BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has named Louis Bridges Jr., M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology as the first holder of the Marguerite Jones Harbert-Gene V. Ball, M.D., Endowed Chair in Rheumatology. The appointment was made by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees at its Sept. 18 meeting.

The endowed chair recognizes the longtime friendship of Harbert and Ball and celebrates Ball's lifetime achievements in the field.  Harbert and her late husband John have long been generous benefactors of UAB. 

Bridges is acknowledged as an outstanding clinician and researcher in the fields of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, and his work has been characterized by excellence and distinction as a physician, scientist and teacher.

About the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology

The UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology is internationally recognized and dedicated to pursuing new knowledge and translating research findings into more effective diagnosis and treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases. As one of the largest academic rheumatology units in the nation, the division's clinical program registers over 20,000 patient encounters annually, evaluating and treating patients with various forms of connective tissue disease.