By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region

Becky Camire’s lifelong passion for respiratory therapy led to her career at IU Health Tipton, where she cares for patients with lung conditions.

From age 16, Becky Camire knew she wanted to be a respiratory therapist. The drive came from seeing herself and family members struggle with asthma. She also had loved ones who dealt with smoking-related health issues.

“I knew I wanted to help people who deal with similar issues,” she says.

Camire brings more than 27 years of respiratory therapy experience to her role at IU Health Tipton, which she began almost a year ago. Before that, she worked at IU Health Methodist for almost 26 years.

When the position opened in Tipton, Camire jumped at the opportunity.

“I was looking for a change. It just happened to come up at the right time, and I said, ‘Go for it!’”

At IU Health Tipton, she works in Pulmonary Rehab three days a week and performs pulmonary function testing one day a week.

In Pulmonary Rehab, patients can exercise with Cardiac Rehab patients while Camire monitors their lungs and is available if any medical issues arise. The program is usually eight to 12 weeks.

“It is individualized, but it’s roughly 24 to 46 sessions,” she explains. “They could go a little bit longer, but it just depends on the patient”

Though some of her patients either smoke currently or have a history of smoking, Camire says she sees others who have not ever used tobacco.

“Our patient population is kind of across the board,” she explains. “We do get people who are smokers. Now, we also get post-COVID-19 lung injuries. I also get some people with asthma and some people who don’t know why they are short of breath.”

Though Camire enjoys all aspects of her job, one of her primary focuses is smoking cessation. She has taken her expertise beyond the hospital walls and is working with the local prosecutor’s office to help Tipton County teenagers who have tobacco-related infractions. She meets with the teens one-on-one to provide tobacco counseling.

Regardless of whether she is meeting with patients within the hospital or supporting others outside of the facility, that drive to assist others is what leaves her feeling fulfilled at the end of each day.

“My favorite part is helping people,” she says. “It’s part of who I am as a person.”