CHS Celebrates Career of Dr. Deb Kelly

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Deborah "Deb" Kelly has done the math. 

Since she started her career here in the College of Health Sciences in 1985, Kelly determined she has taught more than 2,230 students. 

It's an extraordinary number — and it's particularly relevant today, as it is her last in the College. 

After 41 years, Kelly, PT, MSEd, DPT — who has served as Director of Professional Studies, Associate Professor and Program Curriculum Chair in the Department of Physical Therapy — is retiring. Thursday, a crowd of family, friends, peers, and current and former students came out to celebrate her exceptional career.

"Debbie’s connection to this program goes back more than four decades," noted Phillip Gribble, PhD and the Dean of the College of Health Sciences. "She began teaching part time in Physical Therapy in 1984 and joined the faculty full time in 1988. That means there are generations of physical therapists practicing today who can trace their education back to Deborah."

Her work in lymphedema, wound care, and cancer rehabilitation has made an impact well beyond CHS. And she quite literally wrote the book on the subject; her Primer on Lymphedema has served as a resource for health professionals, and her work with the Lymphology Association of North America has helped advance standards for the profession.

"She has continued to treat patients, conduct scholarship, contribute to national professional organizations and advocate for better education and care for people with lymphedema," Gribble said. "But when I think about a career like Debbie’s, the titles, credentials and accomplishments only tell part of the story. What matters most is the influence she has had on people."

Patrick Pabian, PT, DPT, PhD and chair for the Department of Physical Therapy, echoed the sentiment, saying he will continue to try to emulate her mindset.

"Nothing compares to the culture of selflessness that you've instilled (in the department)," he said. "Even after today, that culture will exist."

Erin Jensen, staff associate for the Department of Physical Therapy, then presented Kelly with a special gift on behalf of the department — a book full of memories and letters that Kelly said she would have to read later, when she was alone. 

"I love you all and I'm glad you're here," Kelly told the crowd. She shared memories of the past, talked of students and co-workers, and revealed that she and her husband have few plans for the future, save for visiting their daughters and fixing up their 100-year-old house. 

"I received some advice — 'Don't overload your schedule,'" she said. "'Take some time, and have some fun.'"

And that, she says, is what she will do. 

"On behalf of the College of Health Sciences, thank you for your extraordinary commitment to our students, our patients, our profession and the University of Kentucky," Gribble said. "Thank you for the knowledge you have shared, the standards you have set, and the countless lives you have influenced along the way. And, most of all, thank you for being part of the history and the heart of Physical Therapy here at the University of Kentucky. We are very grateful for everything you have given us."