Deborah was praised for giving special attention to the details that lead to great patient care.

“For example, she makes sure the patient’s call light is within the patient’s reach,” wrote her nominator. “She is also always willing to assist her colleagues, even those outside her own department.”

The colleague of the year is selected from 11 individuals named colleague of the month from January through November of the year. Balke was the July colleague of the month.