The field of respiratory therapy is undergoing a period of profound evolution. From the restructuring of academic institutions to meet the demands of modern medicine to the deeply personal narratives that define the patient-provider relationship, respiratory therapists (RTs) are increasingly at the center of the healthcare conversation.
As the profession continues to gain recognition for its critical role in acute, chronic, and preventative care, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are frequently serving as the faces of these changes. Whether leading educational reform, conducting community health investigations, or contributing to the arts and humanities, AARC members are demonstrating that the reach of a respiratory therapist extends far beyond the hospital bedside.
Academic Evolution: Elevating the Standards of Education
Boise State University’s New School of Respiratory Care
The academic landscape for respiratory therapy is shifting to reflect the profession’s growing complexity. Recently, Boise State University announced the formation of a dedicated School of Respiratory Care, a move celebrated by the RT community and academic leaders alike.
Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, a prominent AARC member, was instrumental in highlighting the significance of this transition. Previously housed under the School of Allied Health Sciences, the transition to an independent school structure is expected to facilitate greater autonomy, increased research output, and a more focused curriculum. By elevating the status of the department, Boise State is positioning its respiratory program to better compete for grants, attract specialized faculty, and provide students with a more robust, research-heavy education.
Recognition and Accreditation: The Apex Award
Excellence in education is further exemplified by the recognition of programs like that at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, recently represented the institution as it accepted the AARC’s prestigious Apex Award.
The award, which recognizes programs that demonstrate high standards of excellence, specifically honored SCSU’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree advancement program. Dr. Kreiger accepted the award during the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning and advanced degrees in the field. This recognition serves as a benchmark for other institutions striving to improve the educational caliber of their graduates.
The Human Element: Advocacy and Personal Connection
A Family-Centered Approach to Care
Respiratory care is often defined by the technical precision of ventilator management or airway clearance, but for John Dvorak, BS, RRT, the profession is rooted in the deeply personal. In a recent feature by St. Cloud LIVE, Dvorak shared his journey into the field, which was profoundly influenced by the experience of caring for his niece.
After her birth, his niece required extensive time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to complex respiratory complications. Dvorak’s ability to transition from a professional caregiver to a supportive family member—while maintaining his clinical expertise—highlights the emotional intelligence required of modern RTs. His story serves as a poignant reminder that many practitioners are drawn to the field through personal trauma or family necessity, creating a unique empathy that informs their bedside manner.
Celebrating the Next Generation
The transition from student to professional is a rite of passage marked by the pinning ceremony. Recently, AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, along with student member Haven Sjogren, were featured in WRAL News for their participation in the pinning ceremony at Newman University. This event not only celebrates academic success but also signals the influx of fresh talent into the respiratory workforce, a necessary development as the demand for highly skilled respiratory care continues to climb.
Public Health and Investigative Advocacy
Environmental Health and Community Safety
Respiratory therapists are increasingly involved in public health advocacy, acting as sentinels for environmental risks. Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently brought his expertise to a high-profile investigation by WINK News regarding a waste and recycling plant in Florida.
Residents had voiced concerns regarding the potential health impacts of dust particles emanating from the facility. With nearly 30 complaints filed, the community turned to experts like Dr. Buhain to interpret the risks associated with inhalable particulates. This case illustrates a growing trend: respiratory therapists are becoming essential voices in local government and community health discussions, using their knowledge of lung physiology and environmental triggers to hold industrial operators accountable.
Excellence in Maternity and Critical Care
High Performing Hospital Recognition
The quality of a hospital’s respiratory department is often a reflection of the institution’s overall commitment to excellence. Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in a Penn State Health News report following the recognition of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.
The role of an RT in maternity care, particularly in the NICU and labor and delivery, is vital to neonatal survival and long-term health. The recognition of the hospital’s performance highlights the collaborative environment between obstetricians, neonatologists, and respiratory therapists in managing the delicate respiratory needs of newborns.
Beyond the Bedside: The RT as a Cultural Contributor
The versatility of the respiratory therapy profession is perhaps best illustrated by the extracurricular contributions of its members. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, captured headlines in the Lebanon Daily News for his artistic endeavor: a custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture.
Created to honor the upcoming semi-quincentennial (America250PA) anniversary in 2026, the project demonstrates that the analytical and precise nature of the respiratory profession often translates into creative problem-solving and artistic passion. Rudegeair’s contribution to the national celebration is a testament to the diverse skill sets held by those in the medical field.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Therapy
The events highlighted across these various platforms—from academic structural changes to public health investigations—point toward three major trends shaping the future of the profession:
- Specialization and Academic Growth: The creation of dedicated Schools of Respiratory Care, like the one at Boise State, indicates that the profession is moving toward a more academic-centric model. This is likely to lead to increased research opportunities and a stronger evidence-based practice foundation.
- Expanding Scope of Advocacy: RTs are moving out of the hospital and into the community. Whether advising on air quality or advocating for better environmental regulations, the RT is becoming a public health advocate.
- Holistic Professional Identity: The profession is increasingly embracing the human and artistic dimensions of the work. As seen in the stories of John Dvorak and Jim Rudegeair, the "whole person" approach to medicine is mirrored by the "whole person" approach to the RT career path.
Conclusion
The narrative of respiratory care is no longer limited to the mechanics of breathing. It is a story of institutional advancement, community safety, and personal dedication. As AARC members continue to push the boundaries of what is expected of a respiratory therapist, the profession will undoubtedly continue to evolve into a more integral, visible, and respected pillar of the modern healthcare system. Whether in a university boardroom, a community council meeting, or an art expo, respiratory therapists are showing that they are not just providers of care—they are leaders, researchers, and community pillars.
