Dr. Louis J. Dunka - A Tribute and Remembrance

Louis J. Dunka, PhD, a well-respected clinical chemist and in vitro diagnostic clinical scientist, will be missed greatly. Lou passed away leaving behind his daughter Ashley. He was 64 years old. Lou received his BS degree in Analytical Chemistry from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, and then his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham, AL, where he developed “An Automated Method for the Determination of Triacylglycerols (Triglycerides) in Serum” for his dissertation. Lou’s career took him into the IVD industry in product development, quality and regulatory, industry relations to clients, professional societies, regulatory and governmental agencies, and industry advocacy groups like HIMA and ADVAMED. I personally have had the benefit of knowing Lou for almost 30 years in each of his roles, first at American Hospital Supply’s Scientific Products (Dade Division), Fisher Diagnostics, Syva, IL, and finally at LifeScan. Lou served in many capacities in each of these companies. One consistent theme, however, in his career was participation in CLSI subcommittees, area committees, and on panels/working groups associated with liaison organizations such as ADVAMED, AACC Industrial Liaison Committee, AACC divisions (Industrial Division LIS, and CPOCT), ISO, IHE, IEEE, and HL7.

While fulfilling his corporate responsibilities with great enthusiasm, professionalism, and intensity, he was always available to help with a standards project, organize an AACC divisional meeting, or review an article or a document with the same attributes. He was someone you respected for his common sense, his network, and knowledge of the field. Lou was someone you could count on to get the job done on time, on budget, and to everyone’s expectations. His latest work as Chairholder of the Area Committee for Point-of-Care Testing was to forge new ground with a working group composed of industry, government, and providers, that was expanded to include researchers and clinicians involved in the field of continuous glucose monitoring. The purpose of the group is to establish common terminology and understanding of continuous glucose sensing with the goal of establishing a standard for glucose monitoring. His role in this group and CLSI will be greatly missed.

I’m thankful for Lou’s friendship and for all the activities we shared over the years, both professional and social.

Respectfully submitted by his friend and colleague,

Jeffrey A. DuBois, PhD

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