The field of respiratory care is defined not only by the critical, life-saving interventions performed at the bedside but also by the visionary leadership, community advocacy, and academic excellence of the professionals who comprise the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). As we move through the close of 2025 and look toward the future of clinical practice and education, AARC members are consistently at the forefront of innovation.
From the establishment of new academic departments to the front lines of environmental health investigations and community service, respiratory therapists (RTs) are proving that their expertise extends far beyond the hospital walls. This report highlights the diverse contributions of AARC members who are shaping the profession and serving their communities in remarkable ways.
Academic Advancement and Institutional Growth
The Evolution of Education at Boise State
Academic structure often dictates the trajectory of research and clinical innovation. At Boise State University, this realization has led to a significant institutional shift. Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, recently championed the transition of the respiratory care program into a newly established School of Respiratory Care.
Previously housed within the School of Allied Health Sciences, the new school provides respiratory care educators with greater autonomy and the resources necessary to push the boundaries of clinical research. By elevating the program, Boise State is signaling that respiratory care is a cornerstone discipline that requires its own academic infrastructure to thrive. Dr. Koster’s leadership in this transition underscores the growing necessity for specialized educational environments that can adapt to the rapid technological advancements in pulmonary medicine. Read more about the School of Respiratory Care here.
National Recognition for BSRT Programs
Excellence in education is a metric that carries significant weight in the healthcare industry. Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) recently received the AARC’s prestigious Apex Award, a recognition that honors programs demonstrating high standards of quality and patient safety. Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, represented the university in accepting this honor during the 2026 AARC Congress in Phoenix.
The Apex Award specifically recognized SCSU’s BSRT degree advancement program. This program is essential for the future of the profession, as it bridges the gap between foundational clinical training and the advanced practice models required in modern, complex healthcare systems. Dr. Kreiger’s work highlights how academic rigor directly correlates to the quality of care provided at the bedside. Learn more about the award-winning program here.
Clinical Advocacy and Community Impact
The Intersection of Personal Experience and Professional Care
While respiratory care is often viewed through the lens of data and clinical protocols, the human element remains the most potent aspect of the profession. John Dvorak, BS, RRT, recently shared his personal journey with the St. Cloud community, detailing how his career was shaped by his own family’s medical needs.
When his niece was born and required intensive care in the NICU for respiratory complications, Dvorak found himself in a unique position—simultaneously a family member and a trained clinician. His story serves as a powerful reminder that respiratory therapists are often the most empathetic advocates for their patients because they understand the visceral reality of respiratory distress from both sides of the monitor. His narrative has resonated with the public, shedding light on the vital role RTs play in supporting families through the most vulnerable stages of life. Read John Dvorak’s story here.
Environmental Advocacy: Respiratory Health in Florida
Respiratory health is inextricably linked to the environment. In Florida, Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, has taken a lead role in addressing public health concerns regarding industrial waste. Following reports of dust particles emanating from a local waste and recycling plant, residents raised concerns about the potential for long-term respiratory impacts.
Dr. Buhain’s involvement as a subject matter expert highlights the expanding scope of the RT profession. Today’s practitioners are increasingly called upon to serve as environmental health advocates, using their knowledge of lung function and particulate matter to inform public policy and protect community health. His work in the Collier community serves as a case study for how RTs can bridge the gap between clinical medicine and public health safety. View the WINK News investigation here.
Celebrating Excellence: Maternity Care and Community Spirit
Setting the Standard in Maternity Care
At the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the commitment to maternal and neonatal health has been validated by U.S. News & World Report. The facility was recently named a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in the official news coverage of this achievement.
The recognition reflects the collaborative nature of modern maternity wards, where respiratory therapists work alongside obstetricians and neonatologists to ensure the highest standards of care. Mitchell’s presence in this coverage acknowledges the critical, often invisible, work that respiratory therapists perform to ensure both mother and baby receive optimal oxygenation and respiratory support during the perinatal period. See the full report here.
Creativity and Service: The "America250" Initiative
The impact of AARC members also extends into the arts and civic celebration. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, has gained recognition in the Lebanon Daily News for his artistic contribution to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Rudegeair designed a custom Liberty Bell sculpture to honor America’s semi-quincentennial in 2026.
His project, featured at the local expo center, demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the respiratory care workforce. Beyond their clinical skills, these professionals are often active, creative members of their local communities, committed to both their patients and their civic heritage. Read about the Liberty Bell project here.
Mentorship and the Next Generation of RTs
Pinning Ceremonies: The Rite of Passage
The future of the respiratory care profession depends on the strength of its academic pipelines. At Newman University, a recent pinning ceremony celebrated the graduation of new nursing and respiratory care students. The event, which featured AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student Haven Sjogren, emphasized the transition from the classroom to the clinical setting.
Pinning ceremonies are more than just formalities; they represent the passing of the torch from experienced practitioners to the next generation of clinicians. By participating in these ceremonies, AARC members reinforce the values of the profession—clinical excellence, patient-centered care, and lifelong learning. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, this mentorship ensures that the standards established by current leaders remain intact. Read the report on the pinning ceremony here.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The breadth of these activities—ranging from legislative advocacy and university-level restructuring to community art and clinical mentorship—suggests that the profession of respiratory care is in a period of dynamic growth. Several key implications emerge from these diverse contributions:
- Professional Autonomy: The creation of independent schools of respiratory care, as seen at Boise State, suggests that the profession is moving toward greater self-governance and academic prestige.
- Expanding Scope of Practice: The involvement of practitioners like Dr. Buhain in environmental investigations points toward a future where RTs serve as experts in public health, not just hospital-based care.
- The Humanization of Care: The advocacy of professionals like John Dvorak reminds the healthcare industry that the most effective care is delivered by those who balance technical expertise with deep, personal empathy.
- Institutional Quality: The success of programs like those at SCSU and Penn State Health illustrates that AARC-backed standards are the benchmarks for high-quality, high-performing healthcare systems.
As we look toward 2026, the respiratory care profession continues to demonstrate its vital importance to the American healthcare system. Through the combined efforts of educators, clinicians, and community leaders, AARC members are ensuring that the field remains not only relevant but essential to the health and well-being of the nation. These stories serve as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and professional rigor that define the respiratory therapist of the 21st century.
