Respiratory Therapist, Ivan Gerald Lee Hi my name is Ivan and I am a respiratory therapist working in SGH. My job include seeing patients who need help with breathing by initiating them on mechanical ventilation, either via a breathing tube placed in the airway or via a mask that is placed on the face. We respond to patients requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the hospital; and are often consulted to review patients with these artificial airways to help optimize delivery of care to them. 

A good Respiratory Therapist would need to have a keen attention to details, be able to perform under stressful situations, and be patient and compassionate. As an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team caring for patients, it is also extremely important to be a team player so as to deliver holistic care for all our patients.

It is rewarding to know that I have helped the patients to optimize their respiratory status, and witnessing them recover well enough to be discharged from the hospital. We also see patients with sleep-disordered breathing, and after hearing their testimony on how their quality of life has improved after using the prescribed therapy brings me great joy, knowing that I’ve helped to improve somebody’s life. It is truly rewarding to be able to help patients breathe a little easier when they need us the most, and incredibly satisfying to help save lives, one breath at a time.

The respiratory system is often under-rated and taken for granted, until breathing is the one thing you cannot do, and you can forget about doing anything else. I believe all occupations are important, but not everyone can say that what they do at work can help make a difference between life and death.