Friends of Krzysztof Pomian Izdebski
Friends of Krzysztof Pomian Izdebski
Life is not just the number of days, but the quality of the moments we create from them.
Krzysztof Izdebski, with his passion, dedication, and commitment to his work, left behind a mark that will last longer than time. His legacy is not only his professional achievements but also the values he passed on to all those who had the honor of working with him.
Bio
With great sadness, we say goodbye to Krzysztof Izdebski—an outstanding authority in the field of voice and speech disorders, a visionary, and a dedicated mentor who devoted his life to the study of human voice function.
He was the founder and Chairman of the Pacific Voice and Speech Foundation in San Francisco, a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and research of voice and speech dysfunctions. As a co-founder of the World Voice Consortium and Chairman of the annual Pacific Voice Conference, he brought together leading experts in the field, advancing science and improving the lives of those affected by voice disorders.
His research covered a wide range of topics, including phonatory movement disorders, emotional encoding in voice, neuro-phonatory models, and the application of voice quality in industry and security. He also served as a system-wide head and neck consultant for Kaiser Permanente and was a member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Posit Science Corp.
Dr. Izdebski authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications and edited the trilogy Emotions in the Human Voice.
His contributions to science and his unwavering dedication to patient care will leave a lasting impact on the fields of medicine and phonetics
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June 13, 2025
June 8th turned out to be a remarkable & moving memorial for our dear friend, Krzysztof. He was a brilliant & unique man in so many ways. His incredible passion & knowledge re: the human voice, ability to pull diverse interesting people together, inspiring us to participate in his many projects, and also befriending so many of us in the process. As a polyglot with many interests, in these days of hyper-specialized professions, Krzysztof managed to bridge the gap between a narrowly focused expert in his field with the varied interests of a modern Renaissance man. His international circle of friends will sorely miss our gifted friend.
June 9, 2025
As a senior colleague and friend, you have been so nice and supportive to my work. I still remember when I visited you in San Francisco. I believe myself and the whole field will truly miss you.
June 8, 2025
Krzysztof had such a huge life force, it's hard to believe is no longer with us. He was so generous in helping many of my students at UC Berkeley, and also helping me and my niece.
His conferences were enormous! I attended several including the one at Pixar and the on in Poland in 2016.
I'm grateful for all that he researched, all that he gave his patients, and the community he fostered.
Perhaps most of all, I'm grateful that his work gave voice to those who too often hide when their voices go silent. Vichnaya pamiat.
His conferences were enormous! I attended several including the one at Pixar and the on in Poland in 2016.
I'm grateful for all that he researched, all that he gave his patients, and the community he fostered.
Perhaps most of all, I'm grateful that his work gave voice to those who too often hide when their voices go silent. Vichnaya pamiat.
June 8, 2025
Dearest Krzysztof,
It’s difficult to capture in words the gratitude I feel for the time I shared with you. We were colleagues, co-teachers, and, in many ways, co-conspirators in a mission that meant the world to us both: the voice. Whether through the lens of science or the lived artistry of singing, we were united in our belief that this instrument—so human, so complex—deserved our deepest curiosity and care.
For two years, we had the privilege of co-teaching a course at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music that challenged and inspired us both. We didn’t always agree—in fact, some of our most memorable moments were those spirited debates that brought our different perspectives to the surface. But those disagreements were never about ego; they were born of passion-- of wanting to serve our students and our field with integrity. I was fortunate to continue that course for many years after your departure, and your legacy of establishing the first anatomy/physiology curriculum separate from voice pedagogy continued through the students.
In a world where it's all too easy to stay in one's own lane, Krzysztof modeled what it meant to truly engage, to wrestle with ideas, and to always come back to shared purpose. The Pacific Voice Conference was a culmination of this vision, and I hope to one day bring it back in his honor.
I’m grateful for every conversation, every challenge, every laugh—and most of all, for the example he set: that passion and conviction can, and should, go hand in hand.
I did not know of your passing until recently, and I can only hope you found peace in your final days.
Best-
Heidi
It’s difficult to capture in words the gratitude I feel for the time I shared with you. We were colleagues, co-teachers, and, in many ways, co-conspirators in a mission that meant the world to us both: the voice. Whether through the lens of science or the lived artistry of singing, we were united in our belief that this instrument—so human, so complex—deserved our deepest curiosity and care.
For two years, we had the privilege of co-teaching a course at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music that challenged and inspired us both. We didn’t always agree—in fact, some of our most memorable moments were those spirited debates that brought our different perspectives to the surface. But those disagreements were never about ego; they were born of passion-- of wanting to serve our students and our field with integrity. I was fortunate to continue that course for many years after your departure, and your legacy of establishing the first anatomy/physiology curriculum separate from voice pedagogy continued through the students.
In a world where it's all too easy to stay in one's own lane, Krzysztof modeled what it meant to truly engage, to wrestle with ideas, and to always come back to shared purpose. The Pacific Voice Conference was a culmination of this vision, and I hope to one day bring it back in his honor.
I’m grateful for every conversation, every challenge, every laugh—and most of all, for the example he set: that passion and conviction can, and should, go hand in hand.
I did not know of your passing until recently, and I can only hope you found peace in your final days.
