Dr. Deborah Whitehurst is a regionally recognized Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and healthcare consultant with more than 45 years of dedicated service in pediatric healthcare. Her extensive clinical, academic, and regulatory background spans neonatal intensive care, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric hematology/oncology, child abuse prevention, public health policy, and medical missions abroad. A strong advocate for children’s health and family engagement, she has spent her career improving care delivery, mentoring future clinicians, and shaping pediatric health policies.

Dr. Whitehurst began her nursing journey after earning a diploma from Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1979. She continued to advance her education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Houston in 1985 and a Master of Science in Pediatric Primary Care from the University of Maryland in 1991. In 2018, she completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Kentucky, further enhancing her leadership, policy, and academic influence.

Throughout her career, Deborah has held a variety of pivotal roles across top healthcare institutions, including the University of Kentucky, Indiana University’s Riley Children’s Hospital, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Office of Inspector General. She has delivered expert pediatric care in both outpatient and inpatient settings, managing complex chronic conditions, implementing EMR systems, coordinating Lexington/Fayette County COVID-19 testing efforts, and performing regulatory inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal standards.

Deborah’s clinical expertise spans a wide spectrum, including pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric oncology, pediatric bone marrow transplant, infant care, and school-based primary care. She is known for her exceptional diagnostic skills, patient and family education, and holistic approach to care. Her volunteer work includes medical mission trips to Honduras with HOPE Worldwide, where she provided pediatric care in underserved communities—a testament to her deep commitment to global health equity.

An accomplished speaker and educator, Dr. Whitehurst has been a frequent presenter at the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives (KCNPNM) conferences, where she lectured on topics such as pediatric abdominal pain, childhood obesity, and child abuse recognition. She has also taught medical and nursing students through guest lectures and faculty appointments, leaving a lasting impression on the next generation of pediatric providers.

Her leadership in professional organizations has been equally impactful. Deborah served on the Board of Directors of KCNPNM for several terms, chaired its Reimbursement Committee, and contributed to conference planning for nearly two decades. She also held key positions in the Maryland and Indiana State Nurses Associations, including treasurer and president roles, advocating for the advancement of nurse practitioners and pediatric care standards.

Outside of her formal roles, Deborah has volunteered extensively with organizations supporting children and families, including the Girl Scouts, the Special Olympics, God’s Pantry, and The Nest for Women and Children. Her diverse experiences—from clinical leadership to nonprofit finance—showcase her adaptability, integrity, and collaborative spirit.

Now semi-retired, Dr. Whitehurst is actively seeking board service opportunities that align with her lifelong mission: advancing child health, empowering families, and contributing her well-rounded knowledge to mission-driven healthcare organizations. She is particularly interested in board roles related to pediatric care, public health, education, or healthcare policy, and is not open to roles in industries such as firearms or tobacco.

Deborah is also fluent in the language of mentorship and systems improvement. She thrives in roles that require deep listening, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strategic problem-solving. Her broad perspective—shaped by decades of work in patient care, academic medicine, and regulatory compliance—positions her as a valuable advisor to boards navigating today’s complex healthcare challenges.

Character:
Deborah Whitehurst is a compassionate and service-oriented professional whose career has been defined by her unwavering dedication to pediatric care and advocacy. Her integrity, empathy, and commitment to underserved populations are evident in both her clinical work and her extensive volunteer efforts.

Knowledge:
With over 45 years of experience and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Deborah brings deep clinical, academic, and regulatory expertise to any healthcare setting. Her specialized knowledge in pediatrics, Medicaid systems, diagnostics, and public health policy makes her a trusted advisor and mentor.

Strategic:
Deborah has consistently applied strategic thinking in leadership roles on professional boards and committees, helping shape reimbursement policies, improve operational systems, and plan statewide initiatives. Her ability to see both the macro and micro perspectives of healthcare allows her to develop forward-thinking, sustainable solutions.

Communication:
An accomplished public speaker and educator, Deborah has a gift for translating complex medical information into accessible and actionable insights for patients, professionals, and policy makers alike. Her collaborative communication style fosters trust, teamwork, and meaningful engagement across all levels of an organization.