Lawrence Tan, MDCM, FRCS(C), FACS
Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery
GE-611, Health Sciences Centre
820 Sherbrook St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3A 1R9
Office: (204) 787-3791 Pager: (204) 933-0612 Email:
Fax: (204) 787-7143
Current Position & Major Responsibilities
Thoracic surgeon affiliated with the University of Manitoba, with full surgical
privileges at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface General Hospital,
Winnipeg, MB.
• Experience in pulmonary, esophageal, pleural, mediastinal surgery, including
thoracic trauma, lung transplantation, thoracoscopy, bronchoscopy, Nd:YAG
laser, esophagoscopy and esophageal stenting
• Started a thoracic surgery telemedicine clinic in conjunction with Manitoba
Telehealth
Assistant professor at the University of Manitoba
Program director for the Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of
Manitoba.
• Supervision of all aspects of resident education for thoracic surgery, cardiac
surgery, general surgery and respirology residents rotating on the thoracic
surgery rotation
• Development of rotation objectives and in-training evaluation forms
• Mid- and end-rotation evaluations
• Creation and administration of an annual practice written examination in thoracic
surgery
• Practice oral examinations and preparation for Royal College examinations
• Supervision of resident research projects
• Scheduling and coordination of thoracic surgery teaching program
• Member, Postgraduate Surgery Committee, University of Manitoba
• Member, Nucleus Group, Specialty Committee in Thoracic Surgery, Royal College
of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada
Director, Surgical Undergraduate Education, University of Manitoba
• Chair, Surgical Undergraduate Education Committee
• Member, Pre-Clerkship Committee
• Member, Clerkship Curriculum Committee
• Member, Committee on Evaulation
• Representative for surgery, Med I & II Clinical Skills
Clerkship coordinator for thoracic surgery rotation, University of Manitoba
• Preparation of an orientation and review article package
• Mid- and end-rotation evaluations
• Clinical teaching
• Member, Surgical Undergraduate Education Committee, University of Manitoba
Lecturer for the University of Manitoba Medical School
• Lecture to Med I Block III – “Role of Thoracic Surgery in Respiratory Disease,”
including an assigned reading package and a small group tutorial
• Comprehensive Patient Assessment – teaching history and physical examination
skills to Med II students in small groups
• Seminar for Med III and IV students on surgery rotation – “Solitary Pulmonary
Nodule,” given six to eight times each year
Lecturer for the University of Manitoba Core Surgery Program
• Seminar on “Thoracic Trauma” given once every two years
Lecturer for the University of Manitoba Respirology Program
• Various topics, including “Emphysema Surgery,” “Pneumonectomy” and
“Thoracic Trauma”
Lecturer for the University of Manitoba Medical Oncology Program
• Seminar on “Esophageal Cancer”
Member, Manitoba Lung Transplant Program
• Assisted at over sixty single and bilateral lung transplants, including three livingrelated
lobar transplants
• Participation in a monthly meeting where we discuss potential recipients and
management issues of transplanted patients and waiting-list patients
• Selection of potential recipients
• Created and maintained a patient database for the program
• Supervised two BSc Med student research projects using the transplant database
• Organized a lung volume reduction surgery clinic and participated in the
Canadian Lung Volume Reduction Surgery trial.
Member, CancerCare Manitoba Thoracic Disease Site Group
• Participation in a weekly clinicopathologic conference, involving clinical teaching
of thoracic surgery, medical and radiation oncology and respirology residents
• Local principal investigator for NCIC BR.16
• Local principal investigator for NCIC BR.19 (local research ethics board approval
pending)
Member, Health Sciences Centre Surgical Standards Committee
• This committee reviews all surgical mortalities and major complications
occurring at HSC, the tertiary referral centre for Manitoba. We perform an
important quality assurance activity for the hospital and the province.
Chair of the Section of Thoracic Surgery for the Manitoba Medical Association
• Negotiated and created a separate MMA Section of Thoracic Surgery
• Negotiated fee increases for the major thoracic procedures over the past three
rounds of bargaining. Manitoba’s fees for pulmonary and esophageal resection
are among the most favorable in the country.
