Biography of Bertus Eksteen

Bertus Eksteen’s path to medicine was driven by an innate curiosity about how the human body combats disease. Born and raised in South Africa, he completed his MBChB at the University of Pretoria in 1996. This began a medical career fueled by a passion for understanding complex diseases His drive to expand his knowledge led him to further his studies internationally In 1998, he earned his membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in London and then completed a PhD in immunology at the University of Birmingham

Following his academic training, Bertus pursued a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2008, which allowed him to develop deep expertise in these areas In late 2011, he earned a Fellowship (FRCP) with the Royal College of Physicians This combination of clinical knowledge and research training laid a solid foundation for a career dedicated to improving healthcare for patients with chronic, complex conditions, particularly those related to the liver

Building a Global Reputation in Calgary

Currently, Eksteen resides in Calgary, Alberta, where he leads a liver research program at the Aspen Woods Clinic Under his leadership, the clinic has become internationally recognized as one of the largest centers for conducting clinical trials on Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The clinic serves patients from Southern Alberta, eastern British Columbia, and western Saskatchewan, and it works closely with several biotech companies to develop novel therapies for PSC

In addition to his work at Aspen Woods Clinic, Bertus plays an active role at the Southern Alberta Liver Transplant Clinic at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary, where he is dedicated to educating and mentoring the next generation of gastroenterologists and hepatologists His efforts ensure that students and young professionals are well-equipped to handle the challenges of treating complex diseases, perpetuating a legacy of knowledge and expertise in the field

Turning Science into Solutions

Eksteen’s scientific contributions have been groundbreaking, particularly in understanding autoimmune diseases that affect the liver. One of his early discoveries was related to how mucosal T-cells behave abnormally in diseases such as PSC and IBD His research demonstrated that these immune cells attack the liver, altering how the scientific community views autoimmune liver diseases. This discovery has provided valuable insights that have transformed therapeutic approaches for these conditions

Bertus also worked to establish a cohort of over 400 PSC patients, leading to the identification and publication of nine new genetic risk loci for PSC His collaboration with the International PSC Study Group was pivotal in this achievement. His research efforts have been supported by significant funding from the Medical Research Council in the UK and Canada He was the national co-lead Principal Investigator for the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) SPOR program, which focused on investigating the role of the gut microbiome in IBD.

As a Principal Investigator for another CIHR Signature Initiative, Bertus has contributed to advancing research on chronic inflammatory diseases His work has also led to improvements in clinical endoscopic imaging, allowing for the early detection of dysplasia in patients with PSC and IBD. These advancements have revolutionized how doctors detect and manage pre-cancerous changes in these diseases, significantly improving patient care and outcomes

Standing Up for Physicians

and Patients

In addition to his work as a doctor and researcher, Eksteen has been a staunch advocate for physicians and patients He currently serves as the Chair of the Specialty Care Alliance and the Joint Physician Advocacy Committee (JPAC) for the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), representing specialist physicians in negotiations with the Alberta government. His advocacy efforts aim to ensure that specialists have the resources and support they need to provide the best care to patients.

Bertus is a passionate proponent of healthcare reform and works to foster collaboration between specialists and primary care providers. He advocates for a healthcare system that improves patient choice, enhances access to specialty services, and promotes efficiency and sustainability Through his work with the AMA, Eksteen is helping to shape a healthcare system that serves all Albertans more effectively.

Awards That Mark a Legacy of Excellence

Throughout his career, Bertus has received numerous prestigious awards for his medical contributions. Among the accolades he has received are the ASNEMGE/AGA Rising Star Award from the European Gastroenterology Association, the Sir Francis Avery Jones Research Medal from the British Society of Gastroenterology, and the Sheila Sherlock Research Medal from the British Association for the Study of the Liver.

Eksteen has also been awarded the MRS/RCP Young Investigators Award by the Academy of Medical Sciences in London and was the overall winner for original research at the Emerging Leaders in Gastroenterology Program in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2005 He has been invited to deliver keynote speeches at respected academic institutions such as Oxford University and the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland.

Since 2011, Bertus has been licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, specializing in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine He is also certified by the General Medical Council in the UK

Endurance: A Way of Life

Outside of his medical career, Eksteen is an avid endurance athlete. He has participated in several marathons and ultramarathons worldwide, including the New York Marathon (three times), the London Marathon, the Victoria Marathon, the Valley of Fire Marathon, and the Two Oceans Ultramarathon in South Africa.

Bertus competes in some of the world’s most challenging endurance races, such as the Sinister Seven Ultramarathon and the IronLegs Ultramarathon. His participation in these extreme events reflects the same mindset that he applies to his medical career relentless, goal-driven, and

committed to excellence Whether in athletics or medicine, he never settles for anything less than his best effort.

Where Innovation Meets Compassion

Looking ahead, Bertus remains dedicated to advancing clinical care and research He continues collaborating with biotech companies to develop new therapies for patients suffering from PSC and IBD He is also committed to advocating for healthcare reforms that put patients at the heart of care, ensuring better treatment access and improved quality of life

Eksteen’s career is a testament to the impact of curiosity, dedication, and compassion on medical research and patient care Through his groundbreaking work in autoimmune liver diseases, his leadership in medical education, and his advocacy for a better healthcare system, Bertus Eksteen continues to improve the lives of countless patients His unwavering commitment to making a difference is a hallmark of his career, and his future endeavors will continue to shape the field of gastroenterology and hepatology for years to come.