Name: Dr. Deborah Ellis, PhD, MPH, MS, MT(ASCP), CIC, AL-CIP, CPHQ, FACHE
Getting to know me:
Please tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing as a volunteer, and why you chose that particular role.
I currently serve on both the Clinical Leadership Committee (CLC) and as a member of the Advancement Committee. I was drawn to these roles because they align with my passion for developing healthcare leaders and advancing our profession. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from mentors who challenged me to think beyond my technical expertise and become a strategic leader. Volunteering on these committees allows me to give back by helping create opportunities for others to grow, connect, and lead.
Could you share a “CAHL Moment” with us?
When I first learned about CAHL, it was through a conversation with Baljeet Sangha, who would later become CAHL President. He encouraged me to join, saying, “We can always use outstanding people like you.” I attended my first networking mixer feeling completely out of my element. I remember standing against the wall, wondering if I truly belonged. It was a classic case of imposter syndrome. As the evening went on, I realized how welcoming and genuine everyone was. I gave myself a simple pep talk: “Deborah, do what you do best—volunteer.” Rather than worrying about fitting in, I looked for ways to contribute. I joined committees, raised my hand to help, and built relationships through service. Looking back, that experience taught me an important lesson. The best way to become part of a professional community isn’t by trying to impress people, it’s by showing up, contributing, and serving others. Today, CAHL has become a place where I’ve built meaningful friendships, grown as a leader, and had the privilege of giving back to an organization that has given so much to me.
I’m open to being a resource to CAHL members if they need…guidance on getting involved with CAHL, serving on committees, preparing for the Board of Governors (BOG) Exam, leadership development, mentoring, or opportunities in teaching and professional education.
What motto or quote resonates with you as a leader?
My own quote that I’ve developed as a leader….“Good teams know how. Great teams know what. Exceptional teams know why.”
I’ve found that the most successful teams don’t simply execute processes well, they understand the purpose behind them. Asking WHY creates alignment, inspires innovation, and helps people make better decisions. Understanding why transforms a group of talented individuals into a high-performing team.
What didn’t I ask that you’d like to share?
Service has always been an important part of who I am. In addition to volunteering with CAHL, I serve on nonprofit boards in my community, where I enjoy contributing to governance and organizational growth.
Throughout my career, I’ve come to believe that one of healthcare’s greatest opportunities is to bring empathy back to the business of healthcare. Quality, innovation, and operational excellence are essential, but they should always be grounded in compassion for the patients we serve and the people who provide their care.
Whether through leadership, teaching, mentoring, or community service, I hope to leave organizations stronger than I found them and help develop the next generation of healthcare leaders.