• Currently negotiating an alternative funding agreement for thoracic surgery
Secretary for the American College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter
• Responsible for all administrative activities for the Chapter
• Major responsibility is planning an annual surgical resident research day, with
guest speaker and awards dinner
• Membership recruitment
Lecturer for the University of Manitoba Respiratory Therapy Program
• Lecture to senior respiratory therapy students -- “Overview of Thoracic Surgery
and Lung Transplantation,” given annually
Other
• Thoracic surgery call schedule
• Chair, Thoracic Surgery Maintenance of Competence
• Reviewer for the Canadian Respiratory Journal
Degrees and Certification
November 1996 Certificate of Special Competence in Thoracic Surgery,
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Thoracic surgery training, University of Manitoba.
November 1994 Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Canada. General surgery training, Dalhousie University.
July 1989 Internship certificate. Rotating internship, Dalhousie
University.
June 1988 Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.
June 1988 MDCM. Faculty of medicine, McGill University.
June 1984 B. Sc., major in biology. Dalhousie University. Entrance
scholarship and renewals, 1981-1983.
Appointments
July 2005 to presentDirector, Surgical Undergraduate Education, University of
Manitoba
July 1999 to present Program Director, Thoracic Surgery Residency Program,
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
October 1998 to presentChair, Section of Thoracic Surgery, Manitoba Medical
Association, Winnipeg, MB.
September 1996 to presentAssistant professor. Section of Thoracic Surgery, Dept. of
Surgery. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
September 1996 to present Provisional medical staff. Section of Thoracic Surgery,
Dept. of Surgery. Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB.
September 1996 to present. Associate medical staff. Section of Thoracic Surgery, Dept.
of Surgery. St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, MB.
Professional Memberships
2001 to present Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
1997 to present Founding member of the Canadian Association of Thoracic
Surgeons
1997 to present Member of the Canadian Thoracic Society
1996 to present Member of the Canadian Medical Association
1996 to present Member of the Manitoba Medical Association
1995 to present Member of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons
1995 to present Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Canada
Academic Activities
April 2005 Invited speaker, General Surgery Journal Club, University of
Manitoba.
March 2005 Invited speaker, Western Lung Conference, Banff, AB and
CancerCare Manitoba Thoracic Tumor Conference.
“Controversies in the Surgical Management of
Bronchoalveolar Carcinoma.”
September 2003 Speaker, CancerCare Manitoba Thoracic Tumor Conference
and Thoracic Surgery Rounds -- “Update From the 10th
World Conference on Lung Cancer – IASLC 2003.”
May 2003 Speaker, University of Manitoba, Dept. of Surgery
Symposium on Minimally Invasive Surgery – “VATS for
Diagnostic Lung Biopsy”
May 2003 Invited speaker, Canadian Society of Gastroenterology
Nurses and Associates, Manitoba Chapter – “Esophageal
Cancer and Esophageal Stents”
2002 to present Lecturer, University of Manitoba Respirology Residency.
Topics – “Volume Reduction Surgery” & “Pneumonectomy”
2002 Royal College External Review of the University of Mnaitoba
Thoracic Surgery Residency Program. Received full
approval.
2001 to present Lecturer, University of Manitoba Medical School, surgical
clerks. Topic – “Solitary Pulmonary Nodule.”
2000 Internal Review of the University of Manitoba Thoracic
Surgery Residency Program
1999 to present Lecturer, University of Manitoba School Of Respiratory
Therapy. Topic – “Overview of Thoracic Surgery, Lung
Transplantation & Emphysema.”
October 1998 Invited speaker, Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research
Foundation Community Care Program Network, Winnipeg,
MB. Topic -- “Staging in Lung Cancer”
October 1997 Lecturer, University of Manitoba Respirology Residency.
Topic – “Volume Reduction Surgery”
October 1997 Invited speaker. Brandon General Hospital CME, Brandon,
MB. Topic – “Selection Criteria for Lung Transplantation
and Volume Reduction Surgery.”
October 1997 Invited speaker. Canadian Association of Cardio-Pulmonary
Technologists meeting, Winnipeg, MB. Topic – “Surgical
Treatment of Emphysema.”
1996 to present Lecturer, University of Manitoba Core Surgery program.
