Candidate: Deborah Shellenberger

My name is Deborah Shellenberger. I am running for seat 7 on the Indian River County Hospital District Board in November 2024.

In my 24 years as a Registered Nurse, I gained experience in many roles: school nurse, middle shift nursing supervisor, ICU cardiac care, telemetry, operating room nurse and head nurse of Pennsylvania Hospital’s operating room. My experience led me to realize I could play a greater role as a midlevel practitioner.    I continued my education to become a Physician Assistant.  

For the past 21 years I served in several roles as a physician assistant, this included cardiac research, electrophysiology and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery treating children with congenital heart defects.  I later transitioned to the treatment of adults with congenital heart defects where I focused on pregnancy and women’s health.  I also worked in preventative cardiology and pulmonary hypertension.   

My last position before coming to Florida was in the Philadelphia County jail where I diagnosed and managed inmates with chronic illnesses, identified mental health issues and participated in the treatment of addiction.  Upon relocating to Florida, I found I was not ready to give up the profession that I love, so I continued my work in the health field performing home health assessments.  This gave me a great insight into our community and its health needs.  I believe I can bring a patient centered perspective to the board.  This is essential to establish a comprehensive approach to community and patient health care issues.

The board supports health care for those in need in partnership with multiple community agencies such as TCCH, United Against Poverty, Senior Resource Association and VNA, as well as enhancing services provided by Cleveland Clinic.  In my many years in the medical field, working in different capacities, I have gained a unique perspective regarding patient care.  My experiences, as both a Registered Nurse and Physician Assistant, have given me insight into community and patient issues.