At Stillwater Medical Center, exceptional care is often found in the quiet, critical moments—when skill, empathy, and quick thinking come together to change a patient’s experience. For Russell Goodgion, those moments have defined his first year as a respiratory therapist and led to his recognition as the very first recipient of the Be Extraordinary Everyday Award.
The BEE Award honors non-nursing team members who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, team-oriented, and extraordinary care—something reflected not only in outcomes, but in the experiences of the patients and colleagues who work with Russell every day.
One of those moments came during what a family member described as “a very frightening moment” for her mother. “She was struggling to breathe, and her oxygen levels were dangerously low,” she shared. The situation was further complicated by the patient’s deafness: “Because she is deaf, anything placed over her face makes communication difficult and increases her anxiety, which adds to her distress.”
In a moment where both clinical precision and human understanding were critical, she recalled, “I shared these concerns with Russell, and he immediately understood.”
That understanding quickly turned into action. “Like a true professional, he calmly adjusted her breathing apparatus in a way that met her medical needs and respected her comfort,” she said. “The change was immediate! My mom relaxed, her stress eased, and she was finally able to feel safe.”
What followed left a lasting impression. “Russell’s attentiveness, empathy, and expertise made a world of difference in an incredibly tense situation,” she said, adding that “his care turned a terrifying experience into one that felt manageable.” The gratitude from her family was clear as she shared in his nomination, “We are so thankful for the compassion he showed our family. We are so very grateful for his care! Russell is such a great asset to SMC!”
Moments like these are not isolated. Among his colleagues, Russell is known for the same steady presence and willingness to step in wherever he is needed. One peer described him as “an incredible team member,” explaining, “I know that if I call him, he will show up and go above and beyond for our patients and his fellow staff members.”
That reliability shows up most clearly in high-pressure situations. “He is always willing to help out. You will never hear him say ‘that’s not my patient’ if you ask for his help,” the colleague said. Reflecting on a recent case, they added that “it went more smoothly than I have ever seen before thanks in no small part to his calm demeanor and quick thinking,” noting his ability to remain level-headed and apply his knowledge in practice during “highly intense and critical situations.”
Russell’s impact has also been recognized by leadership within the department. Mikayla Woods, Director of ICU, Cardiopulmonary, and Sleep, noted that “Russel has been with us 1 year in May, and he is a phenomenal addition to the department. He is very patient-centered and team-oriented.”
His work in complex, unpredictable scenarios continues to stand out, including recognition for “his level headedness, critical thinking, and thorough care he provided during the unexpected delivery of triplets.” As she summarized, “I really think his nominations encompass who Russell is as a therapist and a person, overall.”
In many ways, Russell’s story reflects exactly what the award was created to honor: the ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion, even in the most challenging moments.
As the first-ever recipient of the BEE Award, Russell Goodgion represents a standard of care that extends beyond procedures and protocols. It is found in listening, adapting, and responding—not just to a patient’s medical needs, but to their experience as a human.
Through moments of urgency, teamwork, and quiet compassion, his work continues to leave a lasting impression—one patient, one family, and one colleague at a time
If you have experienced great care or have a story to share, consider nominating an employee or staff member for recognition. To nominate a Stillwater Medical employee or staff member, visit https://www.stillwater-medical.org/patients-visitors/staff-recognition/ and share your story.
