Estefania Galo honored with Hibiscus Award at UF Health Flagler Hospital

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Estefania Galo, a respiratory therapist at UF Health Flagler Hospital, has been honored with the Hibiscus Award for the professionalism and calming demeanor she demonstrates in the care of her patients.

The Hibiscus Award was instituted earlier this year to recognize non-nursing team members for their efforts in promoting the health care mission of UF Health St. Johns. The award is presented quarterly and compliments the presentation of the DAISY Award, which is presented to a nurse who goes above and beyond in the care of their patients.

The patient who nominated Galo has asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has been admitted to the hospital many times during her life. In the nomination she calls Galo her “favorite respiratory therapist” and praises her for “an unsurpassed level of knowledge and professionalism.”

“Estefania always advocates for her patients’ needs. While having difficulty breathing can be extremely painful and stressful, she always has a calm demeanor and friendly disposition which makes a difficult time much easier. (Estefania) is excellent in her department and deserves this recognition,” said the patient.

Galo’s nomination was among 73 recognitions submitted by patients, their families and UF Health St. Johns team members this quarter.

“Estefania’s exceptional care clearly has an impact on her patients and she is a deserving recipient of the Hibiscus Award,” said Carlton DeVooght, president and CEO of UF Health St. Johns. “She represents the ideals that we had in mind when we launched the Hibiscus Award earlier this year — putting our patients first in their times of need.”

In recognition, Galo received a crystal trophy, a Hibiscus Award winner’s pin, a gift basket, a $250 cash reward, assorted baked goods from Maple Street Biscuit Company and Hibiscus-flavored ice pops from Hyppo.

“None of this would be possible without being a part of a great team,” said Galo. “We work closely together and it is a real team effort.”