Abby Wortman, RRT, receives PHIL award

Rapid City, SD (Nov. 30, 2023) – Abby Wortman, RRT, ACCS, was awarded Monument Health’s 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.

Abby was nominated by another coworker who recognized her by saying, “Abby responds quickly to requests for Respiratory Therapy (RT) care and is always professional and kind.” Her nominator went on to say that, “every patient interaction was met with genuine concern for the patient. Her patients appreciate her calm and kind demeanor… and her infectious smile.” 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in her role as a Clinical Specialist, Abby provided assistance and education to other patient care teams in the event RTs were unable to assist. The nomination continued, “I cannot think of someone more deserving than Abby or who I would want caring for my family or me. She truly epitomizes the values that Monument Health represents!”

Abby has been a Respiratory Therapist with Monument Health since December 2008, providing leadership as a Clinical Specialist and caring for patients in the ICU, NICU and the Emergency Department. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she took on a position as a Clinical Instructor for South Dakota State University’s Respiratory Care program.

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.