Acknowledgments
Very few textbooks of this magnitude are writ-
ten by a single author. I believe the value and
advantage of a single author is a continuity of
writing style, organization, focus, and approach.
The potential disadvantage of the single-
author approach is the critical need for peer
review and multiple viewpoints. I have been
fortunate to be surrounded by outstanding col-
leagues and a rich source of reviewers through
Elsevier.
My first source of review includes the out-
standing faculty at the Indiana University of
Pennsylvania/The Western Pennsylvania Hospital
baccalaureate respiratory therapy program.
The extensive clinical and professional knowl-
edge of Kathy Kinderman, Jeff Heck, Jack Albert,
Catherine Myers, and Jackie Heisler is always
readily accessible. Whenever I feel uncertainty,
I look to their remarkable clinical expertise
and guidance.
Another valuable reference for me is
Bud Jozwiak, director of the excellent labora-
tories at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. Bud
is an invaluable resource for accurate labora-
tory and technical information. Hes always
readily available to provide direction, informa-
tion, and counsel. Robin Nitkulinec, Manager
of Respiratory Services, Charlie Morgan,
Supervisor of Pulmonary Diagnostics, and Paul
Fiehler, MD, Medical Director, are likewise
always available to provide valuable expertise.
xi
I am also a recipient of the tremendous
resources and commitment to excellence from
Elsevier. Elsevier is relentless in their pursuit of
accuracy and quality. Melissa Boyle, Senior
Developmental Editor, and Mindy Hutchinson,
Managing Editor, have provided me with a
rich source of expert reviewers and feedback in
times of uncertainty. They have also gently
provided me with the needed encouragement
and support to complete this project in the
midst of our harried careers, families, and
lives. They were patient but helped me stay the
course. Joy Moore, Production Project
Manager, and Janine White, Production Editor,
were also a pleasure to work with.
The advantage and resources of a first-class
publisher is clearly evident to me. Without the
resourceful and cordial negotiations of
Andrew Allen, Publishing Director, I suspect
this second edition would never have reached
fruition. He provided creativity, open commu-
nication, patience, and support throughout.
Most importantly, friends, family, and co-
workers who I see every day need a special
thanks. My secretary, Georgeann Meyers,
Clinical Director Kathy Kinderman, and faculty
are always there to provide help, support, and
understanding in my daily work environment.
Finally, my wife, Margie, who has endured the
most, has provided the ultimate positive sup-
port to complete a project of this magnitude.