About
Dr. Yasmin Nasser 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 Calgary, AB, she is a key member of the local medical community committed to providing comprehensive digestive health care. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring the highest quality of patient-centered care.
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 approach emphasizes early and accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive procedures, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Dr. Nasser's clinic offers a supportive environment where patients can feel confident in their digestive health management.
Dr. Nasser graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in Canada. She holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist, including certifications such as FRCPC - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Internal Medicine, LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), and Certificate of Special Competence in Gastroenterology. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in digestive health care.
Her clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based practice, patient education, and proactive management of digestive conditions. She emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, early intervention, and patient engagement in the treatment process. Fluent in English, she also speaks French and Kachi, enabling her to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population in Calgary. Dr. Nasser is dedicated to serving her community with compassionate, high-quality care tailored to each individual's needs.
Dr. Yasmin Nasser diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus
- Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis): A chronic inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and ulcers primarily in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically presenting with bloody diarrhea, urgency, and abdominal pain.
- Crohn's Disease (Ileal, Colonic, Ileocolonic, Perianal): A chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, causing transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and potential complications like strictures or fistulas.
Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders
- Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- 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.
- 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).
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.
- 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. Yasmin Nasser.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Screening & Prevention Strategies for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Risk assessment and counseling on screening for colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer (in Barrett's esophagus), gastric cancer, and liver cancer (in cirrhosis), including FIT testing and colonoscopy recommendations.
- Management of Chronic Constipation & Chronic Diarrhea (idiopathic & secondary): Systematic investigation into underlying causes (including motility testing where appropriate) and tailored treatment strategies for persistent constipation or diarrhea not attributed to other major GI diseases.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Nasser 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.
Located within a specialized medical facility in Calgary's NW neighborhood, specifically in the vibrant districts of Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington), the practice is situated in a well-established gastroenterology department. The clinic is conveniently accessible from the Pedestrian Mall Downtown and is well-served by Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), making it easy for patients to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient access for those arriving by car. As a key medical service unit within a larger hospital or specialized clinic, the location offers a welcoming and professional environment for comprehensive digestive health care.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Nasser, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser, 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. Nasser'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. Nasser, 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. Nasser 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.
- How does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser approach the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
- The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser 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.
- What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser?
- Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser 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.
- What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Nasser diagnose and treat both?
- Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser 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 exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Nasser 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. She is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Nasser 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.
3330 Hospital Dr NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
Phone: (403) 944-3386 | Fax: (403) 944-6545
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Nasser is a licensed 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 appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Nasser for 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=c829c6c4-4786-481c-b287-3d1fb796887b&i=1044