ORLANDO – Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital earned an APEX Recognition Award from the American Association for Respiratory Care for its commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based respiratory care.
The respiratory department at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips was among 41 recipients in the United States of the 2025-2026 Apex Recognition Award, including Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital. This is the first APEX designation for both Orlando Health facilities, which were honored in the Acute Care Hospital category.
“We are grateful that this award recognizes our teamwork in providing compassionate, innovative treatment to the patients we serve,” said Alani Charboneau, director of respiratory care at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips. “Our team members are dedicated professionals who use the latest respiratory therapy methods and cutting-edge technology to increase the chances of our patients’ recovery.”
Respiratory therapists work under the direction of physicians and treat patients of all ages diagnosed with a range of breathing disorders and lung diseases. They manage oxygen equipment and ventilator use, administer drugs to a patient’s lungs, plus perform tests to determine appropriate respiratory treatment.
The Apex Recognition Award was developed in 2017 to recognize respiratory care departments and programs that demonstrate excellence in healthcare and outstanding higher education for respiratory therapists.
“Apex programs and departments dedicate themselves to ensuring superb care for patients everywhere,” said AARC President Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC. “These clinical departments are a vital component to a patient’s healthcare team, making a positive impact for the hospital, families and patients.”
