Sara Crews Finley, Professor of Pediatrics and Co-Director of the Laboratory of Medical Genetics began practicing medicine when there were still 48 human chromosomes. Alabama born, bred and educated "Dr. Sara" was among the first physicians certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics in 1982 in both Clinical Genetics and Clinical Cytogenetics.
Wayne H. Finley, Director of the Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Professor of Pediatrics, is also Alabama born and bred. "Dr. Wayne" was first a teacher who completed Masters degrees in both Secondary Education and Biochemistry before settling down with degrees in Biochemistry and Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Wayne was also an early "card-carrying" geneticist and with Dr. Sara was among the Founding Fellows of the American College of Medical Genetics.
Dr. Sara has lent her special talents in administration in developing the PhD Graduate Medical Genetics program at UAB as well as making numerous contributions to the medical community. Recently she has served as President of the Jefferson County Medical Society and currently is the President of the University of Alabama School of Medicine Alumni Association. The Prenatal Counseling Program that she developed working with the Maternal- Fetal Medicine Division at UAB and with state wide obstetricians and gynecologists to serve as a premier model of service and collaboration while providing an important service to patients.
Dr. Wayne has taught hundreds of medical students, residents and PhD graduates students in the past 35 years. In every forum, he has the unique ability to challenge students to stretch their minds and think critically about the problem at hand. One of his special projects has been the study of the History of Medicine. As Chairman of the Reynolds Historic Society, he has brought many programs about the History of Medicine to Birmingham. His special interest in birth defects and epidemiology is leading to the development of a genetics and birth defects registry that will be invaluable in the study of medical genetics.
Together, Drs. Sara and Wayne have contributed immeasurably in the field of medical genetics through their efforts in education, research, and laboratory service. The Cytogenetics, Prenatal Diagnostic, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratories under their direction have gained national reputations for service in the Southeastern Region. Their special charm and southern hospitality will forever endear them to those of us who have the pleasure and privilege to work with and learn from each of them.
