UHS honors PHIL Award winner Kimberly Nerzak

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 Kimberly Nerzak being named the 2023 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.

Kim, a respiratory therapist at UHS Delaware Valley Hospital received the award based on nominations from patients and peers. Serving patients since 2013, Kim is instrumental in the success of the cardiopulmonary services, performing all of the pulmonary function testing at DVH and through a partnership with nursing, provides foundational education for the team. With 10 years of dedicated service, she embodies excellence in patient care. During Respiratory Care Week, Kim 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

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