2027 Women with Heart Honoree
Debbie A. Chandler, MD
HCA Florida Memorial Hospital
Dr. Debbie Chandler is a physician anesthesiologist with an international background and a distinguished career dedicated to clinical excellence, academic leadership, mentorship, and service. She earned her medical degree and completed her anesthesia residency at the University Hospital of Haiti. She then pursued an advanced training at Louis Pasteur University in Strasbourg, France. After relocating to the United States to further her medical career, she completed her anesthesiology residency at LSU Health Shreveport in Louisiana. Dr. Chandler is double board-certified in both General Anesthesiology and Pediatric Anesthesiology, serves as a Professor of Anesthesiology, is a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Following her residency, Dr. Chandler served in multiple leadership roles at LSU Health Shreveport, including Pediatric Anesthesiology Division Chief, Preoperative Director, and Vice Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology. She also had the privilege of serving for many years as Dean of Diversity Affairs and Dean of Student Affairs, where she focused on fostering equity, mentorship, and the professional development of medical students, residents, and junior faculty.
In late 2023, Dr. Chandler relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where she currently serves as Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. In this role, she continues her commitment to clinical excellence, physician leadership, mentorship, and academic advancement.
Beyond medicine, philanthropy and community engagement remain central to her values. Dr. Chandler is an active philanthropist and previously served as a Board Member of the Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center, where she championed advocacy efforts and the protection of vulnerable children. In 2023, she was honored with the Gingerbread House Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and devoted service to child abuse victims in Northwest Louisiana.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Chandler is the proud mother of three children, Elodie, Georges Olivier, and Gia. She enjoys dancing, traveling, and fine dining with her spouse, Fritz Jr. Dr. Chandler's commitment to clinical excellence, education, and service closely aligns with the mission of HCA Florida Memorial Hospital: "Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life."
