The field of respiratory care is currently experiencing a period of significant transition and heightened visibility. From the halls of academia to the front lines of patient advocacy and community health, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of the profession. As the respiratory care workforce continues to evolve, the collective contributions of these dedicated practitioners are underscoring the vital nature of their work in public health, education, and community engagement.
This report examines recent developments featuring AARC members who have garnered media attention for their leadership, clinical expertise, and community service. These instances serve as a microcosm of the broader trends influencing respiratory care in the mid-2020s.
Academic Evolution and the Future of Training
The landscape of respiratory therapy education is undergoing a structural shift designed to elevate the profession’s academic standing. At the forefront of this movement is Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, whose work at Boise State University has been instrumental in the university’s recent transition to a dedicated School of Respiratory Care.
Redefining the Academic Footprint
Previously housed within the School of Allied Health Sciences, the respiratory care department at Boise State has transitioned into an autonomous school. This shift is not merely administrative; it represents a strategic move to facilitate greater autonomy for RT educators. By establishing a dedicated school, the university aims to foster deeper research initiatives, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and more robust curriculum development. Dr. Koster’s leadership in this transition highlights the growing demand for specialized educational structures that can support the complex, high-acuity skills required of modern respiratory therapists.
Excellence in Advancement Programs
Academic success in the field is further exemplified by the recognition of Southern Connecticut State University’s BSRT degree advancement program. Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, who accepted the AARC’s prestigious Apex Award on behalf of the university at the 2026 AARC Congress in Phoenix, noted that such accolades are a testament to the rigorous standards being set for degree advancement. This recognition emphasizes the importance of continuing education and the push for higher academic degrees to ensure that the respiratory therapy workforce is equipped to handle the increasing complexity of chronic respiratory diseases.
Personal Narratives and the Human Element
While academic and structural advancements are essential, the heart of the profession remains firmly rooted in patient care. The intersection of professional expertise and personal crisis is a narrative that frequently highlights the profound impact respiratory therapists have on families.
When Care Becomes Personal
The story of John Dvorak, BS, RRT, featured in St. Cloud LIVE, provides a poignant example of the unique role RTs play in patient outcomes. Dvorak’s journey into the profession was tested when his own family faced a medical crisis. When his niece was born with respiratory complications and required intensive care in the NICU, Dvorak utilized his clinical knowledge to navigate the complexities of her treatment.
His story resonated with the public not only because of the emotional stakes but because it demystified the role of the respiratory therapist for the average reader. It showcased the "behind-the-scenes" vigilance that RTs provide, illustrating that the expertise used to save strangers is the same expertise used to protect loved ones.
Advocacy, Public Health, and Community Safety
Respiratory therapists are increasingly stepping into roles as public health advocates, addressing environmental hazards that impact community lung health.
Environmental Investigations and Community Health
In Florida, Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, has been at the center of a public health inquiry regarding dust particles emitted from a local waste and recycling plant. The investigation, covered by WINK News, highlights the growing intersection between industrial activity and respiratory health.
Dr. Buhain’s role in this situation is illustrative of the "environmental watchdog" capacity that many senior RTs are assuming. By providing expert context on the potential respiratory health risks associated with particulate matter, Buhain has helped translate complex clinical concerns into actionable community discourse. This serves as a reminder that the responsibility of the respiratory therapist extends beyond the hospital bedside and into the communities where patients live and breathe.
Celebrating Milestones and Mentorship
As the profession grows, celebrating the achievements of the next generation and honoring the cultural milestones of the nation are becoming part of the broader narrative of the respiratory care community.
Honoring the Next Generation
At Newman University, the recent pinning ceremony for nursing and respiratory care graduates was a milestone event that highlighted the collaborative nature of modern healthcare. AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student member Haven Sjogren, were central figures in this celebration. These ceremonies are critical for fostering a sense of professional identity and unity among new graduates, preparing them for the realities of the current healthcare environment.
Professional Recognition in Maternity Care
Further demonstrating the clinical excellence of AARC members, Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in news reports regarding the recognition of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as a "High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care" by U.S. News & World Report. Respiratory therapists in maternity and neonatal wards are crucial to the survival and long-term health of infants; Mitchell’s recognition in this capacity underscores the integration of respiratory expertise into high-level maternity outcomes.
Bridging Art and History
Finally, the versatility of the respiratory care workforce was showcased by Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, who took his creative talents to the public square. His custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture, created to honor America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, was a point of interest in the Lebanon Daily News. While distinct from clinical practice, the dedication and precision required for such a project speak to the attention to detail and commitment to community that characterize the profession.
Chronology of Developments (2025–2026)
- December 2025: Boise State University formally establishes the School of Respiratory Care, with Dr. Megan Koster leading the department’s new chapter.
- December 2025: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center receives national recognition for maternity care, featuring Haley Mitchell.
- December 2025: Newman University hosts a pinning ceremony for new RT graduates, attended by Tim Cho, Charity Clark, and Haven Sjogren.
- December 2025: Jim Rudegeair unveils his Liberty Bell sculpture to mark the upcoming semi-quincentennial.
- Early 2026: Investigations into environmental health in Florida, featuring Dr. Joseph Buhain, gain traction.
- Mid-2026: Dr. Joan Kreiger accepts the AARC Apex Award at the AARC Congress in Phoenix.
- Ongoing 2026: Human-interest stories like that of John Dvorak continue to raise awareness of the RT profession in local news outlets.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The events detailed above reveal three distinct trends that will define the trajectory of respiratory care for the remainder of the decade:
- Academic Autonomy: The shift toward dedicated Schools of Respiratory Care, as seen at Boise State, suggests that the profession is moving away from being a sub-discipline of allied health and toward becoming a primary pillar of clinical science. This will likely lead to an increase in RT-led research and a more influential seat at the academic table.
- Increased Public Advocacy: As evidenced by Dr. Buhain’s work in Florida, the public is increasingly looking to respiratory therapists as subject matter experts on environmental and public health issues. This expansion of the scope of practice—from the hospital to the community—is a natural evolution of the profession’s focus on lung health.
- Holistic Professionalism: The mix of academic achievement, community service, and personal dedication indicates that the "modern" respiratory therapist is a multifaceted professional. The public’s growing appreciation for the field, fueled by personal stories like that of John Dvorak, is essential for recruitment and retention in an industry that remains under high pressure.
In conclusion, the AARC members highlighted in this report represent the diverse and expanding roles of the respiratory therapist. By excelling in traditional clinical environments while simultaneously pushing boundaries in education, environmental advocacy, and community leadership, these individuals are not only improving the health of their patients but are also elevating the status of the entire respiratory care profession. As the industry looks toward 2026 and beyond, the foundation laid by these professionals will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for future advancements in patient care and respiratory health policy.
