Notable Colleagues
Angela Lutz, RRT-NPS, AE-C, Director
Teamwork is central in Angie’s life – whether it’s making a play on the softball field or discussing the best course of treatment for a patient. That’s why she surrounds herself with colleagues who also value teamwork. “I believe we can learn and grow from each other,” she says. “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we pull together.” One experience that stays with Angie is caring for a girl with severe burns. The patient stopped breathing, and Angie and the rest of the care team quickly re-established her airway and stabilized her. The patient was so inspired by this experience she decided to pursue a career in health care. “Moments like this make you realize you do make a difference, and what your team does each day is truly amazing,” Angie says. Being a member of Angie’s team means you’ll have the support you need to grow professionally. “I believe in a philosophy of providing exceptional patient care by promoting clinical and professional excellence,” she says. “I want my team to continue providing the best respiratory care in the area.”
Jim Gates, RRT
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow can stop the United States mail – or Jim Gates, who donned snowshoes to walk 12 miles to work during a snowstorm. This is just one example of how Jim is a team player and dedicated professional. His astute intuition, clinical expertise, and calm, reassuring demeanor are truly valued by patients, families and colleagues – as evidenced by their sighs of relief when they learn Jim is assigned to their team. His combination of strength, gentleness and humility are an inspiration to his colleagues.
Anne Snyder, RRT-NPS
One of Anne Snyder’s most memorable experiences was being present for the birth of a 23-week gestation baby boy. She was humbled by the opportunity to give an innocent child every chance for survival, while comforting his parents. It made her proud of her profession. Snyder, RRT-NPS, and her colleagues cared for this family for months, supporting the infant who was struggling for his life and his parents who were struggling to cope. “Being able to watch these parents, with tears of gratitude in their eyes, carry their son out the door as part of a whole family, will forever be in my heart,” she says. Snyder was recognized for her patient care with a 2006 Friends of Nursing Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Respiratory Care.
David Gessner, RRT-NPS
Expectant mom Renee dreamed of the arrival of her twins, but when they were born three months premature, her world shattered. Her son, Nikolas, passed away shortly after birth, while her daughter, Alyssa, was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). That’s when Alyssa’s “dream team” went to work. Neonatologist Samir Henien, M.D., spent an evening at Alyssa’s bedside, persisting in finding the right treatment to help her thrive. Respiratory therapist David Gessner escorted her on a MedEvac flight to a Philadelphia hospital on his own time. And nurses cared for Alyssa throughout her 113-day NICU stay. “I never allowed myself to dream of the day I’d get to take Alyssa home,” Renee says. “But on Christmas my Christmas miracle came home. Now, she’s a healthy 1-year-old.” For its care, the team received Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Service Star Award in September 2006.
Raymond “Wally” Smith
When strange sounds emanate from a ventilator during the night or when the medical gas alarm sounds during a snowstorm, clinicians call Smith. As the respiratory therapy technology coordinator he repairs equipment. He also has constructed and altered the humidification practice for patients on a very specialized ventilator, decreasing the number of bronchoscopies and stabilizing body temperature. Smith has published research on this revolution and changed the practice of every hospital using this ventilator. Smith received national acclaim and the 2005 Friends of Nursing Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Respiratory Care.
This page last updated 12/19/08 05:10 PM
