Lelia Edwards, NCRA Registrar of the YearLelia Edwards, an alumna of the UAB Master of Science in Health Information program, has been named 2015 Registrar of the Year at the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) by Elekta.

“I was very surprised when I received the news,” said Edwards. “This is indeed such a great honor and I am very elated and appreciative to have been recognized, nominated and chosen to receive such a prestigious award. I share this joy with all Alabamians in the cancer data field which shines a brighter light on our State; and it has been my pleasure to have worked with so many talented people across this country.”

Edwards is also a 1992 graduate of the former UAB Health Information Management Nontraditional program. Having spent more than 37 years in the cancer registry field, she is a pioneer and one of two charter members of the Alabama Cancer Registrars Association.

“The web based MSHI program at UAB afforded me the opportunity to continue to work as a fulltime professional while earning my degree,” said Edwards. “Obtaining my MSHI degree has offered me the opportunity to advance in this competitive health care arena and network nationally with other health care professionals.”

Edwards is an NCRA mentor and says every time a mentee passes the national exam and earns their credentials it adds “great joy and happiness.”

She has served as president of the ACRA three times, served as a CTR for 29 years and received the Barbara F. Yarber Distinguished Registrar Award.