Congratulations to Kimberly Firestone, MSc, RRT, FAARC, FNAP, director of respiratory care and clinical outreach services at Akron Children’s, for receiving Ohio Society for Respiratory Care’s Neonatal/Pediatric Practitioner of the Year award. This annual award is presented at the statewide meeting to a practitioner who has exemplified leadership, mentorship, clinical expertise, team building and professionalism in their specific discipline of respiratory care.
The Ohio Society for Respiratory Care (OSRC) is a 1,900-member nonprofit professional association that is a chartered affiliate of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Their mission is to advise and promote the education, licensure, safety and quality of respiratory care services, issues and diseases.
Monica Mike-Simko, EdD, MRC, RRT, assistant manager of respiratory care, nominated Kimberly. “With over 4 decades of tireless dedication to neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, Kimberly has not only advanced the science and practice of respiratory therapy — she has transformed lives, uplifted families and redefined what compassionate innovation can look like in the NICU,” Monica wrote in her nomination letter. “She is a trailblazer, a shining example of excellence whose impact will resonate through generations of neonatal care.”
Kimberly joined the Akron Children’s team in 1979 as a registered respiratory staff therapist. “I wanted to work in health care to make an impact on someone’s life,” said Kimberly. “I wasn’t sure what profession, and this one seemed exciting and intense. It proved to be that! I was enamored with neonatal patients from the moment I walked in the door as a student and that passion never left for me.”
For the past 46 years, patients have inspired her daily work. “There’s something deeply moving about seeing someone struggle to breathe and then being able to help them take those first easy breaths on their own,” said Kimberly. “It’s an incredible feeling and a true privilege.”
Monica recognized Kimberly’s empathy and patient-centered approach in her nomination letter. “What makes Kimberly truly exceptional is not just the magnitude of her contributions, but the heart with which she delivers them,” she wrote. “Her passion is evident in every project, every teaching moment, every bedside visit. She lifts her team, educates future leaders and stands as an unwavering advocate for her patients and their families.”
When asked who or what she credits most for helping her achieve this OSRC honor, Kimberly was quick to recognize every person in her life, both personal and professional. However, she holds a special place in her heart for her mentor, friend and supporter Howard Stein, a medical director at an adjacent NICU. “He is my research partner who has pushed me to realize the value of a respiratory therapist, guiding me to see the importance of research and inquisition,” said Kimberly.
Her decades of experience as a scholar, educator, mentor and trainer put Kimberly in a unique position to offer helpful advice for the next generation of respiratory therapists. “Never forget your value,” she said. “Build strong relationships with the health care team, families and patients. Always strive to learn more. This field is ever changing and improving. Be a part of that exciting future.”
For more information about the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care, visit https://www.osrc.org
