“She taught me exercises that strengthened my throat muscles, which enabled me to eat again and gave me my life back.”

The study suggests the adjustment for race in spirometry resulted in an underreporting — and thus possibly undertreatment — of chronic lung diseases, including asthma and cystic fibrosis, in Black children.

Walker received a VUMC Credo Award for her dedication to that patient and to quality and safe respiratory care for pediatric patients.

Seven years ago, asking questions was not possible. Ivan, who is nonverbal and nonmobile, had no way to communicate. What he was thinking, feeling or wanting was always a “best guess” for his mom.

The mission of the ATS is to promote the respiratory health of children and adolescents and to improve the care of children with respiratory disease through research, education, patient care and advocacy.

“In the OR, kids don’t have anyone except the doctors, techs and nurses taking care of them. They can’t speak for themselves. I realize the privilege and responsibility I have to those kids, and I’ve felt a lot of purpose in my role.”

“Inga made me feel that I was going to be OK. I am eternally grateful for her.”