Deborah Gibbs is a diagnostic medical sonographer; she uses ultrasound equipment to capture images of the body’s internal structures. This imaging method relies on high-frequency sound waves instead of radiation, making it particularly useful for examining soft tissues, organs, and blood flow. Sonographers work alongside physicians to detect and assess conditions like blood clots, tumors, organ abnormalities, and fetal development. Their role requires a strong knowledge of anatomy and skill in identifying normal and abnormal images, as they’re often the first to identify health issues that inform diagnoses and treatment. Sonographers also provide patient care by explaining procedures, helping patients feel at ease, and ensuring comfort throughout the exam.
About Deborah Gibbs
My name is Deborah Gibbs, and I’m a graduate of Oconomowoc High School and Concordia University of Wisconsin. I work as a diagnostic medical sonographer at a local hospital and am proud to call Delafield my home. Recently, I got engaged to my boyfriend of five years! Lake Country is truly my happy place—anyone who knows me knows that the lake is where I spend most of my time outside of work.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the youngest of 4 girls in my family and a proud auntie to 3 nephews. Growing up I was always extremely close with my sisters and parents. We grew up on the lake. Our love for family and the lake has made my parents home on Lower Nemahbin the heart of our family. Almost all of my siblings living in Lake Country. The lake means so much to me that I recently got engaged on the lake to my boyfriend of 5 years, Ryan.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I perform ultrasounds for my job and absolutely love it. I am very passionate about the work that I do, and have been chosen to/ volunteer to be a ultrasound student mentor for my alma mater. There are a number of reasons I chose this path. At a young age I knew I wanted to be a part of healthcare after being involved in a fatal car accident in Oconomowoc. My childhood, starting at the age of 10, revolved around doctors and hospitals. I knew I was meant to give back.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Most people think I scan babies all day, or “just take the pictures”. What most people don’t know is that we perform all sorts of ultrasounds, not just for babies. I love being an expert at what I do and finding the problem. You have to be the doctor’s eyes and know the normal to see the abnormal. I am the first person to find blood clots, the first person to find tumors, first person to see a baby’s heartbeat!
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
After the car accident I was in at age 10 and having a traumatic brain injury, I had problems with short term memory. All through high school I learned that my notes I’d take during class would mean nothing to me by the time I got home. This made college a big obstacle. It would take me much longer to obtain information than the average individual and I had to work at it. I am most proud of my ability to overcome that obstacle and have taken 5 state board exams to be specialized in many areas of the body in ultrasound.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Taking images of the body that contain answers for the patient. We are a huge part of the diagnostic process. It’s rewarding to know we can see why they are having problems.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I am a big goal setter, and at the moment I can say I just accomplished 2 of my largest goals. One being completing the build of my first home. Second, taking another state board exam to be certified in musculoskeletal ultrasounds.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
The advice my father has given me my whole life. He’d tell me, “anything worth having is worth working for” and “a man who takes no chance has no chance”. If you can work hard, and take a chance, anything is possible.
Deborah Gibbs & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Lake living! There is truly nothing better than a summer day on the lake with a cooler full of snacks and drinks!
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Mazatlan in Delafield!
For Fun
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Spending time with family, my mom’s cooking, and the warmth of summertime.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that obstacles don’t define you—how you respond to them does. My journey taught me that challenges are not dead ends, they’re just part of the road.
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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