Across the nation, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are making significant waves, not only within the clinical environment but also in academia, public policy, community advocacy, and the arts. From the establishment of independent schools of respiratory care to the personal, life-saving interventions that define the profession, AARC members are consistently proving that the impact of a respiratory therapist extends far beyond the bedside.
This report examines the recent achievements and media highlights of several AARC members who have garnered national and regional attention, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the modern respiratory care practitioner.
I. Academic Advancement and Institutional Growth
The Evolution of Respiratory Care Education at Boise State
A pivotal development in academic respiratory care occurred at Boise State University, where the department has officially transitioned into the new School of Respiratory Care. This restructuring, highlighted in recent university coverage, marks a significant milestone for the program.
AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, played a vital role in this transition. Previously housed under the School of Allied Health Sciences, the program’s new status as an independent school provides the autonomy necessary to prioritize specialized research and pedagogical advancement. This shift is expected to bolster recruitment, faculty research output, and the overall prestige of the program, setting a new standard for how respiratory therapy education is structured in higher learning institutions.
Recognizing Excellence: The Apex Award
Academic excellence was further underscored by the success of Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). AARC member Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, recently accepted the AARC’s prestigious Apex Award on behalf of the university. The award recognizes SCSU’s BSRT degree advancement program, which has been lauded for its curriculum design and its commitment to elevating the professional qualifications of respiratory therapists. Dr. Kreiger accepted the honor during the 2026 AARC Congress in Phoenix, highlighting the importance of ongoing degree advancement in a rapidly evolving clinical landscape.
II. The Personal and Clinical Intersection
When Professional Expertise Meets Personal Crisis
The human element of respiratory care was brought into sharp focus through the story of John Dvorak, BS, RRT. Featured by St. Cloud LIVE, Dvorak’s journey into the field is a testament to the emotional weight and profound responsibility held by therapists.
The article details a poignant situation in which Dvorak was called upon to utilize his clinical expertise for his own family. When his niece was born with complex respiratory issues requiring an intensive care unit (NICU) stay, Dvorak stepped in to provide care and support during a critical time. His story serves as a powerful reminder that respiratory therapists are often the difference-makers in the most vulnerable moments of human life, bridging the gap between clinical technicality and compassionate familial support.
Excellence in Maternity Care
In Pennsylvania, Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was recognized as a key contributor to the team at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The hospital was recently named a 2026 "High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care" by U.S. News & World Report. Mitchell’s involvement highlights the essential role of respiratory therapists in the maternal-fetal care continuum, ensuring that both infants and mothers receive the specialized respiratory support necessary for healthy outcomes.
III. Community Advocacy and Public Health
Environmental Health and Public Safety
Respiratory therapists are increasingly serving as experts in public health debates. Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently provided expert insight in a WINK News investigation regarding air quality concerns in a Florida community.
Residents living near a local waste and recycling plant have filed nearly 30 complaints regarding dust particles, fearing long-term respiratory repercussions. Dr. Buhain’s input in the investigative report highlights the role of the RT as a community watchdog. By explaining the potential physiological impacts of particulate matter on lung health, Buhain helped contextualize the residents’ fears within a medical framework, demonstrating how RTs can serve as vital intermediaries between environmental policy and public health.
IV. Inspiring the Next Generation and Celebrating the Arts
The Pinning Ceremony: A Rite of Passage
The future of the profession was celebrated at Newman University, where AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, joined student member Haven Sjogren in a traditional pinning ceremony.
This ceremony serves as a crucial rite of passage, marking the transition from student to practitioner. The involvement of established members like Dr. Cho and Clark provides essential mentorship, fostering a sense of community and continuity within the profession. It is through such events that the professional identity of the respiratory therapist is solidified, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared to uphold the standards of the AARC.
Respiratory Care and the Spirit of Creativity
Finally, the versatility of the AARC membership was showcased by Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS. Moving beyond the clinical sphere, Rudegeair was featured in the Lebanon Daily News for his artistic contribution to the upcoming 2026 American semi-quincentennial.
Rudegeair designed a custom Liberty Bell sculpture to commemorate the anniversary. This project demonstrates that the analytical and precise skills often utilized by RTs in complex clinical scenarios—such as mechanical ventilation and blood gas analysis—can translate into creative endeavors. It also highlights the importance of work-life balance and community involvement, proving that RTs are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of their local communities.
V. Implications: The Broadening Scope of Respiratory Care
The diverse activities of these AARC members demonstrate that the profession of respiratory care is no longer confined to the walls of the hospital. The implications of this trend are significant:
- Professional Autonomy: The growth of independent schools, such as that at Boise State, suggests that the field is maturing into a more research-driven, autonomous discipline.
- Public Health Leadership: As shown by Dr. Buhain, the RT is becoming a trusted voice in environmental health, a role that will likely expand as climate and air quality issues take center stage in public discourse.
- Mentorship and Advocacy: The dedication shown by members in educational settings and in their own families reinforces the "caring" aspect of the profession, which remains its most fundamental asset.
- Integration of Skills: The cross-disciplinary nature of these members—who serve as educators, artists, community leaders, and clinicians—suggests that the modern RT is a Renaissance practitioner capable of navigating complex technical and social environments.
Chronology of Recent Highlights (2025–2026)
- December 2025: Boise State University announces the School of Respiratory Care; Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recognized for maternity care.
- December 2025: Newman University hosts a pinning ceremony for new RT graduates; Jim Rudegeair’s Liberty Bell sculpture unveiled in Lebanon.
- January 2026: Ongoing investigations into Florida air quality feature Dr. Joseph Buhain.
- February 2026: AARC Congress in Phoenix highlights the excellence of SCSU’s program under Dr. Joan Kreiger.
Conclusion
The AARC remains a hub for professionals who are not only masters of the cardiopulmonary system but also leaders in their communities. Whether they are advocating for cleaner air, educating the next generation, or using their artistic talents to celebrate national milestones, these members embody the resilience and versatility required in modern healthcare.
As we look toward the remainder of 2026 and beyond, it is clear that the contributions of these individuals will continue to drive the profession forward. The integration of academic rigor, community engagement, and compassionate clinical care remains the bedrock of the respiratory therapy profession, and as demonstrated by these highlights, the future of the field is in capable hands.
For those interested in following these stories further, the original reports provide a deeper dive into the specific challenges and successes that these AARC members face daily. Their stories serve as an inspiration to all who work within the healthcare sector to continue pushing boundaries, advocating for patients, and pursuing excellence in all aspects of life.
