Dr. James C. Hogg is a distinguished pulmonary pathologist whose career has profoundly shaped the understanding of lung diseases. He has been affiliated with the University of British Columbia at St. Paul's Hospital since 1977, where he currently holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Pathology. Dr. Hogg earned his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in 1962, followed by a PhD in Experimental Medicine from McGill University in 1969, and completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at both Massachusetts General Hospital and McGill University. His early career included an assistant professorship in pathology at McGill University beginning in 1971 before his pivotal move to UBC, where he established himself as a leader in pulmonary research.
Dr. Hogg's groundbreaking research has focused on the inflammatory processes in the lung, with particular emphasis on the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease. Alongside Dr. Peter Pare, he led the establishment of the University of British Columbia Pulmonary Research Laboratory, which evolved into the renowned Centre for Heart Lung Innovation housing over 200 researchers. His work pioneered sophisticated methods for analyzing lung structure and function using computed tomography, microCT, and histology, revealing critical insights into disease mechanisms. Notably, his collaborative research with Dr. Avrum Spira uncovered a gene expression signature for emphysematous lung destruction in COPD, with findings suggesting potential reversibility through a small tripeptide, opening new therapeutic avenues. This systematic approach has significantly advanced the understanding of how lungs function in both health and disease states.
The James Hogg Lung Biobank, initiated in 1977 with over 40,000 tissue specimens from more than 3,000 patients, stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to advancing respiratory research. Dr. Hogg's leadership has fostered a collaborative research environment that has trained generations of scientists and clinicians, with his laboratory growing from one trainee annually to approximately 100 trainees. In recognition of his monumental contributions, the Pulmonary Research Laboratory was renamed The University of British Columbia James Hogg Research Centre for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research. Despite his emeritus status, Dr. Hogg maintains an active research program focused on inflammatory processes in the lung, continuing to guide the field with his expertise. His legacy continues to influence pulmonary research worldwide through the infrastructure, methodologies, and knowledge base he established over his remarkable career.
