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After 48 years of service to the UNC Department of Neurology, Colin Hall, MB ChB, will fully retire on December 31, 2017.

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Colin Hall, MB ChB

In 1969, Dr. Hall came to UNC from Scotland as a neurology resident who was then hired as a faculty member. In addition to growing a busy clinical practice over the years, he was interim chair of the Neurology Department from 1995-2001 and from 2006-2007. In 1977, he created the neuromuscular unit and remained as its director until 1996.

In 1988, Dr. Hall founded the UNC AIDS Neurological Center with a program project grant award to establish the AIDS Dementia Center. The Center conducted extensive NeuroAIDS research including clinical and basic science studies in HIV-related cognitive dysfunction, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and other HIV CNS opportunistic infections, as well as peripheral neuropathy. Principal investigator on numerous NIH grants, Dr. Hall also served on multiple national committees related to HIV. Retiring from clinical and departmental administrative activities in 2007, he continued to chair the School of Medicine’s Conflict of Interest Committee, a position he accepted in 2003.

Upon Dr. Hall’s arrival 48 years ago, the Neurology Department was just a small division comprised of five faculty members and five residents within the Department of Medicine. The growing division received departmental status in 1976, and now boasts over 50 faculty members, 25 residents, five fellows and ten advanced practice providers with a solid footprint on both the State and national neurological scene.

Over the years, Dr. Hall has witnessed the expansion of UNC Chapel Hill’s medical facilities to the major medical complex that it is today including the construction of the Anderson Pavilion, the Women’s and Children’s Hospitals, the Neurosciences Hospital and the Lineberger Cancer Center. In addition, the School of Medicine’s research facilities have grown exponentially.

Dr. Hall plans to enjoy his retirement by spending more time on the golf course and with his three children, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.