Topic – “Thoracic Trauma.”
1996 to present Lecturer, University of Manitoba thoracic surgery residency
training program. Various topics, including “Respiratory
Physiology”
1996 to 2004 Lecturer, University of Manitoba school of physiotherapy.
Topic – “Overview of Thoracic Surgery, Lung
Transplantation & Emphysema.”
1996 to 2001 Lecturer, University of Manitoba medical school, 3rd year,
core surgery. Topic – “Shock.”
Publications
Tan L. Commentary on Barrett's Esophagus. CAGS Evidence-Based Reviews in
Surgery. Being prepared for publication.
S. Pakhale, H. Unruh, S. Sharma, L. Tan. Role of diagnostic mediastinoscopy in
stage I sarcoidosis. Am. J. Resp. & Crit. Care Med. 2004. Vol. 169: A34.
Cassano-Bailey A, Tan L, Unruh H, Wightman P. Psychosocial determinants and
consequences of subclinical non-compliance in lung transplant recipients.
J Heart Lung Transplant 2004; 23(2S): S136.
Mink SN, Gonzalez X, Duke K, Bautista E, Tan L. Advantages of a new surgical
system used for lung volume reduction surgery in a canine model of
predominantly upper lobe emphysema. Chest 2004; 125: 633-643.
Behzadi A, Tan L, Unruh H. Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain control in
chronic pancreatitis. Can. J. Surg 2003; 46S: 27
Behzadi A, Tan L, Unruh H. Minimally invasive thymectomy for myasthenia
gravis: a 10-year single institution experience. Can. J. Surg. 2002; 45S: 24.
Tan L. Lung volume reduction surgery [Book review]. Can J Surg 2002; 45(2):
158.
Mink S, Gonzalez X, Duke K, Bautista E, Tan L. Development of a canine model
of upper lobe emphysema used for the evaluation of a novel implantable
device for lung volume reduction surgery. Chest 2001 Oct; 120: 133S-372S.
Tan AL, Kepron W, Bshouty Z, Szabo A, Swidinski T, Unruh H. Lung
transplantation for cystic fibrosis. Can. J. Surg. 2000; 44S:0063.
Tan AL, Unruh HW, Mink S. Lung volume reduction surgery for the treatment
of severe emphysema: a study in a single Canadian institution. Can. J.
Surg. 2000; 43 (5): 369-376.
Tan AL, Unruh HW, Mink S. Volume reduction surgery for the treatment of
severe emphysema. Clinical & Investigative Medicine, Supplement 1998
(Respirology) p. S100.
Research Presentations
SS Pakhale, HW Unruh, AL Tan, SS Sharma. Role of diagnostic mediastinoscopy
in Stage I sarcoidosis. Poster presentation American Thoracic Society, Orlando,
FL 2004.
G. Budahan, L. Tan, S. Mink. Acute changes in parameters of expiratory flow
limitation following lung volume reduction surgery in upper lobe
emphysema. Presented at the General Surgery Resident Research Day, May
2004 and the American College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter Research Day,
November 2004 by Dr. Budahan.
A. Cassano-Bailey, L. Tan, H. Unruh, P. Wightman. Psychosocial determinants
and consequences of subclinical non-compliance in lung transplant
recipients. Presented at the University of Manitoba BSc. Med competition August
2003, by A. Cassano-Bailey. Poster presentation at the International Society for
Heart and Lung Transplantation, April 2004. Presented at the American College of
Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter Research Day, November 2004 by Dr. Cassano-Bailey.
A. Behzadi, L. Tan, H. Unruh. Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain
control in chronic pancreatitis. Presented at the Canadian Association of
Thoracic Surgeons, September 2002 by Dr. Behzadi.
L. Tan, VATS for diagnostic lung biopsy. Presented at the University of
Mantioba Department of Surgery Symposium, “Minimally Invasive Surgery in the
Ambulatory Care Setting”, May 2003
PS Sengar, H Unruh, L Tan. Use of expandable metal stents for palliation of
malignant esophageal obstruction. Presented at the American College of
Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter Research Day, November 2002 and at CancerCare
Manitoba Resident Research Day, and at the General Surgery Resident Research
Day, April 2002.
