Respiratory therapists work throughout Mayo Clinic with patients having trouble breathing. Read what some of them in Florida say about their roles and why they work at Mayo Clinic.

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From intensive care units to cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs to general hospital floors, you'll find respiratory therapists helping patients having trouble with their breathing. These patients include premature infants with underdeveloped lungs in the neonatal ICU, young patients recovering from COVID-19 or older adults with lung disease in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Meet a few of the therapists at Mayo Clinic in Florida who help their patients take a deep breath.

Lorrie Albritton

What led to your career as a respiratory therapist? 

My husband requested that I find a career that would support me if something were to ever happen to him. A fellow student told me about respiratory therapy, and it seemed very interesting. So that is what I chose, and I haven't regretted it at all. 

What would someone be surprised to learn about your job?

Respiratory therapy is more than nebulizers and metered dose inhalers. We are available throughout the hospital, home health and in many different aspects of patient care.

What is most rewarding about working as a respiratory therapist?

It is seeing the patients get better and leave the hospital and knowing that we helped make a difference in their lives.   

What is most rewarding about working at Mayo Clinic?

Mayo has made a difference in the community. It's the growth and opportunity that comes from working here. Throughout the years I've worked here, there have been many changes in research, innovation and care. A lot has happened, and to be a part of it is awesome.

Tell us about your team and its impact.

I have worked with several of my co-workers for many years. We work well together and have respect for one another like a family.

Describe one of your most memorable moments.

I have had several memorable moments. But one that recently comes to mind is of a young man who just had a lung transplant. He worked hard during his recovery and did what was required of him to make a speedy recovery. During one of his visits, I asked him what he was planning to do when he went back to college. He said he wanted to become a respiratory therapist because of the impact we had on him and all that we did to help him recover before his transplant and after.  

Anything else you'd like people to know about the work you do?

Respiratory therapy is throughout the hospital and other areas. We will do our best to accommodate the patient's needs. 

LaShanda Marshall

What led to your career as a respiratory therapist? 

I became a respiratory therapist because I had severe asthma as a child. I was always in and out of the hospital. I wanted to make people breathe easier. There was a respiratory therapist who left a lasting impression on me. I wanted to do the same. I met her 25 years later in an elevator here at Mayo Clinic. I was able to tell her she was the reason that I became a respiratory therapist.

What is most rewarding about working as a respiratory therapist?

It is rewarding when we get to see patients who were severely sick go home. I enjoy it when they come back to visit so that we can see how great they are doing.

What is most rewarding about working at Mayo Clinic?

I find it rewarding working at Mayo Clinic because I like to take care of the transplant patients, and the continuity of care. We have some of the best doctors. I've seen a doctor paint their patient's toenails, give patients haircuts and shave them.

Tell us about your team and its impact.

The Respiratory Care team is diverse. We all have different personalities, compassion and empathy that plays a role in taking care of our patients.

Describe one of your most memorable moments.

My most memorable moment is having a wedding for a liver transplant patient who was here for about a year. We gave them a wedding in the courtyard.

Debbie Maugeri

What led to your career as a respiratory therapist? 

My first choice out of high school was physical therapy. For some reason, I wanted to see what else there was in healthcare. So I looked at what healthcare programs the local community college had. I saw respiratory therapy, and it sparked my interest. It so happened my parents' neighbor was the director of a Respiratory Therapy program. My dad told him I was interested in the program. The director told my dad to come to speak with him. The rest is history.  

What would someone be surprised to learn about your job? 

At one time, I had worked in hyperbaric medicine and at one of my jobs, I was able to intubate and insert arterial lines. 

What is most rewarding about working as a respiratory therapist? 

When family members thank you for caring for their loved ones.  

What is most rewarding about working at Mayo Clinic?

Being able to work extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Describe one of your most memorable moments. 

I was at a conference with my mom, who is a retired nurse. I had a patient's family member come up and give me a big hug in front of my mom. She told my mom what wonderful care I gave her husband.

Anything else you'd like people to know about the work you do? 

Respiratory therapists can do more than just breathing treatments. It's just one tiny bit of our jobs. 

Patricia Maynard

What led to your career as a respiratory therapist?

My father insisted that I attend a two-year school in town. Respiratory therapy was the only healthcare field that appealed to me at the time. I didn't even know what respiratory therapy entailed.

What would someone be surprised to learn about your job?

There are career paths for respiratory therapists outside of hospitals.

What is most rewarding about working as a respiratory therapist?

When a patient that had labored breathing gets better and says, "Thank you."

What is most rewarding about working at Mayo Clinic?

The fact that it is possible to learn something new every day.

Describe one of your most memorable moments.

Early in my career, I took care of a toddler with severe asthma. The child went into respiratory arrest and was ultimately transferred out of the facility to a children's hospital. Four years later, that same child, then six, was able to experience her first day of school.

Anything else you'd like people to know about the work you do?

A respiratory therapist does more than most people think.