About
Dr. Nazia Selzner-Malekkiani 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 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, 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-focused digestive health care, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in a supportive environment.
Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Paris (France). With over 15 years of experience as a Gastroenterologist since 2009, she has developed extensive expertise in digestive health. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), adhering to the highest standards of medical practice and patient safety.
Her clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based digestive health care, patient education regarding GI conditions and lifestyle modifications, early and accurate diagnosis through advanced procedures, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani is dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients in Toronto and speaks both English and French, ensuring effective communication and understanding with her diverse patient population.
Dr. Nazia Selzner-Malekkiani diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders
- Barrett's Esophagus & Dysplasia Monitoring: A precancerous condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced with tissue similar to the intestinal lining, often due to chronic GERD, requiring regular surveillance for dysplasia (abnormal cells).
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) & Odynophagia (Painful Swallowing): Symptoms requiring investigation to determine underlying causes, which can range from structural abnormalities and motility disorders to inflammatory conditions or tumors.
- 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.
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).
- 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.
- Autoimmune Liver Diseases (Autoimmune Hepatitis, PBC, PSC): Conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells (Autoimmune Hepatitis), bile ducts within the liver (Primary Biliary Cholangitis), or larger bile ducts inside and outside the liver (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis).
Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders
- Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - All Subtypes (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, IBS-U): A common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or mixed).
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Nazia Selzner-Malekkiani.
- 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.
- Comprehensive Gastroenterology Consultation & Digestive Health Assessment: In-depth assessment of digestive system disorders, including detailed review of medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, physical examination, symptom analysis, and development of a personalized diagnostic and treatment strategy.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management (including subtypes IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M): Multifaceted approach to managing IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, mixed pattern) including thorough exclusion of other conditions, dietary modifications (e.g., low FODMAP diet), lifestyle changes, stress management, and targeted medications.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) using a flexible sigmoidoscope, often for evaluation of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or as part of some screening protocols.
- Management of Common & Chronic Digestive Symptoms: Investigating and treating common but potentially disruptive digestive symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and unexplained weight loss.
- Enteroscopy (e.g., Double-Balloon, Single-Balloon, Spiral Enteroscopy): Advanced endoscopic techniques allowing deep visualization, biopsy, and therapy within the small intestine, beyond the reach of standard endoscopes, for conditions like obscure bleeding or small bowel tumors.
- Colonoscopy (Screening, Diagnostic, Surveillance) & Polypectomy: Comprehensive examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a colonoscope to detect and remove precancerous polyps, screen for and diagnose colorectal cancer, evaluate symptoms, and diagnose other colonic conditions like colitis or diverticular disease.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is situated in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor, within the Discovery District neighborhood. The facility is a key medical center within the hospital, offering specialized units and advanced care. Located in close proximity to Cabbagetown, the practice is easily accessible via public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The hospital's infrastructure is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility for those arriving by car, providing convenient options for patients visiting the practice for their digestive health needs.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani, 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Selzner-Malekkiani's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) beforehand.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani, 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. Selzner-Malekkiani 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 are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani?
- Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani 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.
- How does Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani approach treating functional GI disorders like IBS or functional dyspepsia?
- Treating functional GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia often involves a multi-faceted approach tailored by Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani to your specific symptoms and triggers. Since these conditions don't have a structural cause seen on tests, management focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life. This may include dietary modifications (like identifying trigger foods or trying a low FODMAP diet for IBS), lifestyle adjustments (stress management, regular exercise), fiber supplements, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription medications. Medications can target specific symptoms like pain (antispasmodics), diarrhea (anti-diarrheals), constipation (laxatives), or abnormal gut-brain interaction (neuromodulators in low doses). She will work with you to find the most effective combination of strategies.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
585 University Avenue, Department of Anatomical Pathology
Toronto, ON M5G 2N2
Phone: (416) 340-4800 | Fax: (416) 340-5321
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Selzner-Malekkiani for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/SelznerMalekkiani-Nazia/0224743-83701