OTC Respiratory Therapy instructor receives state service award

Doug Pursley, Respiratory Therapy Program Coordinator at Ozarks Technical Community College, has been honored with the Craig A. Ziegelbein Service award from the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care.  The award, presented recently at the organization’s Annual Convention, is given to a respiratory therapist who exhibits exceptional leadership in the field of Respiratory Care in the State of Missouri.  

In his 34 years in the respiratory care field, Pursley has held a variety of positions, including staff therapist, department manager, shift supervisor, clinical coordinator, and staff educator at a variety of different hospitals in Kentucky and Missouri.  He has had seven publications printed in the Respiratory Care Journal, and has given presentations for the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care, Missouri League of Nursing and a array of hospitals.  In his position at the College, Pursley has helped in the research development, writing and presenting of twelve student-driven research projects presented at the American Association for Respiratory Care’s International Congress over the past three years.  Additionally, he created an annual seminar at the College to provide continuing education credit for respiratory therapists; the seminar has drawn approximately 560 participants in its eight years of operation.

The award is named for Craig A. Ziegelbein, a respiratory care professional who was respected for his dedication to his job, his organizational skills, his leadership, his good humor, and commitment to taking care of his customers.  Honorees receive $300 and a specially engraved plaque.