Thank You – RT Week 2020
It is my tradition during RT Week to sit back, reflect, and thank those who have made a positive impact on my respiratory therapy career over the past year.
As I finish my third and final year as a Director with the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario (RTSO), Nancy Garvey’s name comes to mind. Nancy recruited and mentored me three years ago and I am very grateful to her. I have witnessed the amazing work of many individuals who not only prevented further financial turmoil but brought stability and growth for the organization. This stability helped the organization to provide resources and advocacy for RTs during the 2019-2020 pandemic. There are many great people within the organization so it is hard to name just a few for this post: Gino DePinto, Sue Martin, Kelly Hassall, Shawna MacDonald, Sue Jones and Susan Aikenhead. It has also been nice to begin working with Megan McFarlane, Paula Smith, Greg Donde and Wendy Foote! Tony Kajnar is also part of the team, and also continues to contribute to our profession in various organizations!
I had a unique opportunity to join a team of panelists in the creation of a joint statement by CTS and CSRT. Thank you, Carlyn McCoy, Micah Cooperberg and Elizabeth French for this opportunity! https://www.csrt.com/wp-content/uploads/CTS_CSRT_COVID_PFT_Final-July12_2020.pdf
Many RTs volunteered to share their insights and experiences with me over the years and I am very grateful to them! Over the last 12 months, I spoke with Rachel Nesbitt, Kelly Hassall and Dave Wall.
Thomas Piraino dedicated his evenings for a period of time to RTs, assisting with their questions during the pandemic. I am thankful for the sense of reassurance he brought to me and the RT community.
As always, a big thank you to my lovely wife, Jessica, who continues to support me in this journey.
I began this blog to help RTs, and I wouldn’t be here without the help and support of my amazing followers. Much appreciation and love to you all!
Happy RTing!
Farzad Refahi
Oct. 25th 2020
https://respiratory.blog/RTWeek2020/