img micheleyacobi 1
Michele Yacobi
Respiratory Therapist

For respiratory therapist, pandemic challenges inspire greater compassion

At the beginning of the pandemic, when much was still unknown about COVID-19, respiratory therapists like Michele Yacobi knew this much: They would need to be prepared – mentally and physically – to face the challenges ahead.

“What is still hard to process is the suddenness of COVID-19. Talking to a patient who is alert one day and coming back the next to find them on a ventilator – and sometimes dying – was emotionally taxing, particularly during the surges,” says Michele, who works at Sentara CarePlex Hospital. “At the same time, liberating someone from a ventilator is probably my favorite part of the job. It’s so rewarding to see a patient bounce back and regain the strength in their lungs and I’m always thankful to be a part of that process.”

Michele has been with Sentara for 17 years and loves that she still finds opportunities for growth, like the tuition assistance she received to further her education. She credits her fellow team members, as well as Sentara’s culture of open communication and following proper protocols for keeping her work and life balanced.

Building relationships with her patients has been a revealing and rewarding experience. “When you spend so much time monitoring a patient and guiding them through illness and recovery, you create a real bond,” says Michele, who originally became interested in the profession because her mom had asthma. “You listen to how many children and grandchildren they have and other beautiful stories. This process has helped me to develop more compassion toward others, especially in recent years.”

Michele shares her passion for healthcare with her daughter Mirra, who works at Sentara as a telemetry monitor technician. Before she joined Sentara, Michele served in the Army National Guard from 1991-1999. When she’s not drinking another cup of coffee, she enjoys biking, hiking, and walking in the outdoors, including Sandy Bottom and Newport News Parks.

Michele Yacobi
Respiratory Therapist

For respiratory therapist, pandemic challenges inspire greater compassion

At the beginning of the pandemic, when much was still unknown about COVID-19, respiratory therapists like Michele Yacobi knew this much: They would need to be prepared – mentally and physically – to face the challenges ahead.