The field of respiratory care is defined not only by clinical expertise in the intensive care unit or the pulmonary function lab but by a commitment to advocacy, education, and the betterment of the communities we serve. As we look across the landscape of the profession, AARC members are consistently rising to the forefront of national and local conversations. From the halls of academia to the front lines of public health and even the creative arts, the following leaders demonstrate the multifaceted nature of the modern respiratory therapist (RT).
This report highlights the recent achievements of several AARC members who are shaping the future of respiratory care through innovation, compassionate clinical practice, and public advocacy.
I. Advancing the Academic Frontier: Boise State University’s New School
The Shift to a Dedicated School of Respiratory Care
In a significant move for the future of respiratory education, Boise State University has elevated its respiratory care program into a standalone School of Respiratory Care. This transition, previously housed within the School of Allied Health Sciences, marks a pivotal moment for RT educators.
Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, a prominent AARC member and advocate for the profession, was featured in the university’s announcement regarding this institutional evolution. By establishing a dedicated school, the university aims to foster greater autonomy for faculty and students alike. This administrative restructuring is expected to facilitate significant strides in clinical research, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. For the respiratory therapy workforce, this serves as a model for how higher education can better position RT programs to meet the growing demand for specialized, high-level pulmonary care.
II. The Human Element: Personal Stories of Care
When the Patient is Family: John Dvorak’s Story
Respiratory therapy is often categorized by the equipment and protocols used—ventilators, nebulizers, and arterial blood gases. However, at its core, it remains a profoundly human practice. John Dvorak, BS, RRT, recently shared a deeply personal narrative via St. Cloud LIVE, illustrating the gravity of the work RTs do every day.
Dvorak’s journey into the profession took on new meaning when he was tasked with caring for his own niece. Born with significant respiratory challenges, the infant required specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Dvorak’s story provides a rare, intimate look at the duality of the respiratory therapist: the professional who must maintain clinical objectivity while navigating the emotional complexity of caring for a family member. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of the impact RTs have on the trajectory of a patient’s life, particularly during the most vulnerable moments of infancy.
III. National Recognition: Excellence in Education
SCSU Receives the Coveted AARC Apex Award
The standards of respiratory care education in the United States reached a new benchmark this year as Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) was honored with the AARC’s prestigious Apex Award. This recognition was bestowed upon the university specifically for its Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree advancement program.
Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, who was instrumental in the success of this program, formally accepted the award at the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix. The Apex Award represents the pinnacle of professional excellence, acknowledging programs that demonstrate consistent adherence to the highest standards of education and patient care. Dr. Kreiger’s leadership in advancing the BSRT pathway highlights a critical trend in the field: the move toward higher academic credentials to ensure that respiratory therapists are equipped to lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
IV. Public Health and Advocacy
Addressing Environmental Respiratory Hazards in Florida
The role of the respiratory therapist extends far beyond the bedside; it often requires engaging with environmental health issues that affect entire populations. Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently brought his expertise to the public stage regarding concerns in a Florida community.
Featured in an investigative report by WINK News, Dr. Buhain provided essential context regarding the potential health risks posed by dust particles emanating from a local waste and recycling plant. With nearly 30 community complaints lodged, the situation highlights the intersection of public policy, environmental safety, and respiratory health. As an expert, Dr. Buhain’s involvement underscores the necessity of having respiratory professionals involved in public health discourse, ensuring that the long-term impact of air quality on pulmonary function is considered by policymakers and industrial stakeholders.
V. Clinical Excellence and Maternity Care
High Performing Status at Hershey Medical Center
Maternity care is a high-stakes environment where respiratory health—both for the mother and the newborn—is paramount. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was recently designated a "2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care" by U.S. News & World Report.
AARC member Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in the hospital’s official coverage of the achievement. This recognition is a testament to the clinical rigor maintained by the respiratory care team. By achieving top-tier status in maternity care, the hospital has demonstrated that their respiratory protocols, particularly regarding neonatal resuscitation and maternal respiratory support, meet the highest national benchmarks. Mitchell’s presence in this coverage highlights the essential role that RTs play in securing positive outcomes for high-risk maternity populations.
VI. Celebrating Heritage and Professional Creativity
A Unique Artistic Tribute to American History
The influence of AARC members reaches even into the cultural and historical spheres. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, has demonstrated that the precision and attention to detail required in respiratory care can be channeled into extraordinary creative projects.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 semi-quincentennial (America250PA), Rudegeair unveiled a custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture. Featured in the Lebanon Daily News, his work serves as a symbol of unity and historical pride. While distinct from his clinical duties as an RT, the dedication required to execute such a project reflects the same level of commitment, focus, and passion that AARC members bring to their clinical roles every day.
VII. The Next Generation: Pinning Ceremonies and Future Leaders
Honoring the Graduates of Newman University
The cycle of the profession continues through the education and formal recognition of the next generation of respiratory therapists. A recent pinning ceremony at Newman University, covered by WRAL News, celebrated the hard work of nursing and respiratory care graduates.
AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, were on hand to celebrate the achievement, joined by student member Haven Sjogren. Pinning ceremonies are more than symbolic; they represent the successful transition from student to practitioner. The involvement of established professionals like Dr. Cho and Ms. Clark ensures that the tradition of mentorship remains strong, providing a bridge between the academic rigors of the classroom and the realities of the clinical environment.
VIII. Implications for the Future of the Profession
The diverse achievements of these AARC members provide a clear snapshot of the modern respiratory care landscape:
- Academic Maturation: The establishment of the School of Respiratory Care at Boise State University suggests that the field is maturing into its own distinct academic discipline, moving away from being a sub-department of general allied health.
- Increased Public Profile: Through the work of leaders like Dr. Buhain, the profession is taking a more active role in public health advocacy. RTs are increasingly viewed as environmental and community health experts.
- Clinical Excellence as a Standard: The recognitions received by SCSU and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center indicate that health systems are increasingly using respiratory outcomes as key performance indicators for institutional excellence.
- Mentorship and Continuity: The focus on pinning ceremonies ensures that the workforce pipeline remains robust, with a clear emphasis on the importance of professional community and mentorship.
Conclusion
The stories of Megan Koster, John Dvorak, Joan Kreiger, Joseph Buhain, Haley Mitchell, Jim Rudegeair, Tim Cho, Charity Clark, and Haven Sjogren are representative of the AARC membership at large. Whether through the pursuit of academic rigor, the quiet dignity of bedside care, or the loud advocacy of public health, these individuals demonstrate that the respiratory therapy profession is vital, growing, and deeply integrated into the fabric of American society.
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, it is clear that the respiratory therapist is no longer merely a support role; they are researchers, educators, artists, and primary advocates for the health of the public. The continued success of these members serves as a blueprint for the future of the profession, promising a trajectory of excellence that will continue to benefit patients, students, and communities for years to come.
