I just heard that a good friend and colleague passed away and wanted to share a little piece of her legacy in this week’s post.

Karen Zander, RN, MS, CMAC, FAAN, Ph.D. (Hon), was an icon in the practice of case management. She inspired many through her consulting practice, the presentations she gave at various conferences, and through her writing of articles in professional publications and her many books that helped so many understand and grow in the area of case management, specifically Hospital Case Management.

Karen was a wife, mother, and to many, both a friend and a professional colleague. Karen was the founder of the Center for Case Management until she retired in 2018 and sold the company to Bonnie Geld, MSW, who continues the important work that Karen started.  Her pioneering work with clinical case management and CareMap™ systems began at New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston and is internationally recognized.

Karen was paralyzed from back surgery but did not let this stop her. I remember running into her at many conferences across the country. She was always positive and loved talking about the practice of case management and what she saw happening. I always learned something from her whenever we spoke. She was always positive and someone who you could ‘just call up” and ask any question.

Her last few years were very difficult for her and for her family as she suffered from a progressive disease that took its toll on her. I am sorry to learn of her passing, but I am glad she is at peace —prayers, and condolences to her family.

I hope you and your family have a Happy Labor Day Weekend.

Anne