Often in life, the way you’re raised doesn’t just shape your childhood — it quietly builds the foundation for the adult you become. This is especially true for Daniel R., respiratory therapist at UPMC Presbyterian. Although Daniel did not always work in health care, he did have one major influence in his life that ultimately led him to a fulfilling career that he loves, his father.
Daniel is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of Penn Hills High School, where he initially followed a much different career path after graduation, studying mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech. After earning his degree, Daniel spent nine years working in the natural gas industry in Midland, Texas in various roles ranging from project engineer to gas plant supervisor.
“I really enjoyed my time there,” Daniel said, “but I wanted to do something a little more rewarding to serve others, while moving back to Pittsburgh to be closer to my family.”
After some reflection and years away from his family, he decided to take a leap of faith, relocate back to Pittsburgh, and start fresh with a new career in mind.
“My dad had been a respiratory therapist at UPMC Presbyterian for over 50 years, and I knew how passionate he was about patient care, and I was drawn toward that. That's when I found the two-year, very affordable respiratory program at CCAC."
As Daniel researched potential career paths after moving back home to the Pittsburgh area, his decision to choose respiratory therapy was a simple one, made easier by growing opportunities and demand in the field, along with the firsthand experience of someone very close to him.
“My dad had been a respiratory therapist at UPMC Presbyterian for over 50 years, and I knew how passionate he was about patient care, and I was drawn toward that. That’s when I found the two-year, very affordable respiratory program at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC),” Daniel explained.
Daniel is one of many employees who have taken advantage of UPMC’s educational partnerships with academic institutions, offering the opportunity to learn and advance while enjoying financial stability. For Daniel, CCAC’s respiratory therapy program, offered in partnership with UPMC, offered a multitude of benefits such as tuition assistance, paid work opportunities, clinical experience, and guaranteed job placement at UPMC post-graduation.
Daniel’s father, Jim, spent several years as an instructor in that very same program, before becoming the manager of the Respiratory Care department at UPMC Presbyterian, and later a bedside therapist on a trauma unit. Jim retired from his career in the summer of 2024. In 2022, Daniel entered CCAC’s respiratory therapy program and earned top honors, which led him to an opportunity in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Presbyterian upon graduating last spring.
“I find working in respiratory to be both rewarding and meaningful. I try to give it my very best each and every day that I am in the hospital while bringing a positive attitude toward patients, families, and staff.”
For Daniel, the transition into this field has brought a new sense of purpose and meaning to his work.
“Respiratory therapy is a very rewarding career path,” says Daniel. “I feel like every day that I am making a difference in someone’s life. I enjoy the variety where each day is different from the last, the patients are different, families are different, situations are different. I try to give it my very best each and every day that I am in the hospital, while bringing a positive attitude toward patients, families, and staff.”
Another benefit that Daniel appreciates in his new role is the work/life balance that UPMC is able to provide him.
“I enjoy the work/life balance of only working three days, 36 hours a week and enjoy the feeling of being a part of a successful team.”
Daniel’s work schedule grants him extra time to enjoy hobbies outside of work and spend time with the people that matter the most.
“I have a three-year-old golden retriever, Ellie, who takes up quite a bit of my time when I am at home. My girlfriend and I both love Disney World and we try to make at least one trip a year. I also enjoy indoor rock climbing and bouldering, and I go to the climbing gym once to twice a week,” Daniel shared.
Daniel’s positive attitude and caring demeanor both in his personal and professional life have proven to be valuable attributes to his team, the pulmonary department, and the hospital at large.
“I think different qualities are required for each of the different branches of the respiratory field. At the core, I think compassion, empathy, communication, and working well with others are the most important”, Daniel explained. “You can directly see the results of your work and the impact being made on the patients and their families. Doing the little things can go a long way to improve others’ outcome and hospital experience.”
Although Daniel followed in the footsteps of his father, a longtime UPMC employee whose respiratory therapy career spanned over five decades at UPMC Presbyterian, he is surely paving his own legacy in the same department where his father once provided the same expertise and level of care to the Pittsburgh community.
