Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center Employee Celebrates 50 Years of Service
7/23/2026
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What began as a job interview for a blood bank position more than 50 years ago has become a lifetime of helping others for Tennova North Knoxville’s Debbie Grubb, a dedicated member of the Laboratory Services team. Now looking back on her career, Grubb remembers that initial interview that started her Tennova journey, which began in 1976 at the former St. Mary’s Medical Center, a former North Knoxville landmark.
Grubb will be retiring from Tennova Healthcare this month; the stories and memories have her smiling these days. Especially remembering that initial interview.
“They had already hired someone in the position, but mentioned an open role in microbiology,” Grubb said. “I went to talk to them, and they hired me, and it was the absolute best thing. I loved microbiology more than anything."
Grubb spent more than 20 years in the microbiology department before her career expanded into the reference lab, patient outreach, and eventually laboratory information systems (LIS), where she and her partner Craig Meadows supported all five hospitals in the health system. Her acumen in numerous areas is a testament to her adaptability, expertise and deep commitment to her colleagues and patients.
The shift into IT wasn’t part of any plan. When the hospital’s longtime laboratory information systems (LIS) coordinator was unexpectedly unavailable to start her new role, Grubb found herself asked to step in. With support from colleagues who understood the technical side, she taught herself an entirely new discipline and made it work.
“The lab director called me, and almost in tears, said, ‘Debbie, you have to do this,’” she recalled. “I would have never volunteered. But she was just so convinced that I could do it.”
Debbie has also had a front-row seat to the lab’s transformation from paper to digital. The technological advances she’s witnessed over the years have been astounding.
“When I first went to work, we were paper charting,” she said. “We had a secretary who sat and typed out reports every day. The lab got its first computer system in 1982 and it was glorious.”
Beyond the systems and titles, Grubb is remembered most for the people she’s mentored - generations of lab employees. Her colleague Kim Duncan recalls a day early in her role when she felt overwhelmed at her desk, and Grubb stopped to ask what was wrong. That conversation changed everything.
“If it wasn’t for her that day, I don’t know where I’d be,” Kim Duncan said. Today, she tells every new hire the same thing: “She is our resource for everything. I hit the jackpot.”
Debbie credits her mentor, Dr. Mark Camblin, Ph.D., who led the microbiology department for years, along with three lifelong friendships built inside the lab: Judy Birdwell and Barbara Emison, who worked alongside her in microbiology, and JoAnn Orr, whom she calls “the best supervisor” she’s ever had.
Looking back, Grubb hopes others can learn from her own growth: “I would encourage others to have more confidence in their work and in making decisions. I’ve learned a lot of patience over the years.”
In retirement, she is looking forward to relaxing and spending time with her two grandchildren, ages 9 and 5, who live close by. Travel is also on the horizon, including routine Disney trips and hopefully a return trip to Italy with her longtime friend and coworker, Judy.
North Knoxville Medical Center is honored to recognize Grubb for her nearly 50 years of dedication and heart. Her impact on the Lab and on the people who worked alongside her, will be felt for years to come.
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