September 18, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Lynn Gerald, Ph.D., associate professor in the division of pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine, has been named director of the UAB Lung Health Center. The Center conducts research and provides education on preventing and managing lung diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

In announcing the appointment, Edward Abraham, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Medicine, praised Gerald’s achievements in asthma research and said asthma research would be one of Gerald’s priorities as director.

“Dr. Gerald is a world authority on school based asthma research and her contributions to the field of screening for asthma are authoritative,” said Abraham. “Her expertise in patient oriented research has made her a valuable resource to investigators throughout UAB.”

Gerald, who has been with the center for 10 years most recently as assistant director, replaces William Bailey, M.D., who will continue as medical director of the center.

“The Lung Health Center has been a leader in the field of clinical research largely due to Dr. Bailey’s leadership over the past 21 years and has gained national recognition in the fields of asthma, tuberculosis and COPD,” said Gerald. “He will continue to be actively involved in Center activities and mentoring our scientists.”

Gerald also announced that Mark Dransfield, M.D., assistant professor in the division of pulmonary, allergy and critical care, will assume the duties of assistant medical director. Gerald said Dransfield has been an integral part of the Lung Health Center for several years and plays a significant management and scientific role. He will continue to supervise all industry funded trials for the Lung Health Center and serve as the expert in COPD and lung cancer.