A. Behzadi, L. Tan, H. Unruh. Minimally invasive thymectomy for myasthenia
gravis: a 10-year single institution experience. Presented at the American
College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter Research Day, November 2001 and the
Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons, September 2002 by Dr. Behzadi.
Steven N Mink, Xavier Gonzalez, Krika K Duke, Edgar G Bautista, Lawrence Tan.
Six-month evaluation of a novel implantable device for lung volume
reduction surgery in a canine model of upper lobe cmphysema. Presented
at the American Thoracic Society, Atlanta GA, May 2002 by Dr Mink.
Alam, N, Navaratnam S, Mihalcioiu C, Maksymiuk A, Ahmed N, Ahmed S, Tan L,
Unruh H. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for Stage III non-small cell lung
cancer – a phase II study. Presented at CancerCare Manitoba Resident Research
Day February 2002, and at Canadian Association of Medical Oncology annual
meeting (poster), Montreal PQ, April 2002, by Dr Alam.
T. Swidinsky, A.L. Tan, H. Unruh. Effect of lung transplant recipient and donor
cytomegalovirus match on development of bronchiolitis obliterans
syndrome and survival. Presented at the University of Manitoba BSc. Med
competition August 2001, by T. Swidinski, and at the University of Manitoba
Surgical Research Symposium April 2002 by Dr. Unruh.
Steven Mink, MD, FCCP; Xavier Gonzalez MD; Krika Duke; Edgar Bautista MD;
Lawrence Tan, MD. Development of a canine model of upper lobe
emphysema used for the evaluation of a novel implantable device for lung
volume reduction surgery. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB and Spiration
Inc., Redmond, WA. Presented at CHEST 2001 by Dr. Gonzalez, Nov 6 2001
L. Tan, W. Kepron, Z. Bshouty, A. Szabo, T. Swidinski, H. Unruh. Lung
transplantation for cystic fibrosis. Manitoba Lung Transplant Program, Health
Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Presented at the
University of Manitoba Surgical Research Symposium, 2001 and at the Canadian
Association of Thoracic Surgeons, 2001.
J. Tam, L. Tan, H. Unruh. Adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced loco-regional
esophageal carcinoma: preliminary results. Presented by Dr. Tam at the
University of Manitoba General and Thoracic Surgery Resident Research Day 2001.
H. Unruh, W. Kepron, Z. Bshouty, L. Tan, M. Meyers and B. Hardy. Non-invasive
assessment of pulmonary artery anastomoses following lung
transplantation. Manitoba Lung Transplant Program and the Department of
Diagnostic Imaging, Health Sciences Center, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
Manitoba. Presented at the Canadian Society for Transplantation by Dr. Unruh,
2001.
N. Alam, L. Tan, M. Rubinger. Nutritional intervention before pleurodesis in
the management of chylothorax due to lymphoma. Presented at CancerCare
Manitoba Resident Research Day by Dr. Alam, 2000.
L. Tan, S. Mink & H. Unruh. The Manitoba experience in lung volume
reduction surgery. Presented at the Contemporary Management of Respiratory
Diseases workshop, Sections of Thoracic Surgery and Respirology & the Manitoba
Lung Transplant Program, Winnipeg, MB.
L. Tan, S. Mink & H. Unruh. Volume reduction surgery for the treatment of
severe emphysema. Presented at University of Manitoba Surgical Research
Symposium, 1999 and presented at the Canadian Thoracic Society paper session,
1998.
M. Goytan & L. Tan. Anterior thoracoscopic release for the treatment of
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Presented at University of Manitoba Surgical
Research Symposium by Dr Goytan, 1999.
Current Research Projects
Mechanisms of Increased Maximal Flow in Experimental Volume Reduction
Surgery
Dr. S. Mink & Dr. L. Tan
Grant for $30,000 received from Manitoba Medical Services Foundation, 2001.
NCIC CTG BR.16 Lung Cancer Protocol
Local principal investigator. September 2001 to present. Phase III
chemoprevention trial of selenium supplementation in persons with resected stage I
non-small cell lung cancer.
