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UTGSM Mourns the Loss of Debra Swisshelm

The faculty and staff in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine mourn the loss of Debra Swisshelm, who served as a Clinical Case Manager for the GSM Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody for 10 years, a grant-funded project to serve at-risk children in state custody. According to her obituary, Ms. Swisshelm passed away following a 29-month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and family.

Kristin Dean, PhD, Associate Professor, Family Medicine, said that in her job, Ms. Swisshelm was a great team player and able to communicate seamlessly with a multi-disciplinary treatment team, community providers and families. "She knew the system inside and out so she was the go-to person in the office," Dr. Dean said.

Beyond her professional job, Ms. Swisshelm was multi-talented. She enjoyed painting, and many of her paintings are on display in the COE suite. She also enjoyed cooking and knitting. Dr. Dean said, "Debbie was funny, smart and sweet. Despite appearing shy and unassuming, she was a great prankster. She is sorely missed."