Dr. Steven Cheuk Fung Pi – Gastroenterologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Steven Cheuk Fung Pi 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 a reputable gastroenterology clinic or hospital department in New Westminster, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. Dr. Pi adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that his practice maintains the utmost quality and professionalism. He 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 to improve patient outcomes.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. His professional credentials include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his extensive training and commitment to excellence in digestive health care.

Dr. Pi’s clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based practice, patient education, and personalized care. He is dedicated to early and accurate diagnosis through advanced diagnostic procedures, developing tailored treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. Fluent in English, he strives to provide compassionate, patient-focused digestive health care in a supportive environment for residents of New Westminster and surrounding areas.

Dr. Steven Pi diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• 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).
• 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).

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, damaging the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity involves GI symptoms related to gluten without the autoimmune damage.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): An abnormal increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine, or an overgrowth of methane-producing archaea, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Anorectal Disorders (e.g., Dyssynergic Defecation): Inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles to facilitate a normal bowel movement, often requiring specialized testing like anorectal manometry and biofeedback therapy.
• Gastroparesis (Delayed Gastric Emptying): A condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach, preventing proper and timely emptying of stomach contents, leading to nausea, vomiting, and fullness.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel & Colon): Non-invasive procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized camera that takes pictures of the small intestine (for obscure GI bleeding, Crohn's disease) or colon (as an alternative to colonoscopy in select cases).
• 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.
• 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.
• Endoscopic Hemostasis for Acute & Chronic GI Bleeding: Various endoscopic techniques (e.g., injection therapy, thermal coagulation/APC, mechanical clips, hemostatic sprays) used to stop acute or recurrent bleeding from ulcers, varices, angiodysplasias, or tumors in the GI tract.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Pi 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Pi practices within a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic or hospital department situated in the vibrant Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The location is conveniently accessible via public transit, with options provided by TransLink’s SkyTrain Expo Line and various bus routes. Patients can find the practice near River Market, a popular local destination, making it easy to combine healthcare visits with other errands or leisure activities. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients, and paid parking options are conveniently located nearby for those arriving by car. The welcoming environment aims to provide accessible, patient-centered digestive health care for the community.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Pi, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Pi, 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Pi's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Pi, 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. Pi 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 exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Pi specialize in?

A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. He is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Pi is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.

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

The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Pi 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.

410-301 Columbia St E
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W5

Phone: (604) 525-0155

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Pi is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Pi for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338790/Pi%2CSteven