Nicola MacDougall Joins Open Airways
Open Airways announced that Nicola MacDougall has joined the team as an Asthma and COPD Educator, bringing over 17 years of clinical experience and a long history of volunteer service to the organization.
A spokesperson said, “Nicola has been ‘unofficially’ part of the Open Airways team for many years as she has served in the volunteer capacity, receiving their Volunteer of the Year award in 2013 for her outstanding contributions to the organization.
“Nicola holds a Master of Science in Physiotherapy and brings over 17 years of clinical experience to her role as a physiotherapist. She has worked extensively with asthma and COPD patients across inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings—most recently serving as a Senior Physiotherapist at BHB. In 2015, she earned a Diploma in Asthma from the UK’s Education for Health organization. She also holds ARTP Spirometry certification, originally obtained in 2018 and successfully renewed in both 2022 and 2025.
“Nicola will work alongside Lindsay Bishop, Open Airways’ Director of Education, to support and expand the organization’s comprehensive educational initiatives for individuals in Bermuda living with asthma and/or COPD. Together, they will continue to provide free, personalized one-on-one patient consultations and deliver interactive asthma and COPD workshops to workplaces, community groups, and clubs across the island.
“Additionally, they will lead annual “Best Practice Update” workshops for healthcare professionals and their teams. These sessions—tailored for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists—offer training on the most up-to-date, internationally recognized guidelines for asthma and COPD care. The goal is to ensure patients across Bermuda receive the most current and effective treatments available.”
Mary Ellen Ewles, Executive Director of Open Airways, shared her enthusiasm about the newest addition to the team: “With Nicola joining us, Open Airways will be better equipped to support even more individuals in understanding their respiratory conditions and living healthier, more active lives.”
A spokesperson added, “She also highlighted an important development in care: the November 2024 GOLD Guidelines for COPD now recognize spirometry testing as the most effective method for diagnosing COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]. With Nicola’s expertise, Open Airways will soon introduce spirometry testing as part of its services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nicola to our team as she joins us in our mission of Helping Bermuda Breathe! If you or a loved one would like a free one-on-one consultation with one of our Asthma and COPD educators, please contact us at 536-6060 or email educ@openairways.com. No referral is needed.”
