Paul Fuller, Respiratory Therapist at Baystate Wing Hospital, Wins PHIL Award

PALMER — Baystate Wing Hospital announced the first annual Pulmonary Health and Illness of the Lungs (PHIL) Award was given to respiratory therapist Paul Fuller, who has provided care to Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital patients for more than 20 years. Fuller was recognized for the outstanding care he provides to his patients throughout the Med/Surg Unit and in the Emergency Department at Baystate Wing, for his compassion and knowledge, and for always having his patients’ best interest at heart.

The PHIL Award is a nationally recognized, hospital-based program that honors respiratory therapists who provide outstanding care and treatment for patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses. It was created in 2006 by the family of Philip Lamka, who was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and courageously battled his condition for three years. Their foundation, FACES, aims to give hope to patients facing life-threatening lung diseases, while celebrating the respiratory therapists who care for them.

Nominations are accepted from clinical providers, hospital leadership, and patients. As winner of Baystate Wing’s first annual PHIL Award, Fuller will receive paid tuition to attend a professional conference.

“Paul is an incredible caregiver who has earned a reputation as being among the best of the best here at Baystate Wing Hospital,” said Karli Barrett, vice president, chief Nursing officer, and chief administrative officer for Baystate Health’s Eastern Region. “His dedication to our patients and to his colleagues has always been evident. His expertise and commitment was especially significant throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and during the recent surge in volume related to winter respiratory viral infections. Paul is an exceptional member of our team, and I’m so proud to work with him at Baystate Wing Hospital.”