Dr. Tu was born in Edmonton Ab, Canada and started his education at the University of Alberta, Canada, before moving to Vancouver BC, Canada. After obtaining his Medical Degree, Dr. Tu completed his residency at his alma mater, the University of British Columbia. While there, he developed an interest in spasticity, complex spinal cord malformations, as well as in tumors of the brain and spine. Wanting to continue his training, he completed his fellowship with the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in California. There he gained further experience in the management of spinal dysraphism, slow growing tumors, epilepsy, endoscopic approaches to the brain and quality of life improvement.
He initially started his career as a pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s Minnesota, before returning to Canada and establishing a practice at Children’s Hospital Eastern Ontario and the University of Ottawa. He is currently board certified in neurosurgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada. His current research interests include understanding the pathophysiology of spasticity and mechanisms of intervention, in addition to quality improvement in healthcare delivery. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys muay thai boxing and is an avid runner and cyclist.
Research Projects
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Development and validation of a Fast Spine Protocol for Use in Paediatric Patients
23/08/2022
This study demonstrates that selected spinal imaging sequences allows for consistent and accurate diagnosis of specific clinical conditions. A limited spine protocol reduces acquisition time, potentially avoiding sedation. Further work is needed to determine the utility of selected imaging for other clinical indications.
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Survival of Infants ≤24 Months of Age With Brain Tumors: A Population-Based Study Using the SEER Database
04/09/2019
While overall survival for infants with brain tumors has improved from the 1970s onwards, not every tumor type has seen a statistically significant change.
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Minimizing Transfusion in Sagittal Craniosynostosis Surgery: The Children’s Hospital of Minnesota Protocol
02/05/2019
Our protocol of preoperative EPO and iron with perioperative TXA increased the preoperative hemoglobin and was associated with a low transfusion rate without negatively impacting postoperative course.
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Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome: A Review
03/09/2013
As occult tethered cord syndrome becomes increasingly recognized, it is important to be aware of the potential benefits of operative intervention for appropriately selected patients.