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.”
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.”
| Congratulations Kirk Fales April 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~ University of Michigan Hospital Ann Arbor, MI |
Kirk Fales (right) with FACES Founder, Sharman Lamka