Getting to Know: Dr. Julian Tam

Could you provide a short description of your background?

I am a respirologist and specialize in cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation.

What is your area of research?

I am the site principal investigator for the Saskatoon Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinics for the Cystic Fibrosis Canada Accelerating Clinical Trials Network (CF CanACT). I also collaborate with Dr. Juan Ianowski (Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology) and our lab research team in basic research to understand the pathophysiology of CF lung disease. In particular, we are interested in the pulmonary ionocyte which is a rare airway cell type. Some researchers wonder whether pulmonary ionocytes play a critical role in causing CF lung disease because they express the CFTR protein at a very high level. We published work last year showing that ionocytes are responsible for regulating airway acidity.

Could you tell us about the “big moments of research” for you?

I prepared a presentation on airway surface liquid and ion transport in CF early in my career. I gained a deeper appreciation for basic science as I learned about the studies that have led to our current understanding of CF lung disease.

Do you have any messages for early-career clinicians on how to get involved in research?

I recommend collaborating with and learning from established researchers.

What are your future aspirations for research?

I believe that understanding the function and location of various airway cell types will facilitate the development of effective gene therapies for CF. My lab research team and I aim to describe which cells need to be corrected in order to cure CF lung disease.