Courtesy Photo Members of the Alpena Respiratory Therapy Team at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena presumably smile for the camera underneath their masks.

Respiratory health care workers are being applauded for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the health system prepared for an influx of patients needing the expertise of therapists, our colleagues in the Sleep Lab, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Home Care Departments have come forward to be retrained and reeducated in the field of respiratory care in order to assist with diverse patient care needs,” said Gary Rapelje, R.R.T., M.B.A., C.P.H.Q., director respiratory care/sleep medicine for MidMichigan Health.

“We have also had respiratory students come forward to help our respiratory therapists. These students are able to assist the therapists as they provide care for our patients. This experience helps these students hone their skill set while giving them the clinical exposure they need to further their careers.

“To see everyone come together has been nothing short of amazing. They have demonstrated the teamwork and comradery that are essential to provide the high-quality, excellent patient care that we are used to seeing by our staff.

“We would like to offer accolades to our respiratory therapists. Their expertise and professionalism are what helps them excel in their field. Their passion for taking care of critically ill patients only grows during this critical time. All of these therapists are heroes and each one of them makes MidMichigan Health an excellent place to work.”