2009
Department of Finance

The Automated Family History Development Team, through the development of a tool that automatically generates family trees for individuals living within Newfoundland and Labrador has provided instantaneous access to a wealth of knowledge at a substantially lower cost for genetic researchers looking to identify genetic links to specific diseases. This accomplishment will lead to better health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Medical genealogists looking for genetic links for a specific disease have spent years searching through various provincial archives and visiting local residents to gain insight into family relationships in the hope of learning about the genetic basis of particular medical conditions. While essential, this process has been time consuming, expensive and often incomplete. The team’s accomplishment has changed all of that.

Terry and Susan’s achievement touches on all four cornerstones of this Award. Excellence in service delivery was demonstrated by going above and beyond expectations and providing the field of genetic research with operational and financial efficiency. Leadership was demonstrated through the forward looking nature of this project. Innovation is evident by the automation of family tree linkages. Relationship building was essential to support the work of the team and its contribution to the advancement of genetic research within the province.

As a result of this team’s innovation, leadership and ingenuity, this province has become recognized both nationally and internationally as a pioneer in the fields of statistical analysis and research.