Copley Hospitals Steve Cothalis Named Therapist of the Year
For Immediate Release
10/27/2008
Steve Cothalis, a respiratory therapist at Copley Hospital was honored with the 2008 Therapist of the Year Award by the Vermont/ New Hampshire Society for Respiratory Care at the group’s annual education conference last week. Cothalis, a respiratory therapist for nearly 30 years, was recognized by his peers for his dedication and commitment to pulmonary rehab.
“Steve is truly an asset to Copley and its team of respiratory therapists,” states Mel Patashnick, President of Copley Hospital. “Steve is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his patients and those around him. His passion for teaching and empowering patients with chronic pulmonary disease truly makes him worthy of this honor.”
Cothalis has been with Copley Hospital for the past seven years, working as a therapist with the hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. This past spring he was instrumental in organizing “Breathe Easier,” a support group for people with chronic pulmonary disease. A collaborative effort with the American Lung Association, “Breathe Easier” meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Copley Hospital. Many former participating Copley pulmonary rehab patients recently participated in the American Lung Association’s Healthy Air Walk as a team, which he helped organize. Prior to joining Copley, Cothalis worked at academic medical centers in Vermont and New York. One patient describes Steve as an inspiration and good role model. Many patients echo that he has made a difference in their lives. “Steve’s strength is in his training,” says Greg Ward, Manager of Copley’s Respiratory Therapy Department. “He takes a personalized approach, allowing patients to have a willingness to re-learn and re-train certain behaviors in an effort to improve their overall well-being.”
In addition to accomplishments and bringing awareness of the profession to others, Ward noted that nominees must demonstrate leadership to members of other health care professions and establish community relationships. “Steve has done this and more,” says Ward. “He has grown with the profession and goes out of his way caring for his patients and their families as well as staff and others in the health care field.”
Please join Copley Hospital in congratulating Steve Cothalis on this wonderful award. For more information on the Breath Easier support group call 888-8888.
Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger Senior Director Development, Marketing and Public Relations Copley Hospital 802-888-8301 lhollenberger@chsi.org
