taken; perforation (a tear in the wall of the digestive tract); infection (rare); or adverse reactions to the sedative medication used. Before your procedure, Dr. deBruyn will thoroughly discuss the specific potential risks and benefits based on your individual health and the reason for the procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision.

My child has ongoing stomach problems. When would they need to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist like Dr. deBruyn who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology?

As a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. deBruyn 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.

28 Oki Dr NW, Alberta Children's Hospital
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8

Phone: (403) 955-7747 | Fax: (403) 592-5109

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. deBruyn 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. deBruyn 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=41467fef-1b55-4dee-8db9-dea4e5c88561&i=359