Lowering the Flag: Debbi Andrews
The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from June 8–10, 2020 in remembrance of Dr. Debbi Andrews, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.
We are very sorry to inform you that Debbi Andrews passed away early on May 27.
Debbi was a devoted faculty member of the Department of Pediatrics and helped establish the Division of Developmental Pediatrics after starting at the University of Alberta in 1987. As an extremely committed developmental pediatrician, she dedicated her longstanding career to supporting children with developmental and emotional-behavioural differences and inspiring
generations of learners at all stages of training through her contagious enthusiasm for the field.
Her establishment of resident rotations and medical student electives gave rise to many new developmental pediatricians and community physicians empowered to care for their patients with developmental needs. Indeed, Debbi’s passion for, and creativity in, medical education was a vital
factor in DevPeds knowledge acquisition nationally and abroad, “making it stick” for countless colleagues and trainees.
Debbi was recognized by the Canadian Paediatric Society with a Life Membership in 2019 for “outstanding work in the areas of developmental disabilities and child mental health,” serving as the Chair of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, Co-Editor of the landmark
‘Children with School Problems: A Physician’s Manual’ (involving several learners and mentored colleagues as co-authors), and sharing her love of writing through service on the editorial board of Paediatrics & Child Health. Debbi could always be seen at the Canadian Paediatric Society annual
conferences and the International Conference on Residency Education with her joyful look in her eyes, excited to be learning as much as she could by attending every event and social experience.
Debbi was adored by the many families, learners and colleagues who have been so fortunate to experience her compassion, nurturing and kindness. We will miss her insights, commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication to her profession. We are extremely saddened by her passing, and send deep condolences to her husband David, children Sara, Stephen, and Donell (and his wife Ashley), and grandchildren Sawyer and Tennyson. The family will be establishing a memorial fund in support of medical education for
developmental pediatricians. We will make more details available in the coming days.
Sarah Forgie, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Edmonton Zone Clinical Department Head, Alberta Health Services
John Andersen, Divisional Director, Developmental Pediatrics, University of Alberta and Clinical Section Chief, Developmental Pediatrics, Alberta Health Services
For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.
