UHS honors 2024 PHIL Award winner Kathleen Dipietro

The PHIL (Pulmonary Health and Illness of the Lungs) Award program to recognize the unsung heroes in the respiratory profession, who understand that each breath matters, continues at UHS with Kathleen Dipietro being named the 2024 PHIL Award winner!

The PHIL Award is a nationally-recognized program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. The PHIL Award is The FACES Foundation's® signature program and is the only nationally recognized hospital-based recognition program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists. It was created in 2006 in honor of Philip C. Lamka, who passed away from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and is given out just once a year.

Kate, started her career at UHSH in 1997 after graduating from SUNY Upstate with a Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy. In 2004, she transferred to UHS Professional Home Care (PHC) as Senior Respiratory Therapist. At PHC, she was an excellent resource for her co-workers and referral sources. In 2022, Kate transferred back to UHSH in the role of Respiratory Therapy Navigator. Her passion is patient education and in her current role, she is able to educate patients on their disease process, how to live their most productive lives by teaching them breathing exercises, nutrition and medication management. Her patients love her and are extremely appreciative of her dedication to them. During Respiratory Care Week, Kate was recognized and presented with the PHIL Award, a statue representing the peaceful flow of breath and a plaque, for the achievement and celebrated with UHS senior leaders.  

Using the PHIL Award nomination form, patients, family members, nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff who experienced or observed extraordinary care provided by a respiratory therapist explained why they nominated the therapist and ranked their professional work.

Nominees had to demonstrate the following:

• Embodiment of professional excellence in the care of pulmonary illnesses that leads to improved healthcare outcomes
• Delivery of clinical services with safety and integrity abiding by ethical work practices
• Personal responsibility to meet the needs of patients, families and colleagues with compassion and respect
• A commitment to build trust and promote well-being with all they encounter in their work

Some other incredible UHS Respiratory Therapist who were nominated include: Paula Davis, Richard Finch, Lou Miller, Bailey Morgan and Kelly Rosyn. 

Congratulations, Kathleen! We are proud of the work done by you, and all of our respiratory therapists!