Pillar 1: therapeutic endoscopy

Endoscopy, a non-surgical procedure in which a physician inserts a slim flexible tube with an integrated video camera into the stomach (gastroscopy) or colon (colonoscopy), plays a critical role in early diagnosis of GI cancers.

The St. Paul’s Hospital Advanced Endoscopic Resection Centre (SPARC), co-founded by Dr. Eric Lam and Dr. Neal Shahidi, is a leading referral centre offering highly advanced, minimally invasive procedures as alternatives to traditional surgery.

These complex techniques require specialized training and are performed by a limited number of experts. By enabling organ-preserving approaches, they improve patient outcomes while reducing recovery times and healthcare system burden. Most patients are referred from across British Columbia, with additional referrals from neighbouring provinces.

SPARC is also the largest referral centre in Western Canada for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), an advanced tunnelling technique used to treat achalasia and other complex esophageal and gastric disorders.

Expanding access to these specialized procedures is central to DHC and SPARC’s mission. Through structured mentorship and hands-on experience, clinicians are trained in these advanced techniques, strengthening expertise across the province.

At DHC, an Endoscopic and Surgical Simulation Centre will support ongoing skill development and refinement, while improving timely access to colonoscopy ensures earlier diagnosis, faster intervention, and better outcomes within a coordinated, multidisciplinary model of care.

Pillar 3: colorectal surgery

Five of BC’s fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons will be based at DHC, establishing the largest single-centre for the management of colorectal cancer, IBD and complex colorectal conditions.

Building on the high-volume, multidisciplinary model at St. Paul’s Hospital, DHC brings surgical and gastroenterology care into a single, coordinated environment. Patients benefit from streamlined pathways where diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are delivered collaboratively, within the same visit, supported by a full team of allied health professionals.

This integration creates a unique setting for advanced surgical training. The St. Paul’s Colorectal Surgery Centre is one of five Royal College-accredited fellowship programs in Canada, and within DHC, trainees will work closely alongside gastroenterologists, radiologists, and allied health teams. This proximity broadens clinical exposure and strengthens expertise in managing complex digestive diseases.

By aligning surgical and GI care within shared clinical pathways and data infrastructure, DHC enables closer collaboration across specialties. This environment supports continuous improvement in care delivery and the development of new approaches to managing complex colorectal conditions—benefiting patients across British Columbia and the Yukon.

Pillar 5: liver disease

There are more than 100 liver diseases caused by a variety of factors, such as viruses, toxins, genetics and alcohol. According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, nearly one in four Canadians suffer from liver disease.

More than seven million people in Canada experience the debilitating effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and this number is projected to increase dramatically due to the growing rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

There is often stigma around liver disease, related to alcohol and viral liver disease, and hepatitis B and C. An estimated 250,000 to 400,000 people in Canada are infected with hepatitis C, with a large proportion unaware of having the disease.

Certain liver diseases are more common among members of the Indigenous community, newcomers to Canada, persons living with addictions and/or mental health issues, and other marginalized populations. Our team is dedicated to using a compassionate, culturally safe and sensitive approach to these populations in the hope of lowering barriers to care, irrespective of demographics or geography.

Hepatologists, specialists in the evaluation and management of liver disease, at St. Paul’s Hospital (whose new home will be at the DHC) have strong collaborations locally, provincially and nationally thanks to well-established networks. Provincially, they coordinate a network for collaboration for hepatitis C care, have developed liver educational programs and ECHO-like programs, and collaborate with the BC Centre for Disease Control.