Pamela Laird

Pamela Laird serves as an Adjunct Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia Medical School and the UWA Centre for Child Health Research, affiliated with The Kids Research Institute Australia. Her work focuses on pediatric respiratory health with emphasis on chronic lung conditions in vulnerable populations.

• Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (with distinction, 1992)
• Doctoral research in preventing chronic lung disease in Aboriginal children

Dr. Laird's research centers on cystic fibrosis, non-CF bronchiectasis, and respiratory health disparities affecting Aboriginal children. Her work integrates clinical practice, community partnership, and knowledge translation to develop culturally appropriate interventions. Current projects address lung health literacy tools, clinician training modules, and implementation of follow-up systems for Aboriginal children hospitalized with chest infections across Western Australia's Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent contributions to respiratory medicine, Indigenous health equity, and clinical guideline development, with recent work spanning cystic fibrosis management innovations, otitis media diagnosis barriers, and sputum induction protocols. The research shows strong alignment with practical clinical applications and health system improvements.

• Raine Clinician Research Fellowship (2022)
• Telethon Trust Allied Health Fellowship (2017)

Dr. Laird leads multiple active research projects including Improved Lung Health for Indigenous Children in Australia: a clinician curriculum (The Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand, 2025-2026) and Implementation of solutions to improve follow-up for Aboriginal children hospitalised with chest infections (Department of Health Western Australia, 2022-2027). Her work involves extensive collaboration with Aboriginal communities, Perth Children's Hospital, and multidisciplinary research teams across clinical and academic settings.

Her research initiatives operate at the intersection of clinical practice and community engagement, with particular focus on developing lung health literacy resources and culturally responsive clinician training programs for Aboriginal pediatric respiratory care.