Dear CME Family,

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Irma Nahnsen.

A beloved member of our medical education community, Irma dedicated 35 years of her career as a Continuing Medical Education Coordinator at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, retiring in 2012. She was a mentor known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her colleagues and the PHCMC medical staff.

I first met Irma in the early ’90s when she was one of my first customers at UCLA. Elizabeth and I were fortunate to continue working alongside her at the Medical Education Speakers Network until her retirement. She was a joy to work alongside and learn from.

Dr. Ellen Tamagna, CME Director during Irma’s tenure at PHCMC, shared her thoughts:

Irma Nahnsen was a truly remarkable woman. As the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center for 35 years, she left an indelible mark on our institution. I had the privilege of working alongside her for over 25 years, and in that time, I witnessed firsthand her unwavering dedication, deep expertise, and the genuine warmth she brought to her work.

Irma was more than a colleague—she was the heart of our CME program. She cultivated a strong and dynamic educational initiative, ensuring we had outstanding speakers and relevant topics. We met several times weekly to plan and refine the program, and her enthusiasm never wavered. She was a mentor to me, and I learned so much from her, not only as a professional but also as a friend.

Her impact extended far beyond PHCMC. She was widely respected in the broader CME community, always willing to offer guidance, advice, and support to fellow coordinators. At PHCMC, she was loved by everyone—physicians, nurses, administrative staff, PT techs, and even the cafeteria team.

She truly embodied the spirit of our medical community. Irma cared deeply about Providence Holy Cross and its people. She was both the conscience and the heart of the CME program and medical staff. Her legacy will endure and be deeply missed but never forgotten.

We will always cherish Irma’s radiant smile, kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to CME and beyond. Her professionalism and compassion will continue to inspire us and live on in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.

Maria Anderson, Medical Education Speakers Network

Services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025

References: