On Apr. 11, 2018, Dr. Judith G. Hall, professor emerita of pediatrics and medical genetics at the University of British Columbia, was honored for her role in helping to establish medical genetics as an accredited clinical specialty, as well as for her groundbreaking research and teaching on the natural history of human growth and connective tissue disorders, including dwarfism and arthrogryposis, a crippling joint-mobility condition that affects 1 in 3,000 babies.

Dr. Hall’s work in medical genetics spans more than half a century. She has mentored 40 medical genetics fellows; written more than 300 research articles, 12 books, and 104 book chapters; served as a founding member of the American College of Medical Genetics and the Canadian College of Medical Genetics; served on editorial boards and as reviewer for numerous prominent research journals; and currently serves as a senior editor for the American Journal of Medical Genetics.

Beyond her long list of academic achievements and leadership positions, which include serving as president of the American Society of Human Genetics and the American Pediatric Society, the nominations for Dr. Hall to receive this award stressed her enthusiasm and charisma, qualities that have inspired generations of patients, families, and fellow clinicians.