Connie Stout, pulmonary function technician, knows when it’s time to get loud. She’s good at it, especially while coaching her patients to exhale and empty their lungs during their pulmonary function tests (PFTs). “I tell patients to really blast it out,” Connie said. “But sometimes I get so loud that my officemates make sure I […]
Living with cystic fibrosis just part of life for 17-year-old
When Megan Carey was pregnant with her son, Josh, an amniocentesis revealed he carried the mutation for cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive, genetic disorder that causes frequent lung infections and can impair breathing. Questioned by her doctors about whether she wanted to continue the pregnancy, Megan says there was never a doubt. “I had half-sisters […]
Kellie Svendsen recognized for her work in respiratory therapy
Kellie Svendsen, pulmonary function tech in the Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center, was recently honored with The PHIL (Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs) Award for excellence in respiratory therapy. The PHIL award is the only nationally recognized hospital-based recognition program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for […]
Shelley Walker’s retirement outlook is social and bright
Shelley Walker, director of social work, always looks for the positive in every situation. She believes that people have the capacity to change, adapt to their circumstances and better themselves. It’s one of the reasons she wanted to become a hospital social worker. Early in her career, Shelley worked with a social worker who made […]
Staff goes out of the hospital and into the theater to see how Hollywood portrays cystic fibrosis in ‘Five Feet Apart’
Staff members of the Akron Children’s Hospital Lewis C. Walker Cystic Fibrosis Center headed to a local movie theater Sunday night to see the new film, “Five Feet Apart.” The team wanted to see this film about 2 love-struck teenagers with cystic fibrosis (CF) and how they navigate the infection precaution guidelines in place for […]
Debbie Ouellette busts a move toward retirement
Ever since Debbie Ouellette, nurse coordinator in Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center, was a little girl, she liked to dance. She planned to be a ballet dancer, but by the time she reached high school, her aspirations changed. Instead, Debbie earned a nursing degree in college, but continued dancing for fun and fitness. In […]
