Triton College Allied Health Chair Brings Lifesaving Care in Ghana and Egypt

Dr. Peter Jaswilko (center) is surrounded by students from the United States and Africa.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. – Triton College’s chair of Allied Health, Dr. Peter Jaswilko, is making a difference far beyond the classroom. This summer, Dr. Jaswilko traveled to Ghana and Egypt as a selected Advisory Board Member for the Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA), advancing his commitment to global healthcare and expanding the reach of respiratory therapy.

As part of a global health mission, Dr. Jaswilko collaborated with healthcare professionals and students, providing labor, postpartum hemorrhage management and delivery training through Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding After Birth (HMS-PPH), Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) and Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB). Although labor and delivery are not traditional areas for respiratory therapists, he noted that this work is opening new pathways for the profession in global health.

Each day in Ghana brought something new, from assisting in clinics, hospitals or both. He fondly recalls early morning runs to “clear his head,” taking in the sights of elephants, antelopes and warthogs.

In addition to labor and delivery training, Dr. Jaswilko taught breastfeeding and childcare techniques to mothers and healthcare professionals. He also engineered a device to replicate a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine using only a plastic water bottle and cannula.

“I was just doing my job as a respiratory therapist, but I was not performing miracles,” he said. “I was implementing basic concepts.” 

Despite initial apprehension about teaching physicians and obstetrician-gynecologists, he was encouraged by the positive feedback he received, especially the midwives.

“As a respiratory therapist, I was teaching doctors how to save a baby’s life. I was doing something out of my comfort zone,” he said. “If you love what you’re doing, there are no barriers.”

Outside of the labor and delivery unit, Dr. Jaswilko found meaningful ways to support the community. In Larabanga Village, Ghana, a place he describes as his “favorite in the world,” he distributed 800 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to local children. He taught them how to brush their teeth and wash their hands before playing games and connecting with them. 

While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, it was not without its challenges.

High rates of maternal and newborn mortality, limited access to medical technology and resources constraints make caring for premature babies difficult. One experience left a lasting impression on Dr. Jaswilko. He recalled caring for a baby born at 29 weeks’ gestation, with very low chances of survival. He guided his students to offer comfort and compassion in the baby’s last moments.

“There’s a lot of disparity,” he said. “We had tough days.”

Another challenge came unexpectedly when one of his students became critically ill and spiked a 104-degree fever.

“I brought him to our clinic and gave him an IV,” he explained. 

Looking ahead, Dr. Jaswilko plans to travel to Liberia in October, where he will spend two weeks assessing hospitals and clinics throughout the country.

“I feel like it’s my responsibility to help these women and babies,” he said. “If I can help others, we can build a bigger community.”

Bringing this experience back to Triton, Dr. Jaswilko hopes his nursing, respiratory care and allied health students gain a deeper understanding of global health disparities and the knowledge needed to support labor and delivery.

“I want our respiratory therapist and nursing students at Triton to take steps forward and get them excited,” he said. “I want them to be as prepared as possible. We’re making a difference.”

Dr. Jaswilko is one of 22 respiratory therapists worldwide to hold all board certifications offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). He is also certified in Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding After Birth (HMS-PPH), Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) and Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB). He is also a board certified Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist, Adult Critical Care Specialist and Sleep Disorders Specialist. As of August 2026, Dr. Jaswilko has been appointed as an executive team member and medical advisor to ARCA.

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Media Contacts: Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496

Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3691

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE 
Triton College is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.