Hershey

Hershey Medical Center respiratory care teams receive awards

Phillip Stark, center, respiratory care practitioner, holds his 2022 PSRC Clinical Practitioner Award. Also pictured are Jefferson Mixell, left, manager of respiratory care, and Dana Stauffer, director of respiratory therapy. Credit: Penn State Health. All Rights Reserved.

HERSHEY, Pa. —The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center respiratory care team was honored for best practices in respiratory care and evidence-based medicine during a recent awards celebration held at the center.

The president of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and president of the Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care (PSRC) presented the following awards at the June 5 event:

  • 2023–2024 AARC Apex Award
  • 2022 PSRC Department of the Year Award
  • 2022 PSRC Clinical Practitioner Award, Respiratory Care Therapist Phillip Stark

“Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Department of Respiratory Care is 1 of just 18 hospital departments in the country to earn the elite Apex Award designation,” said Matthew Pavlichko, PSRC president. “This team of respiratory experts provide trusted care for those in their community. They set the standard for the profession and support therapists across the country.”

The first award is given to a facility that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in professional development, patient safety and quality improvement. The second is awarded to a department’s demonstration in academic and clinical excellence and high-quality patient care.

Respiratory care therapist Phillip Stark was also presented with the 2022 PSRC Clinical Practitioner Award. He is recognized for providing a safe and rewarding learning environment, teaching students about the value of careers in respiratory therapy and creating forums that enhance respiratory education for professionals in various disciplines.

“Phillip is a reliable mentor and leader who truly earned this important recognition,” said Dana Stauffer, administrative director of respiratory therapy at Hershey Medical Center. “Above all, his dedication to patient care and work in the clinical simulation center have been instrumental to the development of the Hershey Medical Center team.”

Last Updated July 19, 2023