Student spotlight: Respiratory Therapy student Sydney Lyons

For Sydney Lyons, a senior in the WVU School of Medicine’s Respiratory Therapy program, WVU has always felt like home. The warmth of the people reminded her of her hometown of Dayton, Virginia.

The sense of community and support she has received has been a highlight of her time at the School of Medicine. This summer, she’s gaining hands-on experience at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

Through the Excel Student Employment Program, Lyons is working alongside full-time respiratory therapists and earning a salary.

Can you tell me about the opportunity to work at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital this summer?

Having the opportunity to learn and grow at Ruby as a student RT is, in my opinion, what every student hopes for. I’m learning at one of the top hospitals in the nation, and I feel truly blessed to work and learn under some of the best healthcare teams in the country. Being in this kind of high-level, fast-paced environment pushes me to become a better therapist every day. It’s an experience that’s helping shape my skills and confidence as I prepare for my future career.

What are you most excited to learn or do?

I’m most excited to learn more about how to handle critical situations, especially in fast-paced settings like the ICU or during emergencies. I want to build the confidence to stay calm under pressure and be able to step in and perform efficiently when it counts. Gaining that kind of experience now will make a huge difference in how I care for patients in the future.

What has been your major takeaway so far?

One of my major takeaways has been learning how to properly chart treatments, which is a critical part of patient care and communication within the healthcare team. I’ve also come to see just how important bedside manner is. How you treat and talk with patients can impact their comfort, trust, and overall experience.

What are your career goals? Is there a specific area of respiratory therapy that you’re interested in?

My goal is to work my way up into ICU settings, because I enjoy the critical thinking aspect and the opportunity to collaborate closely with physicians and nurses. I like being part of a team that’s constantly making important decisions in fast-paced situations. Eventually, I’d love to train to become an ECMO specialist and take on a more advanced role in life support care.

Will it be hard to maintain the internship as your courses get more intense?

I plan to continue working throughout my senior year whenever I have the time. Staying involved in the clinical setting helps reinforce what I’m learning in school and gives me valuable hands-on experience as I prepare to graduate.

Why did you choose respiratory therapy?

I honestly wasn’t sure what drove me to the field at first, but I quickly realized it was the right fit for me during our clinicals. I noticed how nurses and doctors would visibly relax and feel relieved when respiratory therapists walked into the room during critical situations. It showed me how much they rely on our specialized knowledge of the lungs and heart, and that made me appreciate the important role we play in patient care.

What has been your favorite experience so far in the WVU Respiratory Therapy program?

One of my favorite experiences has been the incredible support I receive from both professors and classmates. The faculty are the most approachable I’ve ever encountered, always willing to answer questions, clarify complex concepts, and share insights from their real-world clinical experience.

What would you tell a future student?

As someone who has walked this path, I’d tell new respiratory therapy students to perform as many skills as they can during clinicals and to come prepared to work hard!