Y.W. Francis Lam

Professor of Pharmacology

Associate Professor of Medicine

Clinical Associate Professor & James O. Burke Endowed Centennial Fellow in Pharmacy,

University of Texas at Austin

Pharm.D., University of Minnesota

Office: 210-567-8355

Email: lamf@uthscsa.edu

 

Reserach Interests

• drug metabolism • clinical pharmacology
• pharmacokinetics                     • pharmacogenetics

 

Research Activities

Significant variability in efficacy and toxicity of medications among patients is largely attributed to innate differences in their capacity to eliminate and react to medications. Dr. Lam has studied how ethicity and genetic differences affect disposition and response to psychotherapeutic drugs. This has translated to improved understanding of the biological basis for why patients require different doses to elicit appropriate responses, particularly Asians. Dr. Lam’s earlier findings suggested a genetic basis for variation in drug metabolism and response in Mexican Americans in San Antonio. His current focus is whether variation in genes that encode enzymes, transporters, and targets in Hispanics can be utilized for personalized cancer therapy, and is working with CTRC tinvestigators to integrate pharmacogenomics into anticancer drug development.

 

Accomplishments, Awards and Honors 

  • 2017 UT Systems Kenneth I. Shine, M.D. Academy of Health Science Education – Feb 2017
  • 2016 School of Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award – UTHSCSA – Nov 2016
  • 2016 Presidential Teaching Excellence Award – UTHSCSA – March 2016
  • 2015 School of Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award – UTHSCSA – Nov 2015
  • 2015 University of Texas System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award – Aug 2015
  • 2014 Dental Faculty Assembly Teaching Excellence Award – UTHSCSA – May 2014

 

Appointments, Boards, Committees and Memberships 

  • UT Health San Antonio – School of Dentistry DS 1 & 2 Curriculum Committee – FY18
  • UT Health San Antonio Faculty Senate – 9/2015 thru 9/2018
  • Co-Leader for Human Health and Disease Track, New preclinical curriculum for UT Health San Antonio DDS program

Selected Publications

  • Cavallari, L. and Lam, YWF. (2014) Pharmacogenetics. In: Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey LM (ed). 9th edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, New York. 2014, complete chapter available online, p 75-94, at www.pharmacotherapyonline.com with learning objectives and other resources.
  • Lam, YWF. and Cavallari, L. (2013) Principles of Pharmacogenomics: Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, and Clinical Implications. In: Pharmacogenomics: Challenges and Opportunities in Therapeutic Implementation. Lam YWF, Cavallari L (ed). Elsevier, Inc. 2013,1-44.
  • Lam, YW. (2013) Scientific challenges and implementation barriers to translation of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice. ISRN Pharmacol. 2013:641089. doi: 10.1155/2013/641089
  • Lam, YWF. (2011) Drug Therapy Individualization in Patients with Hepatic Disease or Genetic Alterations in Drug Metabolizing Activity. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach 8th edition 2011; 705-716.
  • Cavallari, L. and Lam, YWF. (2011) Pharmacogenetics. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach 8th edition 2011; 17 and available online.