Memorial Medical Center leadership and team members today recognized Respiratory Therapist Sharon Prieto with the PHIL Award, the only nationally recognized hospital-based recognition program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. Candidates are nominated by patients, family members and other caregivers.

The PHIL Award from the FACES (Family and Caregiver Education & Support) Foundation was created in 2006 in honor of Philip C. Lamka, who passed away from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). The award honors and recognizes the unsung heroes in the respiratory profession who understand that each breath matters.

Once a year, hospital partners across the country present the PHIL Award to an outstanding respiratory therapist. In addition to being known throughout the country as “the best of the best” in respiratory care, PHIL Award recipients receive an appreciation sculpture and paid tuition to their state’s annual professional conference.

Sharon is the ultimate team player who personifies empathy, devotion, determination and a caring spirit. In the midst of the pandemic, Sharon, along with all of the respiratory therapists at Memorial, have worked countless hours, days and nights. At the same time, she was there on the front lines to cover shifts while still managing to fulfill supervision duties and problem solve amid scarce resources.

“I personally admire Sharon’s positivity, and her ability to always find a way to make things work despite the obstacles,” said Mary Armijo, Memorial’s Chief Operating Officer. “Even with the most difficult of situations, Sharon always portrays a positive attitude and truly cares about MMC.”