Bertus Eksteen Male • Canada

Bertus Eksteen’s medical career began with a deep passion for understanding how the human body fights disease. He was born and raised in South Africa and completed his MBChB at the University of Pretoria in 1996. His desire to broaden his knowledge led him to pursue additional education abroad, where he earned membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in London in 1998. Later, he earned a PhD in immunology from the University of Birmingham, expanding his expertise in the field.

In 2008, Bertus completed his Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, followed by a Fellowship (FRCP) from the Royal College of Physicians in 2011. His combination of clinical expertise and research has been instrumental in his focus on improving patients' healthcare with complex, chronic conditions.

Currently, Eksteen leads a prominent liver research program at the Aspen Woods Clinic in Calgary, Alberta. Under his leadership, the clinic has become one of the largest global sites for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) clinical trials. The clinic serves regions like southern Alberta, eastern British Columbia, and western Saskatchewan and collaborates with various biotech companies to develop novel treatments for PSC.

In addition to his clinical work, Bertus is part of the Southern Alberta Liver Transplant Clinic at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. He also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary, where he plays a critical role in educating and mentoring future specialists in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Eksteen has significantly contributed to science, especially his work on mucosal T-cells in diseases like PSC and IBD. His research helped uncover how immune cells from the gut damage the liver, a key discovery that has transformed the understanding of these autoimmune diseases. He also led a PSC patient cohort of over 400 individuals, which was instrumental in discovering new genetic risk factors for the disease.

As a Principal Investigator, Bertus has secured significant research funding and led major studies focused on chronic diseases. His work in clinical imaging techniques has significantly enhanced the early detection of PSC and IBD, improving patient management and outcomes.

Outside his work in medicine, Eksteen is an avid endurance athlete. He has competed in marathons and ultramarathons worldwide, including the New York and London Marathons. His dedication to sports reflects his goal-oriented mindset, which he also brings to his medical and scientific endeavors.

Bertus Eksteen remains committed to advancing the frontiers of clinical research and patient care. His ongoing contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare, improving patients' lives in Canada and worldwide.