Spiration Volume Reduction Surgery Project
Local co-investigator. September 2000 to present. Testing of a novel device for
lung volume reduction surgery in a canine model of heterogenous emphysema.
Principal investigator = Dr. S. Mink.
Funding from Spiration, Inc. for $200,000.
Lung Transplant Database.
Database developer. May 2000 to present.
Development of a database covering all aspects of patient care for the Manitoba
Lung Transplant Program.
Transciptional Profiling of Lung Tissue in COPD.
Dr. A. Halayko, A. Szabo, K. McNeill, Dr. H. Unruh Dr. L. Tan
Principal investigator = Dr. A. Halayko.
Grant for Wyeth Genetics Institute for $135,000 US.
BSc Medical Students
Dr. Teddi Swidinsky, 2000-2001
Thesis: Effect of lung transplant recipient and donor cytomegalovirus match on
development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and survival.
Dr. Alexandra Cassano-Bailey, 2002-2003
Thesis: Psychosocial determinants and consequences of subclinical non-compliance
in lung transplant recipients.
MSc Surgical Residents
Dr. Gordon Buduhan, 2003-2005
Thesis: Acute changes in parameters of expiratory flow limitation following lung
volume reduction surgery in upper lobe emphysema.
Completed Research Projects
Canadian Lung Volume Reduction Surgery Project.
Local prinicipal investigator, 1997-2002. A multi-center randomized trial comparing
volume reduction surgery to conservative management in patients with severe
emphysema.
Results reported in: Miller JM, Berger RL, et al. Lung volume reduction surgery vs
medical treatment for patients with ad.vanced emphysema. Chest 2005; 127:
1166-117
Received grant for $10,000 from Canadian Institute of Health Research
Validation of a Disease Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire for Patients
With Carcinoma of the Esophagus.
Local principal investigator, 2000-2002. Principal investigator = Dr R. Finley, UBC.
Results not yet reported.
Received grant for $3600 from National Cancer Institute of Canada.
Committees
2005 to present Chair, Surgical Undergraduate Education Committee, Dept.
of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
2005 to present Member, Pre-Clerkship Committee, University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, MB.
2005 to present Member, Committee on Evaluation, University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, MB.
2005 to present Member, Clerkship Curriculum Committee, University of
Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
2004 to present Secretary, American College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter,
Winnipeg, MB.
2001 to present Chair, Thoracic Surgery Residency Program Committee,
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
2001 to present Member, Nucleus Group, Specialty Committee in Thoracic
Surgery, Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada.
2001 to present Member, Postgraduate Surgery Committee, University of
Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
1998 to present Chair & Economic Representative, Section of Thoracic
Surgery, Manitoba Medical Association, Winnipeg, MB.
1997 to 2005 Member of the Surgical Undergraduate Education
Committee. Dept. of Surgery, University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, MB.
1996 to present Member of the Surgical Standards Committee. Dept of
Surgery, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB.
1996 to present Member of the Thoracic Tumor Disease Site Group.
CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre, University of
Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
1994 to present Member of the Thoracic Surgery Residency Committee.
Section of Thoracic Surgery, Dept. of Surgery, Health
Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
2000 - 2003 Councillor, American College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter,
Winnipeg, MB.
1997 - 1999 Member of the Faculty Undergraduate Communication Skills
Committee. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
1997 - 1999 Member of the Surgery Research Advisory Committee.
Dept. of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
1997 - 1998 Member of the Committee on Trauma. Health Sciences
Centre, Winnipeg, MB.
Meetings, Courses & Continuing Education
September 2005 Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons annual meeting
and CATS Postgraduate Course “Management of Cancers of
the Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction.” Montreal, QC.
April 2005 Faculty of Medicine FITER workshop. University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
March 2005 Association for Surgical Education annual meeting, New
York, NY.
March 2005 Mentoring and Residency, Faculty Development Workshop,
Dept. of Continuing Medical Education, University of
Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
March 2005 Western Lung Conference, Banff, AB.
January 2005 Society of Thoracic Surgeons, annual meeting, Tampa, FL.
VATS lobectomy course.
November 2004 American College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter Scientific
Session, Winnipeg, MB.
April 2004 American Association of Thoracic Surgery annual meeting,