Bertus Eksteen’s medical career began with a passion for understanding the human body’s defense mechanisms against disease. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his MBChB at the University of Pretoria in 1996. His curiosity led him to further his education abroad. He earned membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in London in 1998 and later completed a PhD in immunology at the University of Birmingham.
2008 Bertus obtained his Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Three years later, he received a Fellowship (FRCP) from the Royal College of Physicians in 2011. These experiences, combining clinical expertise and research, set the foundation for a career dedicated to enhancing healthcare for patients with complex and chronic diseases.
Currently, Eksteen leads a renowned liver research program at the Aspen Woods Clinic in Calgary, Alberta. The clinic has become one of the world’s largest centers for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) clinical trials. It serves a vast region, including Southern Alberta, eastern British Columbia, and western Saskatchewan, and collaborates with several biotech companies to develop new therapies for PSC.
In addition to his clinical work, Bertus contributes to the Southern Alberta Liver Transplant Clinic at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. He also holds a Clinical Associate Professor position at the University of Calgary, where he helps train the next generation of gastroenterologists and hepatologists.
Eksteen’s scientific contributions have been substantial, particularly in autoimmune diseases. His research on mucosal T-cells in diseases such as PSC and IBD led to groundbreaking discoveries on how immune cells from the gut attack and damage the liver. He also united a PSC patient cohort, helping identify new genetic risk factors for the disease.
As a Principal Investigator, Bertus has led several pivotal research initiatives, with funding from the Medical Research Council in the UK and Canada. He has also advanced clinical imaging techniques, significantly improving the detection and management of early-stage diseases in PSC and IBD patients.
Outside of his professional achievements, Eksteen is a dedicated endurance athlete. He has participated in marathons and ultramarathons worldwide, including the New York and London Marathons, and several challenging races in Canada and beyond. His approach to endurance sports mirrors his determination and commitment to his medical practice.
Bertus Eksteen continues to lead efforts to advance medical research and patient care. His work is shaping the future of healthcare, and his commitment remains unwavering to improving patients' lives worldwide.
