Memorial Respiratory Therapist Joe Duran Honored with PHIL Award

Memorial Medical Center leadership and team members today recognized Respiratory Therapist Joe Duran 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.

Joe Duran, who has worked at Memorial for 34 years, is described by his peers as the backbone of the department who is a go-to resource to get the job done for patients.

“Joe is extremely deserving of the PHIL Award, for both his continued dedication to his patients and for his three decades of service to Memorial and our community,” said Wallace Kerby, Respiratory Director at Memorial. “This award truly honors and recognizes the unsung heroes in the respiratory profession who understand that each breath matters.”

Joining Joe at the ceremony were his wife, Deborah, and past PHIL winners Sebastian Suarez and Sharon Prieto.