Debbie Krause, cherished Department of Surgery senior coordinator for the past 47 years, retires today, January 8th. During her tenure with the Department, Debbie has completed a broad range of tasks in service to the University of Louisville with the greatest loyalty, professionalism, competence and grace.

The heart and soul of the Department, Debbie exemplifies the excellence we strive to achieve in the Department. Throughout the course of her career, Debbie has always paid meticulous attention to detail and planned well in advance for every possible contingency. She has been the consummate ambassador for the University, as she has been our liaison with countless other institutions and leaders in American Medicine and Surgery.

Debbie joined the Department of Surgery in 1974 as a receptionist. Her role grew over the years. Debbie coordinated Grand Rounds, visiting lectureships, the annual Chief Residents' Graduation Dinner, retirement celebrations, and memorial services. She also organized the Louisville Surgical Society and the Hiram C. Polk, Jr., MD, Surgical Society and always helped out anywhere else she is needed.

Debbie exudes warmth for our medical students and residents, as well as faculty and co-workers. She remembers the names of their spouses and children, as well as special details about each and every one of them. For her role in coordinating our visiting lectureships and Grand Rounds programs, Debbie was the perfect host and continually receives letters of praise from visiting professors and their staff.

In 2018, Debbie received the inaugural University of Louisville School of Medicine Dean's Lifetime Achievement Award, which was created by School of Medicine Dean Toni Ganzel, MD, as a special recognition for employees who have served the school with excellence for many years.

A heartfelt congratulations to Debbie on your retirement. We will miss you tremendously and wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life.