This year’s PHIL Award winner came as no surprise – except to her

The list of positive comments ran long for this year’s winner of the PHIL (Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs) Award at L+M Hospital. As a roomful of respiratory therapists waited to learn the name of the winner, the comments eventually gave it away.

She “always has the patient’s best interest in mind when making decisions,” read one comment. She always “jumps in with a plan” when a problem needs fixing, read another. And then the clincher: “She is everything a clinical coordinator should be and more!”

Lisa Chatowsky, RT, clinical coordinator for Respiratory Therapy and a respiratory therapist for 30 years, looked surprised when she was named the winner of the award, a nationally recognized honor for respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses.

“I really was surprised,” Chatowsky said, “but I am honored and humbled to be nominated by my peers. We have such a strong team, and everyone helps each other to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. I wish I could share this award with my colleagues, because they help me as much as I help them.”