Samantha Tam

Western University, Vancouver Community College

Papers

Total Citations

225

H-Index

About

Dr. Samantha Tam is a clinician-researcher whose work bridges head and neck oncology and geriatric care, with a particular focus on patient experience and quality of life. Her most cited paper, a systematic review comparing transoral robotic surgery to radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (174 citations), established her as a key voice in evidence-based treatment decision-making for this complex cancer. More recently, Dr. Tam has turned her attention to the psychosocial impacts of isolation on vulnerable populations. Her qualitative study on loneliness among Canadian long-term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic (51 citations) offers critical, firsthand insights into the emotional toll of public health measures, amplifying the voices of residents themselves. This work demonstrates her commitment to humanizing healthcare research, moving beyond clinical outcomes to understand the lived experiences of patients. By spanning surgical oncology and geriatric mental health, Dr. Tam’s research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives and patient-centered care, making her a notable contributor to both fields.