Inspired by Love: Gary Revas' Path from Asthma Patient to Healthcare Leader

Gary Revas’ wife, Allison, worked as a respiratory therapist and inspired his career.

“Allison had been working as an R.T. for a few years, always enjoyed what she did and loved helping others,” Gary shared. “I already had an understanding of the field after growing up with severe asthma, so it felt like the right fit.”

Gary fought asthma throughout his childhood and teenage years, facing the challenge with the help of a respiratory therapist from a young age.

“It gives me a whole new perspective when treating a patient because I was the patient at one point, he said of his 13-year career. “Going through the experience of having severe exacerbations—those scary moments help me connect with my patients and better understand how we can help.”

June’s Healthcare Hero is Gary Revas, Director of Service Lines for Respiratory, Imaging, Sleep, Pulmonary Function and EEG at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

“We decided to go into healthcare and take care of others. The individuals we are taking care of here are mothers, fathers, cousins and friends,” Gary said. “I look at every day as an opportunity to help serve our patients and ensure that we do everything we can to serve those around us.”