Janet Nedostup Boehm
Tom was a very influential person in my career. As a new graduate from Tri-C's Respiratory Therapy Program, he was one of the first employers that hired me in the Cleveland area. I was only 20, young and "green" when it comes to the profession. He knew that, and "took me under his wing and taught me to fly."
As the Department Manager at Fairview General Hospital, he taught me so much that lasted my entire life and career. He taught me to love the Profession of Respiratory Therapy and to take pride in all that I do. In an era, when Respiratory Therapy was just beginning to be recognized as a profession, he demanded respect for all his employees in the healthcare environment at Fairview.
He was an icon in this profession in the Cleveland area and the state of Ohio. He was genuinely knowledgeable, professional, caring for his employees, and a genuine good person.
Under his guidance, I bloomed. I became President of the Ohio Society, then on to President of the American Society for Respiratory Care. I owe all of these accomplishments to his "guidance" and nurturing during those early years of my career.
I will never forget all that he has done for me professionally. He will be greatly missed.
My prayers to all of his colleagues he has touched, his friends, but mostly his family.
I wish I could have been there to express my condolences, but unfortunately, I was in Santa Fe, NM on business.
