WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, July 7, 2020 – Gaylord Specialty Healthcare presented the 2020 PHIL Award to Respiratory Care Practitioner Ryan Wanat, BS, RRT for his compassionate care of respiratory patients.
This was the inaugural year for presenting The PHIL (Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs) Award. The annual award will be given to a Gaylord Specialty Healthcare respiratory therapist who is nominated by patients, family members, visitors and other caregivers, on the basis of professional excellence and compassion in the education and care of patients with pulmonary illness. For this year’s award, Wanat was nominated by a colleague.
In a written nomination, June Napolitano, BSN, RN, Manager of Patient Flow and Nursing Supervision, said, “Ryan has made such a positive impact on so many lives. It’s not one big thing … it’s a million little things.”
“I have had the honor of watching Ryan on countless occasions through the years comfort patients and family in their most difficult times. His teaching skills and patience is remarkable, tailoring to each individual’s needs. Far more important is his compassion. The simple gesture of holding a patient’s hand and just talking to them. Reassuring them that although this may feel like one of the biggest challenges they have ever faced, he will be there to face it with them.”
“Ryan is extremely deserving of this award,” said Lorraine Cullen, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Director of Respiratory and Radiology Services. “His passion for our profession is evident and his patients often comment on his excellent care and compassion.”
A Gaylord respiratory therapist for nearly nine years, Wanat said that being recognized with the PHIL Award was “a surprise and a great honor.” “I take great pride in the work that we do here and I am privileged to work with a team of such extraordinary respiratory therapists.”
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system located in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare includes three components. Gaylord Hospital offers medical rehabilitation for acute illnesses, accidents, or complex medical conditions. Gaylord Outpatient Services offers nearly 40 programs for a wide range of conditions. Gaylord Physical Therapy provides orthopedic rehabilitation for recovery from surgery or injury.
About the PHIL Award:
The PHIL Award was established by The FACES Foundation to recognize outstanding respiratory therapists who provide care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. Sharman Lamka established the PHIL Award as part of The FACES Foundation after her husband, Philip C. Lamka, passed away from an Interstitial Lung Disease. Sharman wanted to establish a way of acknowledging the valuable role that respiratory therapists play in the lives of patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses.