Awards, Big Rapids Hospital

Todd Weber receives Spectrum Health PHIL Award

Big Rapids Hospital respiratory therapist recognized by peers.

Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital respiratory therapist Todd Weber received the Spectrum Health 2019 PHIL award for outstanding respiratory care. Sharman Lamka, founder of the award, is at left and Shyla Allers, Respiratory Care Supervisor for Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals is at right.

Big Rapids, MI., October 28, 2019 –Todd Weber was inspired to become a respiratory therapist after seeing the outstanding care his father received from hospice while dying.

He’s become a good one. And no doubt his father would be proud.

Weber, a Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital respiratory therapist, received the PHIL (Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lung) Award October 24 in Grand Rapids during respiratory care week. Weber is one of more than 350 respiratory therapists at Spectrum Health and was one of 17 nominees for the award.

“I am so humbled to have been given this award,” Weber said.  “I wish every respiratory therapist sees that this award is for them. What we do matters, more than we can know.”

The PHIL Award, a national awards program based in Michigan, recognizes exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses, as nominated by patients, family members and other caregivers. It was created in 2006 in honor of Phillip C. Lamka, who passed away from lung disease. Lamka’s widow, Sharman, presented Weber with the award.

Weber was nominated by a peer, and his manager, Shyla Allers, shared his nomination during the event. “Todd is an exceptional respiratory therapist,” a portion of the nomination read. “Todd constantly advocates for his patients.  Todd is wholly present with each patient and puts the work into finding ways to meet their needs.”

Weber, a former builder, has been a respiratory therapist just three years. He said he’s in love with his new occupation.

“I get to improve the lives of others, bring comfort to those who are struggling physically or emotionally, educate those who are diagnosed with lung issues on how to take care of themselves, help doctors with the bigger picture on their patients through diagnostic tests, help bring smiles to patients and their families, and work with some of the most amazing coworkers in the world,” he said.

“Todd is a caring, dedicated therapist,” Allers said. “He’s very deserving of the recognition.”

Emily Zyla, assistant professor and clinical coordinator for the respiratory care Associate Degree program at Ferris State University, was featured speaker at the ceremony. She was one of Weber’s college instructors.

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