ATLANTA - A scientist on the front lines of the anthrax investigation has been chosen to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. <br>
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Doctor Julie Gerberding will become the first female diector of the CDC -- the nation's top public health agency. <br>
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An administration official says Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson is scheduled to announce the appointment of the 46-year-old Gerberding Tuesday afternoon at the CDC's headquarters. <br>
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The official spoke on the condition of anonymity. <br>
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Gerberding is the CDC's acting deputy director for science. <br>
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She is an infectious-disease specialist credited with pioneering steps to protect health care workers exposed to the AIDS virus. She was recruited to the CDC in 1998 and went on to become one of its most quoted, unflappable investigators into last fall's anthrax attacks.
