EMILEE LAMORENA
DIRECTOR OF RESPIRATORY, PULMONOLOGY AND ASTHMA PROGRAM
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF ORANGE COUNTY
WHY: Exec at Orange-based CHOC, which is gaining national accolades for excellence in respiratory care. It is the only children’s hospital on the West Coast—and just 1 of 5 in the nation—to receive the 2023-2024 American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Recognition Award. Additionally, CHOC’s asthma program was recognized with the Gold Seal of Approval for Pediatric Asthma Certification from The Joint Commission (TJC). CHOC is the 10th pediatric hospital in the country to receive the prestigious TJC certification.
BY THE NUMBERS: CHOC has several key programs, such as its Breathmobile, which is the only mobile asthma clinic dedicated to help school-aged children in Orange County. Its two 36-foot RV-style clinics provide asthma care, diagnosis and education to 22 schools and community sites. CHOC’s Breathmobile travels to each location every four to six weeks.
IN THEIR WORDS: Recent recognitions “highlight the hard work and dedication of our respiratory care practitioners,” Lamorena said. “These healthcare professionals provide compassionate, evidence-based care to our patients, while continuing to advance their knowledge and their field. They are inspiring Defenders of Childhood.”
