Rhonda Sue Whalen

Rhonda Whalen, 78, of Decatur, GA fell down her steps early on the morning of Thursday, 7/28 and suffered a fatal head injury as a result. Rhonda was out walking her beloved Schnauzer, Travis.

Rhonda was a nationally respected authority on lab protocols and inspections. She retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2006 following a career that began in 1966 when she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She completed an internship with Terrell Laboratories in Fort Worth, TX, accepting a position as a Medical Technologist with All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth. She moved up to the position of Assistant Chief Technologist before she took a leave of absence to attend graduate school at Texas Christian University (TCU). Rhonda received her Master of Science Degree from TCU in Medical Technology. Her graduate work and thesis centered around development of a method for Hepatitis B Surface antibody detection.

Following graduation Rhonda returned to All Saints for a brief period until she accepted a position as educational coordinator for the Medical Technology program at Methodist Hospital in Dallas TX. In 1972 Rhonda was recruited by CDC to join the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIA'67) as a field examiner and in 1980 she accepted a position with the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services.) With the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act 0f 1988, Rhonda was instrumental in helping to develop many of the standards applying to these new laboratory requirements. In 1991, Rhonda returned to the CDC's Division of Laboratory Systems as a Health Scientist. Until her retirement from CDC in 2006, she was very active in helping to assure the quality of clinical laboratory sciences by promoting the use of qualified personnel. She retired from CDC having served as the Chief of the Laboratory Practice Standards Branch.

Upon the news of her passing, Rhonda was remembered by colleagues as “a wonderful person and a gifted laboratory scientist who admirably served the American public.” Dr. Valerie Ng, who was Chair of the CLIA advisory committee (CLIAC), said: “Rhonda Whalen was such a powerful influence – so much larger than ‘just’ CLIA. She was one of the key architects of the original CLIA’88 regulations. Her skill set not only included an all-encompassing technical expertise, but also her incredible skill of compromise. Aside from her vast

knowledge of Laboratory Science and regulations, Rhonda was so impressive as someone who stood her ground and defended her/CLIA’s (well-reasoned) position. Her strength of character was most inspiring to many CLIAC members and engendered (well deserved) respect and awe.”

Further, Dr. Ng stated: “Rhonda made such an impression on so many laboratorians. She lives on in spirit of the oh so many individuals she touched over the decades. I will miss her dearly but will always remain very appreciative and grateful for all the learnings in laboratory science and life skills that I had at the foot of a true master.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments and impressive career, Rhonda also loved travel and learning. She visited nearly every state in the US while working with the CLIA program. Once retired, she enjoyed international travel to Mexico, Europe, and Russia. She also enjoyed taking classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Emory University.

For many years Rhonda was active in her local P.E.O. Chapter, helping to raise money for women’s scholarships.

Rhonda is survived by her step-sister Cindy Williams, Cindy’s daughter Caroline Ford, and Caroline’s daughter Elise. Rhonda is also survived by her step-brother Jay Sabatucci, his wife Suzan, and their children Monica and Richard. Condolences may be sent to Jay at the following address:

Jay Sabatucci

4206 Selina Ct.

Arlington, TX 76016

Donations in Rhonda’s honor may be sent to

P.E.O., Chapter BQ/Georgia

161 Woodlawn Avenue

Decatur, GA 30030

At this time no formal services are planned.