Respiratory Therapy Week 2023

Thank you Nikolay, and all your colleagues, for all the great work you do. Join us in celebrating Respiratory Therapy Week, which runs from October 22 to 28!

Q 1. What led you to becoming a respiratory therapist?  

My profound interest in mechanical ventilation technology, as well as the possibility of helping people using this technology. Mechanical ventilation is an advanced, life-saving procedure that requires from RTs a perfect blend of clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and technical skills. It demands understanding of some of my favourite basic science disciplines, including physiology. To see how I can help my patients is always gratifying. 

Q 2. What is the best advice that someone at the MUHC ever gave you?  
“We are here for our patients.” In other words, our goal as clinicians is to provide patient-centered care. Keeping this principle in mind is extremely helpful for establishing our priorities in complex clinical situations, which we face daily, for example, in the Intensive Care Unit.

 

Q 3. Tell us about working with your fellow colleagues. 

Teamwork is essential to our work; in the modern healthcare system, you can't treat patients alone. As RTs, we always help each other in different challenging situations such as treating critical patients. It is a pleasure to help my colleagues and it’s also always nice to hear them ask me, “Are you OK? Do you need any help?” 

 

Q 4.  How do you like to relax and unwind after a shift? 

During my days off, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, who just started day care. Going to the park or to swimming classes with her always helps me relax and recharge after difficult shifts in the hospital.