Eric Newcomer, B.S., RRT-NPS, is always up for an adventure.

A respiratory care clinical supervisor in acute care units at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, Newcomer enjoys traveling abroad and experiencing different cultures. He has been to 10 different countries so far and enjoys savoring the local cuisine.

In celebration of Pride month, we wanted to learn more about Newcomer and his work at the hospital.

Tell us about your role at the hospital. 

I am a respiratory therapy clinical supervisor for the acute care floors, the Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). I help plan for the respiratory care needs for patients, facilitate education, and work closely with the medical team as a resource for their respiratory care related questions.

What is a typical day like for you at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital? 

Every day is different, which I love! Any day of the week you may find me educating new hire respiratory therapists or nurses, providing respiratory education to our complex patients’ families so they can go home safely, working on process improvement or preventable harm projects, and helping out at the bedside with direct patient care.

Can you describe your journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? 

Growing up in Ohio, I didn’t know anybody that was like me, so I just tried to fit in and be the person others wanted me to be. When I went to college, it was an eye opener because I had never been around such diversity in everyday life. I began to feel more comfortable in my own skin and accept and love myself. After college, I came out to my family, which was hard, but a relief. Now I am thankful to be in a community that promotes being your true self and not being ashamed of it!

What does Pride month mean to you?

Pride month is so very important, now more than ever. It is time for us to reflect, learn and grow as a community. With all the negativity in the world, Pride is a time for us to accept and unapologetically celebrate who we are. Pride month is a celebration of the triumphs of those before us that paved the way for increased visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the best parts of Pride is seeing allies and the LGBTQ+ community coming together to celebrate that it’s OK to be different and that we are all in this together!