June 24, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Sharon Spencer, M.D., professor of radiation oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been named the Ruby F. Meredith Outstanding Clinician in Radiation Oncology Endowed Chair. The appointment was approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.

Spencer is a noted expert in the field of head, neck, lung and breast cancer therapy. She serves as clinical director for UAB's Department of Radiation Oncology and helps coordinate research and patient programs between her department and others, including medical oncology and surgery.

Spencer's professional contributions on and off campus include a decade of service to the head and neck committee of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, a federally funded clinical cooperative affiliated with the American College of Radiology. She also serves as an advisor to minority students at UAB and the UAB School of Medicine, and won the 2005 American Cancer Society Life Inspiration Award.

Spencer earned her medical degree and completed her residency at UAB. She joined the Department of Radiation Oncology as an instructor in 1987 and rose through the ranks to become a professor and clinical director. She later earned a master's degree in health administration and also serves as medical director for the radiation therapy program at the UAB School of Health Professions.