Alan Barkun

Alan N. Barkun is a Canadian gastroenterologist, clinician-scientist, and professor of medicine at McGill University. He specializes in gastroenterology and therapeutic endoscopy, with an academic focus on the management of gastrointestinal bleeding and evaluating new endoscopic technologies. Barkun serves as the Director of Digestive Endoscopy at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and holds the Douglas G. Kinnear Chair in Gastroenterology at McGill. Over his career, he has published hundreds of scientific articles and helped develop clinical practice guidelines in gastroenterology, earning multiple national and international awards for his contributions.

Early life and education Barkun obtained his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery (M.D., C.M.) degree from McGill University in 1983. He is now a full Professor of Medicine at McGill and the inaugural holder of the Douglas G. Kinnear Chair in Gastroenterology.

Research focus Barkun's research has centered on the evaluation of new and existing gastrointestinal endoscopic techniques and the improvement of outcomes for patients with digestive diseases, particularly upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition, he has reviewed manuscripts for dozens of journals and funding agencies worldwide. In 2025, Barkun was the recipient of the CAG Clinical Achievement Award, recognizing his career accomplishments in clinical practice.