A New Yorker since the age of 5, Virginia-born Michael Armstrong was educated at Charles Evans Hughes High School and Empire State College. After obtaining his respiratory therapy degree through Health and Hospitals Corporation, he functioned as a clinical respiratory therapist at Lincoln Hospital (5 years) and at the Manhattan Veterans Hospital (more than 10 years). After five more years experience at Beth Israel North, Michael was ready for a new phase in his career.

"An opportunity arose at Silvercrest that allowed me exposure to a new kind of care, together with the chance to participate in middle management." Michael came on board as Lead Respiratory Therapist and now had the opportunity to care for patients on an extended basis. "I get to work with people for a long time, and get to know them. We care for individuals with some of the most difficult respiratory problems anywhere. It's so exciting when some of these patients walk out of here breathing on their own... because it was thought they would never be free of the ventilator."

Michael assists Janet Berding, Director of Respiratory Therapy, in the management of the respiratory care staff. In extolling their capabilities he reports, "the evening shift individuals with whom I work are all fully certified and provide the best of care to our patients. They are a solid and devoted team of professionals."

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