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| In Memory of Jim Walter |
Society views heroes as those who perform extraordinary feats and those who make the headlines. But we don't hear often about the silent heroes among us - those professionals who continue to perform their jobs in the most compassionate manner despite personal or family illness. I would like to give you an example of such an individual.
Jim Walter, RPFT, was the epitome of professionalism. He elevated the meaning of "caregiver." As we all know, pulmonary testing is heavily reliant on the technologist's skill. Jim exhibited an extraordinary ability to provide anxious patients instructions to ensure accurate and useful test results that helped our physicians at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in diagnosing pulmonary abnormalities.
This job is difficult enough under the best of circumstances, but Jim excelled at it even though he had a terminal illness. He never once wanted to bring attention to himself, which is so typical of Jim. While at work, his only concern was for his patients and his colleagues.
"A supervisor's dream" is how Rich O'Connell, RPFT, Jim's supervisor, described him. In addition to being highly proficient, Jim was willing to help anyone at anytime. Although he endured personal pain and suffering each day, he always gave his patients his undivided attention, which included that rare but important characteristic of listening.
No one quite knew exactly how ill Jim was, but in time the ravages of the disease could not be hidden. When Jim finally told everyone of his condition, his main concern was to comfort his colleagues who were so devastated by the news and to help them deal with the realization of the inevitable.
What makes Jim even more remarkable is how he cared for his wife who is also seriously ill. It is unimaginable the amount of tragedy Jim endured, yet one would never know it since Jim always had that smile on his face.
As a father, husband, and professional caregiver, Jim taught us all how to be compassionate and caring each and every day to whomever we come in contact. He taught us what an honor and privilege it is to help those who are in need. No matter how busy we are as caregivers, we should always be professional, courteous, and put our patients first, regardless of what is happening in our personal lives.
Jim was an everyday hero like a large number of individuals in our profession who exhibit silent courage on a daily basis. The streets of heaven have one more guest.
Read more stories about respiratory and sleep leaders doing good deeds in their department and community at our Tell Us Your Story page. Do you know a colleague we should interview? Submit your nomination and we'll tell their story!
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