Dina Kao MD

Dina Kao The success of our research team in establishing a successful therapy for an extremely debilitating condition is one of the most gratifying aspects of my career. Diseases of the gut are prevalent, with the incidence of some conditions especially high in Alberta. Research is the best tool we have to identify potential new treatments to alleviate gastroenterological disease, such as recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI).

Dina Kao After receiving my medical degree from the University of Alberta, I completed residencies in internal medicine and gastroenterology at the University of Ottawa before returning to Edmonton. My interest in using data to improve clinical care led her to pursue a Master’s in Epidemiology from the University of Alberta. The challenges of treating patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal infections caused by rCDI inspired me to research the effectiveness of fecal transplantation as a therapy. I established the Edmonton Fecal Microbiota Program in 2013. The resounding success of this program has led to successful treatment and recovery of health and well-being in over 500 patients, and garnered national and international recognition for our team.