By Lori Davis, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab and Respiratory Therapy Manager
Respiratory therapy is a specialized health care field where practitioners are trained in cardiopulmonary medicine in order to work with people suffering from heart and lung disease. With COVID-19, respiratory therapy has been thrust into the spotlight for the first time, highlighting a profession that has quietly provided essential lifesaving therapies and treatments for over 70 years!
The respiratory therapy profession is dedicated to patients of all ages and circumstances. Many therapists feel it’s a calling to help others in their time of need. Respiratory therapy is challenging and offers many different paths and advancement opportunities. Respiratory therapists can specialize in critical care, neonatal and pediatric care, long-term care, medical transport (surface and air), pulmonary rehab, sleep medicine, education, case management, cardiopulmonary diagnostics and home care. With continued growth in medical technology, respiratory therapists must recognize, seek understanding and rise to the challenge that technology brings to the practice of medicine.
At CMH, there are six full-time respiratory therapists, plus two others on-call, plus myself. Everyone holds a minimum of an associate’s degree, and some have their bachelor’s degree. On any given day, you will find our respiratory therapists:
Respiratory therapists are licensed by the state and must pass a national certification exam in order to obtain a license to practice in the state of Oregon.
Thank you to my fellow respiratory therapy team members:
Media Contact: Nancee Long, 503-338-4504
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