PHIL Award Winner
April 2009
April 2009
Kirk Fales was honored as the fourth PHIL Award winner on March 25, 2009.
Kirk has worked at University of Michigan Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist
since 1990 and cannot think of a better environment to use his training. Kirk
acknowledges that it is the effort of all of his coworkers that made this accolade
possible and is humbled to be chosen as the recipient. “Having a hand in
seeing a patient’s progress is very rewarding and provides much fulfillment in
going about my daily tasks,” said Kirk.
After earning a Bachelors of Business Administration, Kirk began his career in auto part production,
working in various management positions. Finding this path unfulfilling, Kirk embarked on a career
change, enrolling in Henry Ford Community College to achieve an Associates Degree in Science with
respiratory therapy as his major.
He first became interested in respiratory therapy while working in a hospital during college. “I got into
respiratory therapy because the thought of aiding patients in dire health was something I wanted to do,”
said Kirk. Juggling a full time job while studying to become a Respiratory Therapist, Kirk did not consider
working and going to school much of a sacrifice, as he felt it was all for a greater good.
Taken by surprise on the day of the award presentation, Kirk could not find the words to express his
gratitude. He continues to praise his coworkers and says, “At this point in time I cannot think of anything
I'd rather be doing.”
Kirk has worked at University of Michigan Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist
since 1990 and cannot think of a better environment to use his training. Kirk
acknowledges that it is the effort of all of his coworkers that made this accolade
possible and is humbled to be chosen as the recipient. “Having a hand in
seeing a patient’s progress is very rewarding and provides much fulfillment in
going about my daily tasks,” said Kirk.
After earning a Bachelors of Business Administration, Kirk began his career in auto part production,
working in various management positions. Finding this path unfulfilling, Kirk embarked on a career
change, enrolling in Henry Ford Community College to achieve an Associates Degree in Science with
respiratory therapy as his major.
He first became interested in respiratory therapy while working in a hospital during college. “I got into
respiratory therapy because the thought of aiding patients in dire health was something I wanted to do,”
said Kirk. Juggling a full time job while studying to become a Respiratory Therapist, Kirk did not consider
working and going to school much of a sacrifice, as he felt it was all for a greater good.
Taken by surprise on the day of the award presentation, Kirk could not find the words to express his
gratitude. He continues to praise his coworkers and says, “At this point in time I cannot think of anything
I'd rather be doing.”
Kirk Fales
University of Michigan Hospital
Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan Hospital
Ann Arbor, MI
Kirk Fales (right) with
FACES Foundation
Founder, Sharman
Lamka.
FACES Foundation
Founder, Sharman
Lamka.
