Louis J. "Skip" Elsas II, Professor of Pediatrics and the Director of the Division of Medical Genetics at the School of Medicine, recently took on the responsibilities of President of the Council of Regional Networks (CORN). Elsas, known for his work in establishing a nationally recognized comprehensive newborn screening program for inherited diseases in Georgia, has been a member of CORN since its inception in 1985. As president of CORN, Elsas will provide a forum for dialogue and national coordination among the 10 regional genetic networks representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
"CORN is in a position to implement the public health role of medical genetics," Elsas said. "The unique contribution of a genetic approach is to predict and prevent heritable components of rare and common diseases. To accomplish this goal, CORN should continue to focus on a few specific activities which will complement activities of the American Society of Human Genetics and the American College of Medical Genetics."
In addition to his recent appointment, Elsas has written more than 150 peer-reviewed research publications in the field of medical genetics, received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Career Development Award; and, with his efforts as the Director of Georgia's Comprehensive Genetic System, more than 1 million Georgia infants have been screened to ensure that preventive measures can be taken for those with preventable disorders that cause mental retardation.
Members of SERGG, particularly reflect on years under Skip's leadership with pride and at times with a touch of sadness. Through the early years of formation of SERGG, Skip never hesitated to jump in with both feet to undertake the task of forming a functional regional collaboration among states as diverse as Kentucky and Florida with individuals as unique as Emmanuel Shapira, Sara Finley, and Bryan Hall. Now, in February 1995, SERGG has found its unique role in the genetics community. Certainly without his diligence, enthusiasm, and firm management style, the Southeastern Regional Genetics Group could never have weathered the storms of the last few years. We wish Skip the best in his tenure as President of CORN, but will miss his day-to-day participation in SERGG.
Several of "Skips" colleagues offered these remembrances -
"Remember the time you saved my life . . ." Paul Fernhoff "Remember those special times of _____ _____ . . ." Mittie Moffett "Remember the time you . . ." Bryan Hall
