It is with heavy hearts today that we announce the passing of one of our own, former senior associate dean of clinical clerkships, Paula Dessauer Wilson, MD, MPH.
Dr. Dessauer Wilson formally retired from Trinity at last year’s commencement ceremony where she was honored with an award for her distinguished service to the school and its students. However, she remained fondly in our hearts and on our minds as she spent what became her remaining time on her health and with her family.
A gifted physician, educator, and advocate, Paula had a tremendous career in medicine and medical education and touched hundreds of students as a teacher, mentor, and friend.
Dr. Dessauer Wilson held a degree in biology from Emory University, and earned her MD at the Medical College of Georgia, with an MPH from Mercer University. She served the public good as associate director of pediatric research at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia; executive director of the Savannah Behavioral Health Collaborative; executive director of the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council (CCSNPC); and the director of ChathamHealthLink, a community-based health information exchange; and served as adjunct faculty at Armstrong Atlantic State University.
Dr. Dessauer Wilson constantly went above and beyond to guide students, whether during her tenure in admissions, or on into her leadership position in clerkships.
Speaking to Trinity alumni and not hearing Paula’s name come up was a rare occurrence, and in many cases she kept in close personal contact with her previous students long after they’d graduated and matched. To say she will be missed is a grave understatement. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
