I first became a patient at St. Paul’s hospital in 2022, having surgery for esophageal cancer. I continue to visit for scoping every six months. Each time I arrive there is always staff to help direct me where to go. In the GI ward, I am looked after by a staff of competent nurses both before and after my procedure. I’m made comfortable and am well looked after until my wife is there to walk me out.

Kenneth Victoria, BC

I was having difficulty swallowing some of my food, had a scope in Kamloops, was told I had Barrett’s esophagus and was given a referral to Dr. Neal Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
I was nervous initially, but long story short, I have been very impressed with Dr. Shahidi, the SPARC nurses, and how well I’ve been taken care of. I can now swallow, don’t worry so much about cancer and can thank them all for this. I highly recommend SPARC.

Elizabeth Kamloops, BC

At the age of 81, I was admitted into St. Paul’s Hospital after feeling ill while attending a concert. This was my first time in a hospital. Within a very short time I was assigned a medical team led by Dr. Shahidi. After having all the required tests I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Dr. Shahidi explained the treatment options and the different outcomes: traditional surgery or endoscopic resection, which is much less invasive. I chose the endoscopic resection; Dr. Shahidi is the leader in this field of medicine. It was the right choice for me. I feel 10 years younger, my stomach pains are gone, and I am looking forward to living a normal and happy life. My family and I consider ourselves lucky to have received the best medical advice and treatment by Dr. Shahidi and his team and the St. Paul’s Hospital staff.

Christian Walli Richmond, BC

In the fall of 2020 doctors in Victoria discovered serious cell growth in my esophagus and sent me to Dr. Neal Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital for surgery. The operation was performed on March 19, 2021. Upon arrival at St. Paul’s, the staff made me feel comfortable and showed professionalism. The gastroenterology team were excellent and put me at ease. Dr. Shahidi was so kind and thorough in explaining the details and risks of the operation that I had complete confidence in him and his team. Dr. Shahidi is very good at his work and he enjoys his job.

Jim Brown Courtenay, BC

I found out I had esophageal cancer in March 2024 and was sent to Dr. Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital for surgery. The day of the operation Dr. Shahidi came in and said I had nothing to worry about and made me feel at ease. He is personable, knowledgeable and caring, and works well with his team. I feel confident in Dr. Shahidi’s care and advocate for more doctors like him: not only his amazing medical expertise but also his genuine compassion for his patients. I have been cancer-free since June 2024 and I thank Dr. Shahidi very much.

Debbie Lambert Cloverdale, BC

A small tumour was discovered on my esophagus. A biopsy determined it was cancer. Removal of the esophagus, major surgery, and way of life changes were discussed. I was considering just living out the duration of my life without anything being done. Thank God I was directed to Dr. Lam. He removed the tumour before it spread. After one day and night stay at the hospital it was over!

Michael Douglas Clark Vancouver, BC

Right from our first phone call Dr. Neal Shahidi was friendly, informative and communicative about the procedure. He was understanding and compassionate. He came highly recommended and seemed very experienced. His surgery on me was successful even though I had a very large polyp. I’m grateful he was willing to do my colonoscopy, and I had a good outcome.

N/A Abbotsford, BC

I was originally referred to Dr. Shahidi and the SPARC Program as my gastroenterologist was concerned about an early colon cancer. Dr. Shahidi walked me through the entire process of removing the lesion during colonoscopy. He did more than 100%! I am cancer free and cannot thank Dr. Shahidi and his team enough!

Clayton Sim Victoria, BC

I have had several procedures done by Dr. Shahidi at St. Paul’s Hospital. Dr. Shahidi is an outstanding doctor both in skill and compassion. He always explains everything before the procedures to put me at ease. The nurses are always excellent, too. I am very happy with my outcome.

Naseem Somani Hjerpe Port Moody, BC

In March 2022, a large polyp in my colon could not be removed during a routine colonoscopy. However, Dr. Lam was able to remove it at St Paul’s Hospital in collaboration with SPARC. The team was outstanding: everyone was kind, supportive, and kept me comfortable and calm. The procedure was painless and they were able to remove the large polyp. It was a great relief to find out it was benign. I cannot thank Dr. Lam and the SPARC team at St. Paul’s enough for them helping me through this process.

Gary Wozny Vancouver, BC CPA, CA

My well-respected gastroenterologist told me that a large polyp in my colon needed to be examined and removed by one of his colleagues, Dr. Eric Lam, at St. Paul’s Hospital. Throughout the ongoing process, I received exceptional care, support and compassion. While going to the hospital can be stressful, I always felt listened to and reassured. Outstanding teamwork, GI clinic team! I write this testimonial with profound gratitude.

Arlene O’Reilly Vancouver, BC

It is hard to express how much I appreciate what Dr. Shahidi did for me. The Z-POEM procedure for my Zenker’s diverticulum was a life changing experience, and I cannot thank him and his team at the St. Paul’s Hospital Advanced Endoscopic Resection Centre enough. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!

Dan Larson Pitt Meadows, BC

I had difficulty swallowing and there was excessive choking and regurgitation of food. My quality of life was at a low. Dr. Lam was able to perform surgery to correct the problem. My post-operative recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Shortly after the operation I was eating my meals with no symptoms, limitation or worry. I have had a remarkable change in my overall quality of life. I am grateful for the exemplary care provided by Dr. Lam, nurses and support staff throughout the process to diagnose and treat my problems.

Dr. James Lugsdin MD, MSc, FRCP (C)

My GI journey began with an extremely painful episode of Pancreatitis requiring 2 1/2 weeks at a hospital in my local area. I returned home with prescribed pain management. Eventually I was put in touch with Dr. Lam. He saved my life! He diagnosed a large cyst inside the pancreas that needed to be collapsed and necrotic tissue that needed to be removed. A stent was inserted endoscopically and I was on my way to recovery. I am eternally grateful for the entire GI team at St Paul’s. Each one I interacted with was skilled and knowledgeable, but also compassionate and kind. Thank you!

James D Surrey, BC