August 31, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Bruce R. Korf, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Genetics, has won the 2009 Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education from the American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG).
The award, which recognizes those who have made a contribution that is recognized nationally or internationally of exceptional quality and great importance to human genetics education, will be presented at the 2009 ASHG Annual Meeting in Honolulu on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Korf has established an international reputation as a clinician, scientist and educator. He has mentored many pre- and postdoctoral trainees, and has been influential in training medical students at his universities. His work with the American Association of Medical Colleges has been essential to the inclusion of genetics into every physician's education. Korf has also been instrumental in developing training programs for specialists in genetics.
"Dr. Korf's outstanding contributions to all types of educational efforts are especially notable, from the most traditional of mentoring and classroom lecturing to the outreach efforts by doing audio lectures for airlines to inform the public of the importance of genetics in our health," said Joann A. Boughman, Ph.D. executive vice president of ASHG. "Receiving this award is truly a great honor and a testament to the significant contributions and widespread impact that his efforts have had on human genetics education."
About the UAB Department of Genetics
The UAB Department of Genetics is dedicated to the generation of new knowledge about genetics and genomics, translation of that knowledge to clinical practice, and integration of genetics into all aspects of medical care. The department comprises an interdisciplinary group of faculty focused on performing basic laboratory and clinical research, providing inpatient and outpatient consultation services, and offering state-of-the-art genetic diagnostic testing.
About ASHG
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), founded in 1948, is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. The Society's nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses and others who have a special interest in the field of human genetics.