Best-
Heidi
June 8, 2025
I sing to you, dear Krzysztof. I miss you and talking with you....https://youtu.be/Jf2-YNMdIys?si=4SiXhYM39_9xZ-oR
https://youtu.be/TfjP8v6n9qo?si=llHy1n1bA2yYolc4
https://youtu.be/EpX0JNMrPLY?si=tD82skGAk_F1kxRu
https://youtu.be/Q3PXi0Xv6Ew?si=akApHQY68qiyTJPs
https://youtu.be/Q3PXi0Xv6Ew?si=akApHQY68qiyTJPs
https://youtu.be/TfjP8v6n9qo?si=llHy1n1bA2yYolc4
https://youtu.be/EpX0JNMrPLY?si=tD82skGAk_F1kxRu
https://youtu.be/Q3PXi0Xv6Ew?si=akApHQY68qiyTJPs
https://youtu.be/Q3PXi0Xv6Ew?si=akApHQY68qiyTJPs
June 8, 2025
He was an incredible person, friend, doctor, personality, intellectual, writer, loved and respected Russia and the Russian people. I have lost a true friend and senior comrade and teacher.
June 8, 2025
He was an incredible person, friend, doctor, personality, intellectual, writer, loved and respected Russia and the Russian people. I have lost a true friend and senior comrade.
May 8, 2025
It was a privilege to know someone as exceptional as Krzysztof. He stood out not only for his deep insight into people, but also for his ability to bring them together. He supported the growth of young scientists, fostered lasting connections, and built communities. His passion for cooking, hospitality, and appreciation of good taste left a lasting impression. Above all, he will be remembered for his warmth, thoughtfulness, and genuine care for others. His presence enriched many lives, and he will be greatly missed.
May 7, 2025
Krys Izdebski: KI was a very special person. I met him in 1989, when I went to do my post-doc at the University of California San Francisco - UCSF, with Prof. Herbert Dedo. The impact of his presence was enormous and profoundly consequential.
With an above-average intelligence, his presentations were always didactic, surprising, and provocative. KI was adept at challenging the status quo, provoking colleagues to review their positions and clinical conduct and to think outside the box.
I had the opportunity to welcome him to Brazil several times, including at the 2nd World Voice Congress, when he immediately won over hundreds of fans and allies.
Krys organized various scientific, creative, and multi-professional events at the PVSF conferences, mixing the best of art and science. On one occasion, he took us to his beloved Poland, and I had one of the richest experiences of my life.
From a human point of view, KI was hard on himself and his friends, but with enormous generosity. I want to share a personal question.
When I returned to Brazil after my post-doc in California, I separated from the father of my son, who was only two years old. KI called me and offered to help me and my son move to the US, stressing that I shouldn't endure any difficulties during this period. I never considered leaving Brazil because I understood that my place was here, but hearing that conversation calmed my soul and gave me strength.
I am privileged to have known him as a clinician, scientist, entrepreneur, and human being. The chorus of voice lovers has become less rich, brilliant, and sonorous. His voice is already sorely missed...
May 5, 2025
Dear Krzysztof, I will never forget the moments we spent together, sharing our passion for human voice. I feel honored to have known you. You will stay in my memories.
April 30, 2025
Krzysztof and I were in a bar in Brussels, and Krzysztof, being always interested in other people, asked the bar tender where he was from. He answered that he was from Albania. Then Krzysztof starts speaking to him in Albanian! Later the bar tender emotionally said to me, that it was the first time in Belgium that someone had spoken to him in his native language. Earlier that day at a tea house Krzysztof had started up a conversation with the people at the next table in Swedish. These small examples, demonstrate how Krzysztof, with his genius, brought people together in so many ways, to make our lives together wonderful, kind, and delightful.
April 7, 2025
Krzys will be missed! He was so passionate about new discoveries in voice and incredibly kind and enthusiastic to support junior clinicians and colleagues. I felt valued and included with his many professional activities, including submission of a book chapter for one of his later texts.
I loved his sense of humor and enjoyed hearing about his dad tales - he loved his daughter!
He surprised me once with a phone call at my home when I lived in Tucson. I could not have been more honored to have a friendly chat with such an incredibly brilliant scientist and clinician. It was one of the more memorable conversations we had.
Krzys lifted up so many colleagues around the world. I will remember him always and miss his presence in our world - we didn't talk often, but I loved knowing he was there if I ever wanted to reach out.
I loved his sense of humor and enjoyed hearing about his dad tales - he loved his daughter!
He surprised me once with a phone call at my home when I lived in Tucson. I could not have been more honored to have a friendly chat with such an incredibly brilliant scientist and clinician. It was one of the more memorable conversations we had.
Krzys lifted up so many colleagues around the world. I will remember him always and miss his presence in our world - we didn't talk often, but I loved knowing he was there if I ever wanted to reach out.
April 7, 2025
Oh, I was so saddened to hear this news. Krzysztof was a pioneer and major contributor in the field of Speech Language Pathology. The Bay Area was incredibly fortunate to have such a force and advocate for SLPs. I was fortunate to work with him at Stanford. Although his stay was brief, his enthusiasm and joy for living was refreshing. His connections around the globe were priceless, as well as his generosity in engaging people and ideas. I will miss him dearly.
Celebration of Life
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