When we think of Hospital Heroes, we imagine people we interact with the most: doctors and nurses. What about the lesser-known, but equally critical, hospital professionals?
1. Clinical Dietitian
Whether it’s obesity, diabetes, or kidney problems, dietitians help patients manage their disease with a special focus on food and nutrition. Typically, a dietitian will work closely with a patient to create a personalized meal plan based on their dietary goals. Dietetic experts aren’t limited to overseeing weight gain and loss — they are instrumental in counseling patients who are recovering from surgery or even going through cancer treatment. Think of dietitians as nutritional therapists who are here to help improve your overall quality of life.
2. Physician Assistant
Have you ever been to a hospital and received a physical exam or had your medical history taken from someone other than a doctor? Chances are you were cared for by a physician assistant (PA). PAs take the lead on a wide range of responsibilities — from diagnosing illness to prescribing medications, and even assisting in surgery. They’re also able to specialize in versatile medical areas like cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, and more.
3. Respiratory Therapist
Because patients with COVID-19 often face respiratory issues, the demand for respiratory therapists has skyrocketed during the pandemic. These essential caregivers provide patients with oxygen and help them breathe. It’s no small task! Not only do respiratory therapists care for patients with asthma and lung disease — their expertise is also vital in emergency situations like cardiac arrest and giving oxygen to premature babies.
4. Occupational Therapist
You might be wondering what an “occupation” is: it’s all of the significant activities a person needs to perform on a daily basis, such as walking, sitting, and even communicating. Occupational Therapists (OT) work with patients of all ages and life stages. They help children develop skills like writing and seniors with tasks like dressing and bathing. OTs help patients with mental illness, or suffering from brain injury and stroke, to regain their abilities to think and remember properly. Ultimately, occupational therapists help patients fulfill their daily routines.
5. Biomedical Engineer
Artificial organs. Pacemakers. Kidney dialysis. What do these life-changing products have in common? They were created thanks to the work of biomedical engineers. These innovators focus on improving the quality of hospital care through analysis and innovation. Biomedical engineers research, plan, and design solutions — such as new drug therapies and medical devices — that help guide doctors and nurses in treating patients.
6. Patient Transporter
Hospital Heroes care for hundreds of patients on a daily basis. How do they keep things moving smoothly, avoiding delays and overcrowding? That’s where patient transporters step in! This critical team helps hospitals operate efficiently by moving patients in and out of ambulances, cars, and helicopters, lifting patients on and off beds, and moving them to and from operating rooms using equipment like wheelchairs. Not only do patient transporters help patients feel comfortable, but they also assist doctors in performing life support procedures while in transit.
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Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dietitian-vs-nutritionist#dietitian
- https://www.aapa.org/what-is-a-pa/#accordion__panel–2–what-is-a-pa
- https://www.carrishealth.com/blog/2020/december/the-essential-role-of-respiratory-therapists-dur/
- https://www.coto.org/you-and-your-ot/what-occupational-therapists-do
- https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/posts/A-biomedical-engineers-role-in-a-healthcare-facility–14740