Published on March 14, 2023
After 46 years in the medical field, Judyann Krenning, MD, has officially hung up her stethoscope.
The Phelps Health ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)/Allergy surgeon is a first-generation doctor, and her journey to Rolla is an interesting one.
“My Danish great-grandmother was the town herbalist,” Dr. Krenning said. “The doctor would send his patients to her if he or the local pharmacy did not have the right medicines, and often she was able to help. But, [there were no] doctors or nurses in my family – I’m the first.
“I knew I wanted to be a doctor from the time I was about 8 years old. I had to have surgery and from that experience, I just knew. I decided on ENT during my surgery rotation in residency. I loved the surgical aspect and the wide variety of patients and problems. Allergy is an integral part of ENT treatment, and I was fortunate to have at least two of my attendings (teaching doctors) who taught allergy management/treatment.”
Dr. Krenning didn’t start out as an ENT physician, however. She entered the medical field in 1977 as a phlebotomist, performing blood draws. One year later, she trained to become and was certified as a respiratory therapist. In 1984, she decided to go back to college, graduated with a degree in chemistry, and went on to obtain her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois.
While the longtime ENT doctor has called Rolla home for 25 years, Dr. Krenning was actually born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
“My dad was an automotive engineer, and his job took us all over the place,” Dr. Krenning said. “He was a Royal Danish guard after World War II but immigrated to Canada in 1951.”
Why Rolla?
“August 3, 1998, was my first official day working in Rolla,” Dr. Krenning said. “I have been either associated with or employed by Phelps Health since that time.”
Dr. Krenning initially saw patients at the Bond Clinic, which became a part of Phelps Health in 2010.
“My husband and I are followers of Jesus Christ, and we pray about our decisions,” said Dr. Krenning on why the couple chose Rolla several years ago. “We had several different opportunities after I graduated from residency, and to make a long story short, He led us to Rolla. He was very specific about it, and we’ve been blessed ever since.”
As an ENT physician, Dr. Krenning has strived to always listen carefully to her patients, to do her best and to pray. Throughout her years in the ENT specialty, the surgeon has noticed a few changes.
“The subspecialization is amazing,” she said, “ENT [providers] who do nothing but ears, ENT [providers] who do nothing but sinuses, etc. I’m also quite taken with the food allergy problems that seem to have developed over the last 10-15 years.”
Healthcare isn’t for everyone, though. Dr. Krenning spoke to anyone considering medical school.
“Go if you feel called into the profession,” she advised. “Remember it is a profession, and people get sick outside of 9 to 5. It is a demanding profession. Have a spiritual life so that you recognize you are not the one who determines life and death – you are there to help as much as possible.”
Looking to the Future
In her retirement, Dr. Krenning is looking forward to spending more time with her family. The doctor and her husband, Richard, who also works at Phelps Health, are excited to visit their daughter and her family in Spokane, Washington. She also will take this time to get some much-needed rest.
“I actually went out on medical leave in November of 2020 after being diagnosed with and starting treatment for CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia),” shared Dr. Krenning. “I had completed treatment for stage IV Burkitt’s Lymphoma in April of 2018 (involving IV chemotherapy). I felt strong enough to return to work in September 2018. By August of 2020, however, I started to feel poorly again and testing revealed the leukemia. Since the treatment for this type of cancer is oral chemo, I wanted to see if I could continue working, but that did not pan out.
“I remain on oral chemo which isn’t nearly as harsh as the IV meds, but I still battle fatigue and other problems, so naps are important.”
Paying It Forward
In honor of her retirement, Phelps Health donated $2,000 to the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center in Rolla on behalf of Dr. Krenning. The Kaleidoscope is a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education network that is an important local cause to the ENT doctor.
“The Kaleidoscope promotes opportunities for young people and advances understanding and appreciation of STEAM,” said Dr. Krenning. “Imagination is encouraged which is great, because I believe too many children are hooked on social media and video games; it’s not good for them. The Kaleidoscope gives children a chance to interact with others and use their brains. The organization reached over 2,000 kids last year.”
Pecos Coble, DO, senior vice president and chief medical officer of the Phelps Health Medical Group, thanked Dr. Krenning for her years of service on behalf of the Medical Group.
“I very much appreciate the donation to the Kaleidoscope in my name and the recognition from Phelps Health,” Dr. Krenning said.
Although she is retiring, Dr. Krenning will forever be a Phelps Health advocate.
“We have lots of fine health professionals working here in primary and specialty care,” Dr. Krenning said. “We are local, and I have noticed the care is more personal. My cancer care has been outstanding.”
When she looks back on her medical career, the doctor has a few big things she will miss.
“All the times God intervened! Absolutely amazing! I will miss the people the most, my colleagues, staff and patients,” Dr. Krenning said. “I have received so much more than I have given. It’s quite humbling.”
