Julian Tam. Respirologist

Julian Tam

My name is Julian Tam. I’m a respirologist and the director of the Saskatoon Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. I completed a Cystic Fibrosis Canada Clinical Fellowship at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto in 2014 followed by a fellowship in Lung Transplantation at Toronto General Hospital. I’ve been working at the University of Saskatchewan since 2015.

Why did you choose to work in a cystic fibrosis clinic?

I was involved in the care of two memorable individuals with CF early in my medical training. As I progressed in my training, I found meaning in caring for patients with the condition and became interested in the science underlying CF.

What is a typical day like for you?

My team holds a multidisciplinary CF clinic at least once per week. After clinic, I visit my patients who are admitted to hospital. I liaise throughout the day with Niki Afseth, our amazing clinic nurse, and work with her to address issues our patients are facing. I stay in frequent contact with my research collaborator, Dr. Juan Ianowski, to discuss ideas and research findings. I am also involved in the education of medical students and resident physicians at the hospital.

After work, I enjoy running alongside the South Saskatchewan River or exercising at the gym. In the summer, I maintain a balcony garden.

What has been the greatest highlight of working with people living with cystic fibrosis for you?

An individual with CF is not defined by their disease; it is incredibly gratifying when we are able to support our patients’ health and help them achieve their life goals.

Why do you think it's important to support Cystic Fibrosis Canada?

I have recommended my family and friends to donate to CF Canada because it is a well-run organization that supports both the current care of people with CF as well as research that can lead to better treatments and care strategies.

Thank you for your great work, Julian!