THE HISTORY OF SERGG

1982

Audrey Manley, MD, Director, Genetic Services, MCH, asks  Louis J. Elsas, II, MD  to convene a meeting of providers and managers of genetic services in MCH Region IV (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN) to discuss genetic resources in the region.

1983

The first meeting was held February 3-4, 1983 at the Stadium Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of the meeting was “Provision of Genetic Services to MCH Region IV:  Present Status and Future Prospects”.

Meeting Objectives

  • To identify resources for genetic services in our region
  • To establish both short- and long-range goals given no limitations in resources
  • To establish priorities for short- and long-range needs
  • To prioritize needs so that requests for resources will have a consensus

Meeting Stats

  • 17 Faculty
  • 112 Participants
  • 2 Plenary Sessions
  • 10 Workshops

The Workshops Held and Their Leaders

  • Assessment of Genetic Services
    • William J. Flynt, MD
  • Clinical Genetics
    • Paul M. Fernhoff, MD
  • Education and Training in Medical Genetics
    • Vladimir Wertelecki, MD
  • Genetic Counseling
    • Lynette Wright, MD and Karlene Coleman, MN
  • Laboratory-Biochemical Diagnosis
    • Henry Neil Kirkman, MD
  • Laboratory:  Cytogenetic
    • Robert L. Summitt, MD
  • Laboratory:  Population-Based Screening
    • Frank M. Rumph, MD
  • Programmatic Management of Genetic Services
    • Claude Earl Fox, MD
  • Programs for Hemophilia
    • Campbell McMillan, MD and Craig Kitchens, MD
  • Programs for Sickle Cell Disease
    • James R. Eckman, MD

The Next Steps

  • Task Force formed and met on May 21, 1983 to review recommendations, prioritize identifiable needs
  • June 10, 1983 – Special Projects of Regional and National Significance (SPRANS) 3-year grant was submitted
  • Total Request – $321,548 (~$107,000/yr)
  • Federal funding continued through 1996

1984

The second meeting was held March 16-17, 1984 at the Colony Square Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of the meeting was “Resources and Goals for Genetic Services in MCH Region IV”.

Meeting Objectives

  • To maintain and develop communications among professional providers and purchasers of genetic services
  • To identify resources and develop a registry of available services
  • To develop 3-year and 10-year goals
  • To determine short- and long-range needs and priorities

Meeting Stats

  • 19 Faculty
  • 134 Participants
  • 2 Plenary Sessions
  • 9 Workshops
    • Clinical Genetics              
    • Data Collection                 
    • Genetic Counselors          
    • Hemophilia Program         
    • Management Resources
    • Biochemical Laboratory
    • Cytogenetics Laboratory
    • Population-Based Mass Screening Laboratory
    • Sickle Cell Program

Synopsis of Meeting

  • Louis J. Elsas, II, MD was named Chairman
  • Advisory Committee was developed to include
    • Two representatives from each state
      • One certified geneticist
      • One public health representative
  • Organization named Southeastern Regional Genetics Group (SERGG)
  • Louisiana seceded from the Texas Region to join Region IV increasing the region to 9 states

SERGG Continues

  • Federal funding continued through 1996
  • Meetings were held annually
  • Usually during a winter month
  • Usually in Atlanta
  • Meetings were mostly public health based

1977-1999

  • Southern Genetics Group (SGG) formed in1977
  • Meetings held annually
  • Usually in the summer
  • Usually at the beach
  • Meetings were mostly scientific based

Highlights Through the Years

1999

  • SERGG becomes incorporated
  • Obtains non-profit status
  • Southern Genetics Group (SGG) merges with SERGG
  • Meetings alternate between the beach and an inland location

2003

  • HRSA redefines regions
  • SERGG becomes Region 3
  • Kentucky is moved to the Midwest Region (Region 2)
  • Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands added to Region 3

2017

  • Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were moved to the New York Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 2)

Accomplishments of SERGG

  • Produced quarterly newsletters
  • Produced patient brochures on various syndromes
  • Compiled and updated annually a registry of genetic services in the region
  • Compiled and distributed a National Nutrition Resource Directory
  • Established proficiency testing programs for cytogenetics, biochemical, and molecular labs which became national models
  • Implemented Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in each state in the region
  • Produced 3 video tapes on genetic syndromes and malformations

Presidents

  • 1983-1994 – Louis J. Elsas, II, MD
  • 1994-1995 – Mittie Moffett, RN, MS
  • 1995-2005 – Paul M. Fernhoff, MD
  • 2005-2006 – Jess G. Thoene, MD
  • 2006-2008 – David H. Ledbetter, PhD
  • 2008-2010 – Hans C. Andersson, MD
  • 2010-2012 – Rani H. Singh, PhD, RD
  • 2012-2014 – Mary C. Phelan, PhD
  • 2014-2016 – Timothy C. Wood, PhD
  • 2026-2018 – Pamela H. Arn, MD
  • 2018-2020 – J. Daniel Sharer, PhD
  • 2020-2022 – Neena Champaigne, MD
  • 2022-2024 – Barbara DuPont, PhD
  • 2024-2026 – Hans C. Andersson, MD
  • 2026-2028 – J. Daniel Sharer, PhD