Chandler Harris has been honored as the 2024 recipient of the Sara Crews Finley, M.D., Endowed Leadership Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship recognizes and supports students who exhibit outstanding leadership, scholarship, and service within their medical training and in other endeavors. Eligible recipients must be rising third-year medical students who rank in the top 25 percent of their class, and the scholarship is renewable for their fourth year.
“We are proud to recognize Chandler Harris as this year’s scholarship recipient,” said Sara J. Finley, daughter of Sara Crews Finley, M.D. “In addition to his academic success in engineering and medicine, Chandler has consistently shown leadership and initiative, whether on the soccer field, in his college fraternity, or in the medical school’s orthopedics interest group. Perhaps most importantly, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving others in interesting and innovative ways. He is grounded and accomplished, and we are so happy to welcome him into our community of scholars.”
Harris graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Tulane University. His dedication to community service and leadership is evident. “I think the most critical piece for finding balance is being involved in activities you are genuinely passionate about,” Harris stated. “It is much easier to make time for leadership and community service roles when you enjoy doing them. It is also essential to work effectively to have time to do things that make you happy.”
Looking ahead, Harris plans to specialize in orthopedic surgery, utilizing his engineering background to explore the biomechanical aspects of sports injuries. With a strong passion for teaching and mentoring, he aspires to work with residents in an academic setting.
Harris reflected, “My mom is a pediatrician, and I grew up watching patients come up to her all the time in the grocery store who were so excited to catch up and chat. I thought it was great that she was able to build meaningful relationships with so many others and make an impact, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could do the same.”
Raised in Alabama, Harris values adaptability and authenticity, traits that have helped him build lasting relationships within the welcoming Birmingham community. “I think if you can positively react to unexpected changes and be involved in things that interest you, you create an environment that uplifts everyone around you,” he said.
Celebrating a decade of exemplary academic and leadership achievements
This year, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Sara Crews Finley, M.D., Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship, established by Finley’s family in 2014, honors the legacy of a faculty member, student mentor, and co-founder of the first medical genetics program in the Southeastern United States.
“Our scholarship program continues to be a tremendous success after 10 years, and it is such a fitting tribute to my mother, Dr. Sara C. Finley,” stated Sara J. Finley. “Our scholars are an extraordinary group, and it has been a pleasure to watch each of them as they continue their medical school studies and transition into top residency programs and medical careers all over the country.”
Over the past decade, the scholarship has been a beacon of inspiration, recognizing and supporting Heersink students who demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities. The scholarship is awarded to rising third-year students who not only show solid academic achievement but also embody the principles of integrity and determination that were hallmarks of Finley’s life and work.
“Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Sara Crews Finley, M.D., Leadership Scholarship is a testament to Dr. Finley’s enduring legacy as a pioneer in medical genetics and a beloved mentor,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. “This scholarship not only honors her remarkable contributions but also supports the next generation of leaders in medicine who embody her principles of integrity, determination, and service. We are proud to continue her mission by recognizing and nurturing exceptional students who will undoubtedly make significant impacts in their careers.”
The scholarship's impact extends beyond financial support, fostering a culture of excellence and service that resonates with Finley’s own commitment to medicine and mentorship. It’s a testament to her vision that the recipients of this prestigious award have continued to excel and lead in various capacities, shaping the future of healthcare with the same passion and dedication that Finley herself championed.
Previous honorees
- 2015 – Ryan Khodadadi
- Residency: Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education – Internal Medicine
- Currently: faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases
- 2016 – Salmaan Kamal
- Residency: UAB Medical Center – Internal Medicine
- Currently: fellowship at UCLA National Clinician Scholars Program
- 2017 – Lindsay Sheets
- Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital – Internal Medicine – Pediatrics
- Currently: pediatric internist attending at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
- 2018 – James Johns
- Residency: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital – Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Currently: PGY5 at MedStar Health/Georgetown University Hospital
- 2019 – Sydney Heigle
- Residency: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine – Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Currently: PGY3 at University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
- 2020 – Syed Raza
- Residency: University of Michigan Medical Center – Integrated Thoracic Surgery
- Currently: PGY2 University of Michigan Medical Center
- 2021 – Desalyn Johnson
- Residency: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Pediatrics
- Currently: PGY1 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- 2022 – Hana Habchi
- Residency: University of California San Francisco – Family Medicine
- Currently: PGY1 at University of California San Francisco
- 2023 – William Illiano
- Currently: MS4 at UAB Heersink School of Medicine