10/22/2025
Congratulations to Migdalia Briones, a respiratory therapist (RT) at Presbyterian Hospital, who was recognized with this year’s The Phil Award®, a nationally recognized hospital-based recognition that honors outstanding therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. The award shines the spotlight on the unsung heroes in the respiratory profession who understand that each breath matters. Candidates were nominated by patients, family members and other caregivers.
Learn more about Migdalia and the life of an RT:
Q: What drives your passion for practicing medicine as a respiratory therapist?
A: What drives my passion is knowing I can make a difference for someone on their hardest day—whether it’s directly with them or by helping care for their loved one. My uncle passed away from alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver in 2017, and I’ll always remember the healthcare workers who treated him with love, respect and compassion toward our family. Healthcare isn’t about being a hero; it’s about showing up, doing what needs to be done and knowing that what you did mattered to that patient or family. At the end of the day, every patient is somebody’s loved one, no matter what path they took in life. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and humanity.
Q: What is the number one question you are asked as a respiratory therapist?
A: People always ask, “So what exactly does a respiratory therapist do?” I usually laugh and say, “We’re the ones making sure you can breathe.” My go-to joke is, “I’m glad you don’t know what an RT is.” Most people only find out who we are after living through one of the hardest days of their life—or watching their loved one go through it. You don’t realize how important breathing is until you or someone you love can’t do it anymore. That’s when people really understand what we do.
Q: What personal strengths do you feel you bring to your current role?
A: I think one of my biggest strengths is staying calm when things get intense. The ICU can get chaotic fast, but I’ve learned to keep my head clear and focus on what needs to be done. I’m also big on teamwork—helping others, jumping in where I’m needed, and keeping a positive vibe when things get heavy. I try to bring humor and light into the room, even if it’s just to help my coworkers take a breath between codes and chaos of every day.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
A: Most people don’t know that I’m a full-time RT, a mom and a nursing student all at once. It’s definitely a lot to juggle, but I’ve always believed in leading by example—especially for my kids. I want them to see that hard work and compassion can take you far, even when life gets hectic. I also enjoy volunteering, and my husband and I love giving back to our community, especially supporting our unhoused population. It’s something that keeps us grounded and reminds us how important it is to help others however we can.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: My mom always taught me, “Don’t forget where you came from, and don’t ever regret studying. Knowledge is power, and nobody can take that away from you.” That advice has always stuck with me. It reminds me of how far my family has come and how education and perseverance can change everything. It’s something I’ve carried with me through every part of my life—school, work, motherhood, everything. It reminds me to stay humble, keep learning and never lose sight of where I started or how far I’ve come.
