Dean Nancy Andrews, MD, PhD, shared with the faculty of the School of Medicine today the news that Robert E. Whalen, MD, professor emeritus of medicine, passed away on April 25 after an extended illness. He was 81.
Dr. Whalen trained as an intern, and completed his residency and fellowship in cardiology at Duke. He was a clinical cardiologist from 1961 to 1992, and will be remembered as one of the doctors who helped shape the Duke clinical practice in the late 1970’s and throughout the 1980’s. He became a professor of medicine in 1974. Whalen also served as director of the Cardiovascular Disease Service and chief of Internal Medicine.
Mary Klotman, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, also praised Whalen's legacy at Duke.
He was a master clinician who trained many of Duke's leaders in cardiology.Whalen mentored numerous house staff and fellows including many who are on the faculty today. In 1987, he received the Distinguished Faculty Award for his contributions in training future physicians. He was named a Professor Emeritus in 2000. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be made to the Duke University Medical Center Chief Resident program in Dr. Whalen's honor. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at the Duke Chapel.