Finding answers through research

Alumnus Professor Vincent Tam (Class of ‘93) recently received the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Foundation 2019 Literature Award for Sustained Contributions in December 2019 (https://www.ashpfoundation.org/news-and-events/news/ashp-foundation-announces-2019-literature-awards-recipients?utm_source=111819-%20Newslink%20Marcom&utm_medium=email).

He is internationally recognized for his research in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antimicrobial optimization. Prof Tam has received research support totalling more than 9 million, one of which is a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to develop technology that can promptly suggest the most promising combinations of antibiotics to suppress multi-drug resistant bacteria.

In this article, he shares how he discovered research as a passion and his thoughts on antibiotics.

Could you share with us a brief background of yourself and career path?  

I received a B.Sc. (Pharm) from the National University of Singapore in 1993. After working in NUHS for 4 years, I pursued my Pharm.D. at the Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, New York. Upon graduation, I completed an infectious diseases pharmacy residency at Detroit Receiving Hospital in Detroit, Michigan and a clinical pharmacology/infectious diseases fellowship at Albany Medical College. I have been in Houston, Texas since then and I am now a (tenured) Professor at the University of Houston: College of Pharmacy. 

How did you discover and nurture your passion in research? How did your undergraduate studies in NUS Pharmacy help?

I had lots of questions about therapeutics and I ran out of patience waiting for the professors to tell me the answers. I then decided to find out some of the answers myself which was how I started my research career. I get most of my inspirations for research from problems in daily clinical practice and interacting with clinicians. My training in NUS provided me with excellent work ethics and a solid foundation, which are both essential attributes for a research career.   

In your opinion, how can we win this war against bacteria? How can pharmacists help?

We need a fundamental shift in mindset of what effective antibiotics are: they are not cheap, safe drugs in endless supply. For the next generations to continue to benefit from these life-saving drugs, a new model of convenience/economy balance will need to be attained. Pharmacists could reinforce this perspective in daily interactions with patients and advocate for the optimal use of antibiotics.

Could you share with us any motto or principles that you live by?

Be passionate about what you do and do not give up! Whenever possible, work together as a team with others with complementary skills.

#PassionPridePurpose

Article by Ms Ng Shi Ying (NUS Pharmacy Staff) and Prof Vincent Tam (Class of ‘93)