Birmingham, Al: Maria Grant, MD is the inaugural holder of the Eivor and Alston Callahan, MD Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology. Dr. Grant’s laboratory is interested in understanding the functional process of hematopoietic stem cells, and focusing on understanding how to best utilize human embryonic stem cells for vascular repair. The ability to repair vascular damage could have a profound impact on a large number of retinal diseases. The best possible approach for repair is targeted gene expression to force selective differentiation, therefore offering novel therapeutic possibilities for tissue repair throughout the body.
Dr. Grant (above) earned her medical degree from the University of Florida, where she also completed her residency. She completed a research fellowship in the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Florida and a research fellowship at The Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
The International Retinal Research Foundation established The Eivor and Alston Callahan, MD, Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology to support the work and mission of the Department of Ophthalmology through the recruitment and /or retention of a distinguished ophthalmologist who specializes in retina care. It is most fitting that this endowment bear the names of Dr. Alston Callahan and Mrs. Eivor Callahan, as recognition of their extraordinary legacy within the Birmingham community and the field of vision health. Dr. Callahan began the facility now known as The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. Additionally, he was integral in the establishment of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and served as the first Chairman.
