The field of respiratory care is defined not only by the critical life-saving interventions performed at the bedside but also by the diverse leadership roles its practitioners assume in academia, public health advocacy, community engagement, and the arts. As we move through the mid-2020s, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) continue to distinguish themselves as vital contributors to both the healthcare ecosystem and the broader cultural landscape.
From the elevation of academic institutions to the deeply personal narratives of clinicians caring for their own families, AARC members are consistently at the forefront of progress. This report highlights the recent achievements and media visibility of several distinguished members, exploring how their work is shaping the future of respiratory therapy.
The Academic Evolution: Elevating Respiratory Care Education
Boise State University’s New School of Respiratory Care
In a significant move for the future of the profession, Boise State University has officially inaugurated the new School of Respiratory Care. Previously operating as a department within the School of Allied Health Sciences, this elevation provides the respiratory care program with greater autonomy, resources, and institutional visibility.
AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, has been a leading voice in this transition. Dr. Koster’s leadership during this expansion underscores the importance of elevating respiratory therapy to a standalone academic discipline. By securing this status, RT educators at Boise State are now better positioned to pursue advanced research initiatives, modernize curricula, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. As the industry faces increasing demands for specialized respiratory knowledge, programs like those at Boise State—bolstered by leadership like Dr. Koster’s—are setting a new gold standard for clinical education. Read more here.
National Recognition: The Apex Award
Academic excellence was further highlighted as Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, represented Southern Connecticut State University in accepting the prestigious AARC Apex Award. The award recognizes the university’s outstanding BSRT degree advancement program, which has been instrumental in helping working clinicians attain higher levels of education.
Dr. Kreiger accepted the honor during the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix, a moment that served as a testament to the university’s commitment to elevating the professional standards of the workforce. The Apex Award is among the highest honors bestowed by the AARC, acknowledging institutions that demonstrate excellence in patient care, education, and professional development. Read more here.
Clinical Impact: The Personal Side of Respiratory Therapy
A Family Connection: John Dvorak’s Story
While respiratory therapists are often heralded for their technical expertise, the emotional weight of the profession is never more apparent than when it strikes close to home. John Dvorak, BS, RRT, recently shared his poignant journey into the field with St. Cloud LIVE. His career path was deeply influenced by a life-altering event: the birth of his niece, who required intensive care in the NICU due to complex respiratory issues.
Dvorak’s story illustrates the profound intersection of professional skill and human empathy. His ability to step into the role of a caregiver for his own family member highlights the unique position of respiratory therapists—as both highly trained clinical experts and essential pillars of support for families in crisis. Read more here.
Public Health Advocacy and Community Safety
Investigating Environmental Hazards in Florida
Respiratory health is inextricably linked to the air quality of the communities we live in. Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently brought his expertise to bear on a public health investigation in Florida. Featured on WINK News, Dr. Buhain provided expert analysis regarding health concerns related to airborne dust particles originating from a local waste and recycling facility.
When communities express concern over potential respiratory irritants, the input of a respiratory therapist is invaluable. Dr. Buhain’s involvement underscores the role of the RRT as a public health advocate who can bridge the gap between scientific environmental data and the lived experiences of concerned citizens. His work serves as a reminder that the responsibility of the RT extends beyond the hospital walls and into the protection of community respiratory health. Read more here.
High-Performing Facilities and Future Professionals
Excellence in Maternity Care
In the realm of hospital quality, Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured prominently in coverage regarding Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s recent achievement. The facility was named a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.
Respiratory therapists specializing in neonatal and pediatric care (RRT-NPS) are critical to the success of high-performing maternity wards. By providing specialized care to newborns experiencing respiratory distress, clinicians like Mitchell ensure that hospitals can maintain the rigorous standards required for such high-level recognition. Read more here.
The Next Generation: Pinning Ceremonies
The cycle of professional growth was further evidenced at Newman University, where AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student member Haven Sjogren, participated in a traditional pinning ceremony. These ceremonies represent the culmination of years of rigorous study and the transition of students into the workforce. The involvement of established professionals alongside students highlights the vital mentorship culture that sustains the respiratory care field. Read more here.
Beyond the Bedside: Creative Contributions
The influence of AARC members often transcends clinical and academic settings, reaching into the arts and public commemoration. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, demonstrated this creative spirit by designing a custom Liberty Bell sculpture in anticipation of America’s semi-quincentennial anniversary in 2026.
Rudegeair’s contribution, featured in the Lebanon Daily News, showcases the diverse talents held by individuals within the profession. It serves as a reminder that the analytical mindset cultivated in respiratory care—focused on precision, assembly, and dedication to a higher cause—often translates into success in creative and community-building endeavors. Read more here.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The breadth of these stories—from the high-level policy shifts at Boise State to the community-based advocacy of Dr. Buhain and the artistic dedication of Jim Rudegeair—reveals a profession in a state of robust evolution.
- Strategic Autonomy: The shift toward dedicated Schools of Respiratory Care, as seen at Boise State, implies that the future of the field will be driven by research-backed evidence and specialized education.
- Professional Advocacy: The presence of RRTs in public health investigations indicates an increasing reliance on respiratory therapists as environmental and public health authorities.
- Community Integration: As demonstrated by the personal stories of members like John Dvorak, the public perception of the RT is shifting from a background technician to a central figure in family support and patient advocacy.
As we look toward the remainder of the decade, the AARC remains committed to supporting these professionals as they push the boundaries of what it means to be a respiratory therapist. Whether through the pursuit of academic excellence, the defense of community health, or the celebration of national milestones, these members are not just treating respiratory conditions; they are breathing new life into the profession itself.
