The landscape of respiratory care is evolving rapidly, driven by the dedication and expertise of professionals committed to patient outcomes, academic excellence, and community advocacy. From the halls of higher education to the front lines of neonatal intensive care and local environmental health investigations, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are making significant contributions that resonate far beyond the bedside.
This report highlights a series of recent milestones achieved by AARC members, underscoring the vital role these clinicians and educators play in shaping the future of healthcare.
I. Advancing Academic Excellence: The New School of Respiratory Care at Boise State
In a landmark development for the field, Boise State University has announced the establishment of a new School of Respiratory Care. Previously operating as a department within the School of Allied Health Sciences, this elevation to a dedicated school status signifies a strategic commitment to the profession.
The Vision of Dr. Megan Koster
AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, has been a central figure in this transition. The move is designed to provide respiratory therapy (RT) educators with greater autonomy and resources to pursue high-level research and innovative pedagogical strategies. By operating as a standalone school, Boise State aims to bolster the rigor of its clinical training and expand its research footprint. This institutional shift is expected to empower faculty to address emerging respiratory challenges with more agility, ultimately setting a new standard for RT education in the Pacific Northwest. Read more about the initiative here.
II. The Human Element: Advocacy and Personal Connection
While structural advancements define the profession’s future, the core of respiratory care remains deeply personal. The story of AARC member John Dvorak, BS, RRT, serves as a poignant reminder of why many enter this demanding field.
A Family Crisis Turned Call to Action
Featured recently in St. Cloud LIVE, Dvorak’s career path was illuminated by a profound personal experience. When his own niece was born with respiratory complications requiring a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dvorak was able to apply his professional expertise to support his family during their most vulnerable moment. His story serves as a testament to the emotional intelligence and clinical preparedness that AARC members bring to their work, bridging the gap between cold, clinical data and the warm, compassionate care required by families in crisis. Read the full story here.
III. National Recognition and Institutional Success
Excellence in respiratory education is not merely an internal goal but a benchmark for national recognition. Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) recently garnered national acclaim for its BSRT degree advancement program.
The Apex Award
AARC member Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, represented the university in accepting the prestigious AARC Apex Award. This award recognizes programs that demonstrate outstanding leadership and a commitment to advancing the profession through education. Dr. Kreiger accepted the honor during the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix, marking a significant milestone for the university’s RT program. The recognition highlights the importance of degree advancement in a field where evidence-based practice is increasingly dependent on higher academic credentials. See details on the award here.
IV. Environmental Advocacy: Public Health and Safety
Respiratory therapists are often the first to identify the intersection of environmental hazards and public health. AARC member Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, has stepped into this role in a Florida community facing environmental concerns.
Investigating Dust Particles
Following a surge of nearly 30 complaints from neighbors regarding a local waste and recycling plant, Dr. Buhain provided expert insight to WINK News regarding the potential respiratory health risks posed by airborne dust particles. His involvement highlights the role of the RT as a community health advocate. As professional experts in lung function, AARC members are uniquely qualified to interpret air quality data and provide guidance on how industrial particulate matter may impact vulnerable populations. This case underscores the necessity of having RT professionals involved in local environmental policy and safety oversight. Read the WINK News investigation here.
V. Maternal Health and Clinical Outcomes
The quality of maternity care is a critical metric for any medical center. The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been named a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.
The Role of the RRT-NPS
AARC member Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured prominently in coverage of this achievement. As a Registered Respiratory Therapist specializing in Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care, Mitchell’s work is essential to the high-quality outcomes recognized by the report. The inclusion of an RRT-NPS in the hospital’s featured coverage emphasizes that modern, high-performing maternity care is a multidisciplinary effort, where respiratory therapists are essential partners in ensuring the health of both mothers and newborns. View the coverage here.
VI. Celebrating the Future: Pinning Ceremonies and Milestones
The cycle of the profession continues through the education of the next generation. A recent pinning ceremony at Newman University celebrated the accomplishments of new nursing and respiratory care graduates.
Mentorship and Community
The event featured AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student member Haven Sjogren. Pinning ceremonies are a rite of passage, signifying the transition from student to practitioner. The active participation of experienced AARC members in these events serves as a vital bridge for mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of respiratory therapists is well-equipped to handle the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. Read more about the pinning ceremony here.
VII. Beyond the Bedside: Creative Contributions
Finally, the versatility of AARC members extends into the creative arts. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, has garnered attention for his custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture, created to honor the upcoming semi-quincentennial (America250PA) anniversary in 2026.
His work, featured in the Lebanon Daily News, serves as a reminder that the skills honed in the intensive care unit—precision, patience, and a dedication to service—often translate into meaningful contributions to the broader cultural fabric of our communities. Read the full story here.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The diverse achievements of these AARC members illustrate the multifaceted nature of the modern respiratory therapist. Whether through academic leadership, clinical excellence, public advocacy, or community engagement, the profession is moving toward a future defined by:
- Increased Autonomy: The growth of independent schools of respiratory care allows for a more focused approach to clinical training and research.
- Evidence-Based Practice: As seen with the Apex Award recipients, there is a strong push toward higher-degree attainment, ensuring that practitioners are grounded in the latest research.
- Expanded Scope of Influence: RTs are no longer just hospital-based practitioners; they are environmental watchdogs, community advocates, and leaders in interdisciplinary care teams.
- Resilience and Compassion: The personal connection remains the cornerstone of the profession, ensuring that as technology advances, the quality of patient care remains deeply empathetic.
As the industry looks toward 2026 and beyond, the AARC remains committed to supporting these professionals as they continue to lead, innovate, and care for the respiratory health of the nation.
