Fairview Chelation | Fairview, AB
Dr. Harley Irvine, MD, a long-time resident of Fairview, spent many years working as a general practitioner in the town he calls home before opening Fairview Chelation on Main Street.
Also known as a “rural generalist,” Dr. Irvine worked as a family physician, in the hospital emergency department as well as in the lodge and long-term care facility with seniors and palliative patients.
Dr. Irvine decided to expand his knowledge and bring a new service to Fairview—chelation therapy.
“When I stopped working in the hospital emergency department, I had enough time available and decided to proceed with chelation therapy training,” said Dr. Irvine. “Once complete, the Fairview Chelation clinic officially opened in June 2023.”
Authorized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to provide this kind of therapy, Dr. Irvine took additional training with the American College for Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) to become a certified chelation therapist.
Chelation therapy is a treatment designed to remove the accumulation of metals from the body, especially lead and cadmium. Mercury, iron, arsenic and others are also removed. These metals can contribute to poor health.
At Fairview Chelation, Dr. Irvine uses EDTA di-sodium agents that bind to these metals through an intravenous (IV) tube. Afterward, the metals are eliminated from the body through the patient’s urine.
“We also provide a Glutathione treatment, IV peroxide, IV Vitamin C and other IV treatments based on the patient’s needs,” said Dr. Irvine. “These treatments contain other ingredients including vitamin B100 complex, B12, magnesium, manganese or other constituents.”
According to Dr. Irvine, patient care is always at the forefront, so before he performs chelation therapy he prioritizes getting to know the patient, their needs and what works best for their overall health.
“We review the medical history of each person to ensure treatment can easily be handled without harm,” said Dr. Irvine.
Dr. Irvine says patients can expect professional medical care in a relaxed environment. Every IV treatment is prepared using only medical grade materials under sterile conditions. And, prior to starting any treatment, patients are advised of all disclaimers and must sign a consent document required by the CPSA.
“I cannot provide unreasonable expectations of our treatment, and I cannot guarantee the treatment will result a certain outcome,” said Dr. Irvine. “Where possible, I provide evidence that has been published in reputable medical journals.”
Although this treatment is not covered by the Alberta Health Insurance Program, and is paid for individually, costs can be submitted for tax deductions.
“All expenses including the cost of treatment and travel expenses can be tax deductions, but patients are advised to check with their accounting specialists beforehand,” said Dr. Irvine.
Once the IV is set up, patients typically have three to four hours to exchange stories, watch TV, relax or even work.
“Many people bring in their knitting and others enjoy watching curling or hockey while they’re here,” said Dr. Irvine. “We also accommodate those who want to work remotely while receiving treatment, and so we can set them up in a private area to work on their phone or laptop.”
According to Dr. Irvine, many people leave their treatment feeling refreshed and ready to continue with the rest of their day. He explains that word of mouth has helped grow the number of patients he sees.
“Many people have heard about chelation therapy either from family members or friends who have had this treatment previously,” said Dr. Irvine. “Generally, people know someone who has benefited from treatment, while others are referred from health professionals in the region who are aware of our services.”
Originally, Fairview Chelation was only open in the mornings as Dr. Irvine was still attending to medical clinic patients and hospital inpatients. Then, with the arrival of three new doctors in Fairview in December 2024, Dr. Irvine saw an opportunity to expand his clinic’s offerings.
“I made the decision to hand over care of my medical patients to one of the new doctors, Dr. Elashkel,” said Dr. Irvine. “This gave me some freedom to stay open longer at the clinic to better accommodate more of our patients.”
At Fairview Chelation, Dr. Irvine has a dedicated team who strive to provide the best possible care and patient experience for everyone who walks through the doors.
“My team consists of my wife, Elaine, and nurse Brenda Rombs,” said Dr. Irvine. “Both have been integral to the operation of the clinic. Elaine helps as we get busier, and Brenda works directly with the patients.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Irvine plans to continue building his business and serving his existing clients. He also wants to increase awareness about chelation therapy and warmly welcomes new faces to his clinic.
“In five years, I hope we can reach and help more people from the entire region,” said Dr. Irvine. “I’m aiming to raise awareness, so health insurance providers prioritize preventing health problems instead of waiting for people to get sick and then covering the costs of treatment.”
Dr. Irvine and his team are happy to discuss the benefits, risks and costs of all treatments with anyone who may be interested. Simply call or text 780-835-9514, or visit www.fairviewchelation.ca
Images by Bert Reynolds
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