The respiratory care profession is defined by its adaptability, clinical rigor, and the profound impact practitioners have on patient outcomes. From the halls of academia to the frontlines of clinical emergencies and the creative spaces of public advocacy, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are consistently demonstrating excellence.
As we look toward the horizon of 2026, a series of notable achievements and contributions by AARC members has underscored the essential role of respiratory therapists (RTs) in shaping modern healthcare and community health standards. This report highlights the diverse contributions of our colleagues as they lead institutional change, provide lifesaving care, and engage with the broader public.
I. Academic Advancement and Institutional Growth
Elevating the Profession Through Structural Change
The landscape of respiratory care education is shifting, with institutions increasingly recognizing the need for specialized, dedicated focus on the discipline.
At Boise State University, a significant milestone was reached with the launch of the new School of Respiratory Care. Previously housed within the School of Allied Health Sciences, this transition grants the department greater autonomy, allowing for intensified research initiatives and more robust curriculum development. AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, played a pivotal role in this transition. By elevating the status of the program, Dr. Koster and her colleagues are positioning the university to produce graduates who are not only clinically proficient but also grounded in the latest evidence-based research. This structural shift is expected to enhance the university’s ability to secure grants and partnerships, ultimately driving the profession forward. Read the full report on the Boise State transition here.
Recognizing Excellence in BSRT Advancement
Academic rigor is also being celebrated on the national stage. Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, recently accepted the prestigious AARC Apex Award on behalf of Southern Connecticut State University. The award recognizes the university’s BSRT degree advancement program, which has been cited as a model for preparing the next generation of leaders in respiratory care. Accepted during the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix, the award serves as a testament to the program’s commitment to raising the bar for respiratory therapy education. Read more about the Apex Award recognition here.
II. The Clinical Frontline: Care Beyond the Classroom
A Personal Mission in the NICU
While academic leadership shapes the future, the day-to-day impact of the RT is felt most acutely at the bedside. John Dvorak, BS, RRT, recently shared a deeply moving story with St. Cloud LIVE regarding his path into the profession. His journey became personal when his own niece was born requiring specialized NICU care for respiratory distress. Dvorak’s account highlights the unique intersection of professional expertise and emotional intelligence that defines the respiratory therapist. His story serves as a reminder that for many RTs, the work is not merely a career, but a calling rooted in the desire to protect the most vulnerable. Read John Dvorak’s story here.
Setting National Standards for Maternity Care
Clinical excellence was also on display at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. AARC member Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in local coverage following the hospital’s recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. Mitchell’s role in this achievement reflects the essential nature of RTs in neonatal and maternal health services, ensuring that specialized respiratory support is available to the most fragile newborns. See the coverage here.
III. Community Health Advocacy and Public Safety
Investigating Environmental Impacts
Respiratory therapists are uniquely qualified to identify and mitigate environmental health hazards. In Florida, Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, lent his expertise to a WINK News investigation regarding community health concerns near a waste and recycling facility. Neighbors near the Collier County plant have reported numerous health issues linked to airborne dust particles. Dr. Buhain’s involvement underscores the importance of the RT as a public health advocate. By translating complex respiratory physiology for the public, he provides clarity on how industrial particulates impact lung health, bridging the gap between clinical observation and environmental regulation. Read the WINK investigation here.
IV. Professional Milestones: A Chronology of Success
The following timeline illustrates the diverse milestones achieved by AARC members throughout late 2025:
- December 9, 2025: Boise State University officially launches the School of Respiratory Care under the leadership of Dr. Megan Koster.
- December 10, 2025: Newman University honors nursing and RT students during a pinning ceremony, featuring Dr. Tim Cho, Charity Clark, and student Haven Sjogren.
- December 11, 2025: Jim Rudegeair unveils his custom Liberty Bell sculpture, marking a unique intersection of community service and artistic expression.
- Mid-December 2025: Continued regional coverage of Dr. Joseph Buhain’s advocacy regarding local air quality and industrial waste.
- January 2026: Continued celebration of Southern Connecticut State University’s Apex Award, earned at the AARC Congress in Phoenix.
V. Supporting the Next Generation
The transition from student to professional is a critical juncture in the healthcare workforce. At Newman University, AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, along with student member Haven Sjogren, were highlighted in coverage of a pinning ceremony. Such events are vital for fostering professional identity. As students like Sjogren prepare to enter the field, the mentorship provided by established practitioners like Dr. Cho and Clark ensures that the core values of the profession—compassion, precision, and patient-centered care—are passed down to the next generation. Read the full report from the Newman University pinning ceremony here.
VI. Beyond the Bedside: RTs as Community Pillars
The diversity of the AARC membership is perhaps best exemplified by the creative contributions of its members. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, recently captured the attention of the Lebanon Daily News for his artistic contributions to the community. In preparation for the 2026 America250PA celebration—the nation’s semi-quincentennial—Rudegeair designed a custom Liberty Bell sculpture.
This project is more than just a creative hobby; it reflects the commitment of many respiratory therapists to engage with their local communities beyond the hospital walls. By contributing to the cultural and historical legacy of the country, Rudegeair illustrates that RTs are well-rounded individuals whose skills in precision and design—often honed in the clinical setting—can translate into meaningful community projects. Read more about the Liberty Bell project here.
VII. Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The events and achievements detailed in this report suggest several key trends for the respiratory therapy profession:
- Academic Maturation: The shift toward dedicated Schools of Respiratory Care, as seen at Boise State, suggests that the profession is moving toward greater academic independence, which will likely lead to more specialized research and higher-level degrees.
- Increased Public Visibility: From environmental advocacy to high-profile maternity care rankings, RTs are becoming more visible in the public sphere. This increased exposure is vital for the profession’s long-term goal of being recognized as a pillar of preventative health.
- Holistic Professional Identity: The combination of clinical excellence and community engagement—ranging from NICU care to public art—demonstrates that the modern respiratory therapist is a multifaceted professional. This broad engagement strengthens the profession’s reputation and builds trust within the communities they serve.
As we move further into 2026, the AARC remains committed to supporting these leaders as they continue to influence healthcare policy, patient outcomes, and community wellness. The work of these members is not just a reflection of their individual success, but a signal of the growing influence and necessity of respiratory therapy in a rapidly changing world.
