Across the United States, respiratory therapists (RTs) are proving that their expertise extends far beyond the bedside. From the halls of academia to the front lines of environmental advocacy and even the world of fine arts, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are shaping the future of healthcare. This report examines the recent achievements of several distinguished AARC members, highlighting how their dedication to the profession is influencing institutional growth, patient outcomes, and public policy.
The Evolution of Respiratory Care Education: Boise State’s New School
Expanding the Academic Horizon
In a significant development for the academic standing of the profession, Boise State University has officially launched its new School of Respiratory Care. Previously operating as a department within the broader School of Allied Health Sciences, the transition to a standalone school represents a pivotal shift in institutional strategy.
AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, has been instrumental in this transition. The restructuring is designed to provide RT educators with the autonomy and resources necessary to make greater strides in clinical research and pedagogical innovation. By elevating the department to school status, Boise State is signaling that respiratory care is a cornerstone discipline of modern medicine, deserving of its own leadership structure and specialized investment.
Implications for the Future
The creation of the School of Respiratory Care at Boise State serves as a blueprint for other universities nationwide. As respiratory diseases continue to rise in prevalence due to environmental factors and an aging population, the need for advanced, research-driven RT education has never been more critical. Dr. Koster’s leadership ensures that the program is not merely keeping pace with medical advancements but is actively defining them.
Compassion at the Bedside: Personal Narratives and Clinical Excellence
The Dvorak Case: When Family Becomes the Patient
The human side of respiratory care was recently highlighted in a compelling profile of AARC member John Dvorak, BS, RRT. Featured by St. Cloud LIVE, Dvorak’s story provides a rare glimpse into the intersection of professional training and personal life.
When his newborn niece faced severe respiratory complications requiring admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dvorak found himself in a unique position. Utilizing his specialized skills as an RT, he became a critical bridge between the clinical staff and his own family. His story underscores the emotional intelligence required of therapists who must often remain calm in the face of life-altering crises. Dvorak’s dedication serves as a testament to the fact that for many RTs, the profession is more than a career—it is a calling that informs every aspect of their lives.
National Recognition and Programmatic Success
Southern Connecticut State University and the Apex Award
Academic excellence in respiratory care was further validated this year as Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) received the prestigious AARC Apex Award. The honor recognized the university’s BSRT degree advancement program, which has been lauded for its efficacy and curriculum rigor.
AARC member Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, played a central role in the program’s success and formally accepted the award at the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix. The Apex Award is not merely a trophy; it is a benchmark of quality. For Dr. Kreiger and her team at SCSU, the award confirms that their approach to workforce development—moving associate-level practitioners to bachelor’s degrees—is the gold standard for elevating the national respiratory care workforce.
Advocacy and Environmental Health: Protecting Communities
The Collier County Investigation
Respiratory therapists are increasingly serving as experts in public health, particularly regarding environmental triggers. AARC member Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently provided critical insight for a WINK News investigation into a waste and recycling plant in a Florida community.
Local residents have filed nearly 30 complaints regarding dust particles emanating from the facility, raising alarms about potential long-term respiratory health issues. Dr. Buhain’s involvement as a subject matter expert highlights the vital role RTs play in environmental advocacy. By analyzing the potential impact of particulate matter on lung function, Dr. Buhain provided the community with the evidence-based perspective needed to hold local industry accountable. This case illustrates the growing necessity for RTs to act as consultants in public health policy, ensuring that the air we breathe is safe.
Maternity Care Excellence: The Role of the RT
Penn State Health’s Milestone
The role of the respiratory therapist in maternity care is often overlooked, yet it is essential for the safety of both mother and child. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. AARC member Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in the announcement, representing the high standard of care provided by the hospital’s respiratory team.
Neonatal and maternal respiratory support is a high-stakes specialty. The recognition of the hospital’s performance is a direct reflection of the rigorous protocols implemented by RTs like Mitchell, who ensure that every patient receives optimal oxygenation and ventilation support during the most critical moments of birth and postnatal care.
Beyond the Hospital: RTs as Pillars of Culture
The Art of Service: Jim Rudegeair’s Liberty Bell
Respiratory therapy requires precision, attention to detail, and a creative approach to problem-solving. It is perhaps no coincidence that these skills have led AARC member Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, to find success in the arts.
Featured in the Lebanon Daily News, Rudegeair was highlighted for his creation of a custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture to honor America’s upcoming semi-quincentennial (America250) in 2026. This intersection of professional service and civic pride is characteristic of the AARC membership. Rudegeair’s project serves as a reminder that healthcare professionals are deeply embedded in their communities, contributing not just to clinical outcomes but to the cultural fabric of the nation.
The Next Generation: Mentorship and Professional Entry
Pinning Ceremonies and Future Leaders
The cycle of professional growth was on full display at Newman University, where a recent pinning ceremony honored the latest cohort of nursing and respiratory care graduates. AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, joined student member Haven Sjogren in celebrating the milestone.
Pinning ceremonies are more than just academic traditions; they are rites of passage that transition students from the classroom to the high-pressure environment of the clinical setting. The presence of established practitioners like Dr. Cho and Clark serves to mentor the next generation, instilling in them the values of the AARC: advocacy, education, and patient-centered care. For students like Sjogren, seeing the trajectory of their mentors provides a roadmap for their own potential careers.
Analysis: The State of the Profession in 2026
Chronology of Progress
The events described above represent a multi-faceted expansion of the respiratory care profession over the past 18 months:
- Late 2025: Boise State University announces the formation of the School of Respiratory Care, signaling a shift toward academic independence.
- December 2025: Penn State Health receives national maternity recognition, highlighting the integration of RTs into specialized obstetric care.
- January 2026: AARC Congress in Phoenix serves as the stage for national recognition, including the presentation of the Apex Award to SCSU.
- Mid-2026: Ongoing investigations into environmental air quality, supported by RT expertise, gain traction in local media.
Official Responses and Industry Implications
The AARC’s mission to promote the respiratory care profession is clearly reflected in these varied successes. From the perspective of healthcare administration, the shift toward higher academic standards (as seen at SCSU and Boise State) is a direct response to the increasing complexity of respiratory technology.
Furthermore, the involvement of RTs in environmental and community advocacy signals a broader trend: the "Clinical-to-Community" movement. RTs are no longer confined to the hospital floor; they are increasingly seen as community health leaders. Whether it is addressing dust pollution in Florida or commemorating national milestones in Pennsylvania, the profession is proving its versatility and its necessity.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite these successes, the profession faces ongoing challenges. The high rate of burnout in the post-pandemic era remains a concern for many AARC members. However, the professional achievements highlighted here—ranging from educational advancement to public advocacy—suggest a resilient workforce. By continuing to focus on degree advancement, research, and community involvement, AARC members are effectively diversifying their roles, thereby securing the future of the respiratory care profession for the next generation.
In conclusion, the individuals highlighted in this report represent the vanguard of the respiratory care movement. Through their diverse contributions, they have demonstrated that the profession is not only essential for patient survival but is also a vital component of a healthy, informed, and culturally vibrant society. As we look toward the remainder of 2026, the AARC remains committed to supporting these members as they continue to lead, advocate, and inspire.
