Dr. Linda Gariépy – Gastroenterologist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Dr. Linda Gariépy is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR in Trois-Rivières, QC, she is a key member of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Her practice is committed to delivering patient-centered digestive health care, employing advanced techniques within a supportive environment.

Dr. Gariépy holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution. With over 33 years of experience as a Gastroenterologist since 1991, she has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Gastroenterology (Comprehensive Care for Digestive System Disorders) in QC. Her medical license is issued by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), license number 86274.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based digestive health care, patient education on gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications, and early, accurate diagnosis through advanced procedures. Dr. Gariépy is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is fluent in French and committed to supporting her patients in Trois-Rivières through compassionate and comprehensive care.

Dr. Linda Gariépy diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Functional Dyspepsia & Epigastric Pain Syndrome: Persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or specifically in the epigastric region, without an identifiable structural cause after investigation.
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting for hours or days, with symptom-free intervals in between.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Cirrhosis & Management of Its Complications (Ascites, Varices, Encephalopathy): Advanced stage of liver scarring (fibrosis) impairing liver function, leading to complications such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), enlarged veins that can bleed (varices), and brain dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy).
• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD): Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, ranging from fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis to advanced cirrhosis.
• Pancreatitis (Acute Recurrent & Chronic): Inflammation of the pancreas that can be sudden and severe (acute), recurrent, or long-lasting (chronic), causing significant abdominal pain and digestive enzyme deficiencies.

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.
• Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic & Collagenous Colitis): Inflammation of the colon that is only visible under a microscope when biopsies are examined, a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, particularly in older adults.

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

• Interpretation & Correlation of Advanced Digestive Health Diagnostic Tests: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of results from endoscopies, biopsies, imaging studies (CT, MRI, MRCP, ultrasound), breath tests (e.g., for H. pylori, SIBO, lactose intolerance), stool tests (e.g., calprotectin, FIT), motility studies, and genetic testing for GI conditions.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy (FNA/FNB): Procedure combining endoscopy with ultrasound to obtain high-resolution images and tissue samples (FNA/FNB) of the digestive tract wall, surrounding organs (pancreas, liver, adrenal glands, gallbladder), and lymph nodes for staging cancers or diagnosing lesions.
• Biofeedback Therapy Coordination for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence: Evaluation for defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence, with coordination of biofeedback therapy and other interventions to improve pelvic floor muscle function.
• Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) - Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Specialized procedure combining upper endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstone removal from bile duct, stent placement for strictures or leaks, and sphincterotomy.
• Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Testing & Eradication Therapy: Diagnosis of H. pylori infection using breath tests, stool tests, or endoscopic biopsies, and providing appropriate antibiotic regimens for eradication to treat ulcers and gastritis.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Gariépy 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Gariépy’s practice is located at the CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The facility is situated conveniently within reach of Pont Laviolette Access, providing easy access via public transit, including the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR). The location is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available at or near the facility for those arriving by car. The practice offers a welcoming environment designed to support patient comfort and accessibility.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Gariépy, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gariépy, 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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. Gariépy's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Gariépy, a 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 Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gariépy 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.

Will I be asleep for my endoscopy or colonoscopy with Dr. Gariépy?

For most endoscopic procedures like upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) and colonoscopy, patients are typically given sedation to help them relax and be comfortable. This is often called 'conscious sedation' or 'moderate sedation,' meaning you'll be drowsy and may not remember much of the procedure, but you won't be under general anesthesia (completely unconscious with a breathing tube). The specific type and level of sedation can vary and will be discussed with you by Dr. Gariépy or the anesthesia provider beforehand. Because of the sedation, you will need to have someone accompany you to drive you home after the procedure.

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 Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gariépy. 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. Gariépy 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.

How does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gariépy approach the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Gariépy is a highly individualized and long-term process. The primary goals are to induce and then maintain remission (control inflammation), alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the patient's overall quality of life. Treatment strategies often involve a combination of medications, which can include aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids (for acute flare-ups), immunomodulators (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate), and increasingly, biologic therapies or small molecule drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways. Regular monitoring through clinical assessment, blood tests, stool tests (like fecal calprotectin), and endoscopic procedures is crucial to track disease activity and adjust treatment as needed. Nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice are also integral parts of comprehensive IBD care.

CIUSSSMCQ CHAUR
1991 boul du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 3R9

Phone: (819) 697-3333 | Fax: (819) 372-3516

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gariépy is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Gariépy for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=86274