Rapid City, SD (Nov. 21, 2025) – Christine Zallar, RRT, was awarded Monument Health’s 2025 PHIL award. The Phil Award, which is The FACES Foundation’s signature program, is the only nationally recognized hospital-based recognition program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. Winners are nominated by patients, family members and other caregivers.
Christine has been recognized by several colleagues. Here is some of what they had to say about her care:
- A physician: “Christine’s compassionate care consistently leaves a lasting impact. Her initiative in creating comprehensive patient education and her dedication to maintaining the highest clinical standards set her apart. When I learn that Christine is on, I know the patient will be well cared for. She represents the best of what respiratory care should be.”
- A PICU nurse: “Thank you for taking the time out of your day to help take our [patient] on ventilator on a walk, and for your extra time spent educating her parents! I love working on the same team as you and I appreciate your drive to go above and beyond for your patients. Your patients and coworkers are lucky to have you!”
- A physician: “Christine went above and beyond her clinical duties by independently creating a comprehensive PICU RT education and standard of care binder—an invaluable resource that has enhanced team knowledge and consistency. Her initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to education make her a true asset to Monument Health Children’s.”
- A nurse: “Great job with a recent critical admission! You helped stabilize the infant and precepted your trainee all at the same time! You are such a great resource to our unit; we are lucky to have you!”
- A nursing colleague: “Thank you for stepping in and always solving problems! You take the problems that are presented to you and find solutions on your own. You are always willing to jump in and get the job done. You are so appreciated by our team!”
- The Director of Respiratory Care: “Christine has made an incredible impact, particularly in the NICU and Peds/PICU populations, where her skill, patience and heart shine brightest. She brings calm, confidence, and compassion to even the most complex cases, caring for the tiniest and most fragile patients with deep empathy. Families often share their gratitude through heartfelt notes of appreciation and small tokens of thanks to express their gratitude for her kindness, patience, and genuine care. In addition to her bedside care, Christine serves as a preceptor for the respiratory care department, mentoring and inspiring new therapists as they develop their skills and confidence. Her contributions are truly valued. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”
Monument Health adopted The PHIL award in April 2023 to recognize respiratory therapists who are heart and lung specialists. They work with patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly. Disease states or conditions often requiring diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory Therapists also manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for adult, pediatric and infant patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.
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About the FACES Foundation
The FACES Foundation was founded in 2006 to acknowledge and promote professional excellence in the education and care of patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses. The FACES Foundation is dedicated to educating professionals, patients, and families on issues relevant to lung disease.
About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 38 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.