Dr. Michael Byrne is a Clinical Professor of Gastroenterology. He’s utilizing leading edge techniques in interventional endoscopy to save lives through the early detection of cancers.


How long have you worked at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)? 

I’ve worked at VCH for 14 years.

What first interested you in the practice of gastroenterology?

I like procedural medicine, diagnostic imaging and interventional techniques. Gastroenterology offers all of these aspects.

Why is it in important for donors to support the work that you do in gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a field that encompasses many disease states in a very large system, the entire gut as well as the solid organs, namely the liver and pancreas. In recent years, the field of GI endoscopy has been growing very rapidly, and endoscopy can now offer diagnostic and therapeutic solutions where previously open surgery was needed for diseases, such as cancer.

Tell us one thing (personally or professionally) that we might be surprised to find out about you?

I love to sing classical music and ski backcountry as much as possible. I also have a great interest in how artificial intelligence can change medicine.

How do you like to spend your days off?

Keeping physically fit, travelling widely, and playing guitar (badly!).