February 25, 2020 -This Friday, February 28, 2020 will mark the end of a grand era at Raleigh Children & Adolescents Medicine.

After 42 years, RCAM office manager Debbie Maness is retiring to become the ultimate grandmother.

She Started as a Nurse; She Became our Office Manager

Debbie came to us as a nurse in 1978 from the Rex Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. At that time, our office was known as “Fleming, Edwards, and Goldman” – our three founding pediatricians who could also be known as the “Mount Rushmore of RCAM”.

After working at RCAM for about 10 years as a nurse, Dr. Fleming approached her about taking on a then newly created position: office manager.

I am sure that when she agreed to take that position, she could not have possibly imagined the volume of challenges that would come her way. There was always something new, and that new charge always fell in some form on the office manager.

Debbie successfully led RCAM over 4 decades as the practice of medicine changed dramatically. Throughout that time, she kept us on task, and she kept a good spirit.

“Debbie Maness Week”

RCAM therefore declares February 24 through 28 to be “Debbie Maness Week” and for it to be a time to celebrate Debbie’s 42 years of dedication, skill, and attitude.

1-Monday, February 24th – “Wear Your College Allegiance Day”

Debbie loves the N.C. State Wolfpack – for better and for worse.

She always pulls for her team, and-on Monday-we wore our college allegiance to work in her honor.

2-Tuesday, February 25th – “1978 Day”

On Tuesday, we’ll make attempts to remember the year that Debbie started her career at RCAM.

3-Wednesday, February 26th – “Red And White Day”

Another tip of the cap to Debbie’s Wolfpack – but, we’ve tried to keep it generic, so the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils among us won’t feel uncomfortable.

4-Thursday, February 27th – “Dear Debbie Day”

We’ll try to put our thoughts and feelings into words for our dear friend Debbie.

5-Friday, February 28th – “Let’s Drown Our Sorrows in Baked Goods”

Debbie is a baker and one time honored method of dealing with loss involves baked goods. We’ll honor Debbie’s hobby and fill our stomachs on her last day at RCAM.