John Moore, a research associate in the Department of Genetics, runs lab samples during the day, at night and on weekends, all because he wants to ensure lab samples are run in a timely manner.
“John is always very prompt in making me aware of a lab result when he knows it is time sensitive,” said Alicia Roberts, program manager in the Department of Genetics. “He can be thanked for countless diagnoses that have been made due to his diligence and hard work in the lab.”
For his dedication to providing timely results and for stepping up when a colleague left, Moore has been named Employee of the Month for December. He has been at UAB for more than 22 years — the past nine in the Department of Genetics.
Moore, who began his UAB career in a research lab, now works in Clinical Biochemical Genetics.
“We diagnose and monitor patients with inborn errors of metabolism,” Moore said. “So, I’ve gone from doing basic science research to doing clinical studies exclusively.”
Because most of the patients are newborns or young children, Moore said he feels compelled to work as quickly as possible.
“We provide information to clinicians that can help determine the best treatment options for their patients,” Moore said. “(The patients) can be critical, so rapid turnaround on tests can have a profound benefit for them for the rest of their lives.”
| Each month, UAB recognizes an outstanding employee for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the university's success. If you know of a great employee, you can learn how to nominate them for this recognition at uab.edu/humanresources. |
Moore has also been lauded for taking on more responsibility when the department lost two professors in one year, which affected the biochemical service line.
“His leadership was paramount when assisting the interim laboratory director,” said James C. Camel, administrative director of the Department of Genetics. “His efforts allowed the department to achieve 75 percent of its revenue budget for the prior fiscal year.”
Moore said it was a group effort to maintain the lab output. “We all had been well trained by the then director, and I think that helped us to continue our duties as well as pick up the extra work with little disruption in the workflow,” he said.
When Moore is not running lab tests, he spends his time backpacking, cycling and jogging. He also spends time with his wife Kan and their two grandchildren.
“I’ve learned over the years, and especially during the past year, that if you work hard and try to do the job well, even when things get a little hectic, someone will notice it and appreciate the effort,” Moore said.
“John is the type of person on whom you can always count,” Camel said. “Regardless of what he is tasked to do, he takes on the task with enthusiasm and urgency. John remains a huge asset to the Department of Genetics and is highly deserving of UAB Employee of the Month.”
