July

Portrait of Val McClora
Registered respiratory therapist Val McClora enjoys bringing a smile to her patients in the state's only children's hospital.
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People of the U: Val McClora

Published on Wednesday, July 15, 2020

By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu

Which Children’s of Mississippi patients are respiratory therapy patients?

“Any of them could be,” said registered respiratory therapist Val McClora. “Respiratory therapists cover all of the children’s hospital’s floors, so we consider all Children’s of Mississippi patients our patients.”

A University of Mississippi Medical Center employee since 2017, McClora is a graduate of Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, Tennessee, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Health Sciences with a major in Respiratory Care. Her internship was at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

“UMMC is the only medical center I’ve worked in,” she said, “and I love working with patients who come from all different backgrounds of life. There are so many different people, and that makes working here fascinating. Working at UMMC teaches you humility. It makes you well-rounded.”

In 2018, she moved from the adult hospital to caring for patients at the state’s only children’s hospital.

“I love pediatric care,” she said. “When in the hospital, children are usually scared; everything is foreign to them—the people, the mask, the medication. Playing a part in helping little ones smile and feel more comfortable in this setting is rewarding on its own. They are great patients and so sweet.”

Driscoll DeVaul, DHA, RRT, Children’s of Mississippi director of Respiratory and Pulmonary Services, said McClora’s hard work, dedication, and compassion toward her patients make her an excellent respiratory therapist.

“She is an excellent team member that works in various clinical areas throughout the children’s hospital and does so with a smile and a willingness to help in any way,” he said. “Thanks, Val, for all you do. We appreciate you!”


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