About Deborah
Deborah Shellenberger, a seasoned healthcare professional, is running for seat 7 on the Indian River County Hospital District Board in November 2024. With 24 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, she has held diverse roles, including school nurse, middle shift nursing supervisor, and ICU cardiac care nurse. Her journey led her to become a Physician Assistant, where she spent 21 years contributing to cardiac research, electrophysiology, and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.
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Deborah’s passion extends to treating adults with congenital heart defects, focusing on pregnancy and women’s health. She also worked in preventative cardiology and pulmonary hypertension. Notably, her background includes serving in Philadelphia County jail, diagnosing and managing inmates with chronic illnesses and mental health issues.
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Having relocated to Florida, Deborah continued her work by performing home health assessments, gaining valuable insights into community health needs. She aims to bring a patient-centered perspective to the board, emphasizing comprehensive approaches to community and patient healthcare. The board collaborates with various community agencies, including TCCH, United Against Poverty, Senior Resource Association, and VNA, while enhancing services provided by Cleveland Clinic.​
Deborah’s dual expertise as both a Registered Nurse and Physician Assistant uniquely positions her to address community health issues effectively. Her commitment to compassionate care and community well-being makes her a strong candidate for the board.
