The field of respiratory care is defined not only by the critical, life-saving interventions performed at the bedside but also by the dedication of professionals who push the boundaries of education, public health advocacy, community engagement, and the arts. Recent media coverage has highlighted the diverse ways American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) members are shaping the future of healthcare. From the establishment of independent academic departments to personal stories of familial care and public health investigations, these professionals continue to demonstrate the essential nature of the respiratory therapist (RT) in modern society.
This report examines the recent contributions of AARC members across the United States, providing a snapshot of the profession’s evolving role in academic, clinical, and community spheres.
Academic Advancement and Institutional Recognition
The structural evolution of respiratory care education is a key indicator of the profession’s growing influence. Two prominent AARC members have recently been recognized for their roles in elevating respiratory therapy programs to new levels of institutional prominence.
The Rise of the School of Respiratory Care at Boise State
In a landmark move for the profession, Boise State University has established a dedicated School of Respiratory Care. Previously operating as a department within the School of Allied Health Sciences, this transition represents a significant upgrade in autonomy and resources.
AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, has been instrumental in this transition. By establishing an independent school, the university empowers RT educators to pursue more aggressive research agendas and cross-disciplinary collaborations. This structural change is expected to foster innovation in clinical education and solidify Boise State’s role as a national leader in training the next generation of respiratory therapists. The shift signifies a broader trend in higher education: recognizing respiratory care as a distinct, specialized, and highly technical field that requires its own academic infrastructure.
Apex Award Success at Southern Connecticut State
Further demonstrating the academic excellence within the profession, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) recently received the prestigious AARC Apex Award. This honor recognizes the university’s BSRT degree advancement program, which has been lauded for its efficacy and impact on workforce development.
Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, a long-standing AARC member and academic leader, accepted the award on behalf of the university at AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix. The Apex Award is one of the highest accolades in the field, reserved for programs that demonstrate superior outcomes and a commitment to professional growth. Dr. Kreiger’s leadership in this program underscores the importance of advanced degrees in equipping therapists with the leadership and research skills necessary for today’s complex healthcare environment.
Clinical Impact and the Human Element
While academic achievements set the stage for future growth, the heart of the profession remains the clinical interaction between the therapist and the patient. Recent reports highlight how the expertise of RTs transcends standard care, entering the realm of deep personal commitment and public health intervention.
When the Patient is Family
The professional life of an RT is often defined by the ability to remain calm and focused during high-stress scenarios. For John Dvorak, BS, RRT, this reality hit home in a profound way. Featured in St. Cloud LIVE, Dvorak’s story details his journey into respiratory care and the emotional weight of caring for his own niece during her critical time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Dvorak’s narrative provides a window into the unique psychology of the respiratory therapist. Unlike many other medical professionals, the RT is often tasked with managing the most fundamental aspect of human life: the ability to breathe. When that responsibility involves a family member, the intersection of clinical training and emotional fortitude becomes clear. His story has resonated with the public, humanizing the technical expertise required to manage respiratory distress in the most vulnerable patients.
Maternity Care Excellence
The clinical excellence of respiratory therapists is also contributing to broader hospital success. At the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, AARC member Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in recent coverage regarding the hospital’s recognition as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.
Respiratory therapists play a critical role in maternal and neonatal health, particularly in managing respiratory complications for newborns. Mitchell’s inclusion in the coverage highlights that the quality of respiratory care is a foundational pillar in hospital rankings. As hospitals strive for high performance, the integration of specialized RT services for maternal and fetal respiratory support is increasingly recognized as a benchmark of excellence.
Advocacy and Public Health Surveillance
The role of the respiratory therapist is not confined to the walls of a hospital. As experts in lung health, AARC members are increasingly serving as consultants and advocates for public health, particularly regarding environmental triggers.
Investigating Air Quality and Community Health
In Florida, Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, has stepped into the public eye to address growing concerns regarding air quality. Following reports of dust particles originating from a waste and recycling plant, residents in the affected community sought expert guidance to understand the potential respiratory impacts of the environmental hazard.
Dr. Buhain’s involvement serves as a model for how RTs can serve as the "voice of the lungs" in their communities. By translating clinical knowledge into actionable public health advice, he has helped bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and the lived experience of neighbors facing respiratory irritation. This case underscores the necessity of having respiratory experts involved in environmental policy and community safety planning.
Professional Milestones and Community Engagement
The professional lives of AARC members are as varied as the communities they serve, often extending into artistic expression and the celebration of historical milestones.
Artistic Commemoration of the Nation
The creativity of respiratory therapists is not limited to patient care. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, recently gained local media attention for his work in the arts. To honor the upcoming semi-quincentennial anniversary of the United States in 2026, Rudegeair designed and crafted a custom Liberty Bell sculpture.
Featured in the Lebanon Daily News, his project serves as a reminder that healthcare professionals are active, multifaceted members of their local communities. The dedication required to design and build such a monument reflects the same attention to detail and patience that Rudegeair utilizes in his role as an RRT.
The Next Generation: Pinning Ceremonies
The cycle of the profession continues as new students enter the workforce. A pinning ceremony at Newman University recently highlighted the future of the field, featuring AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student member Haven Sjogren.
Pinning ceremonies are a rite of passage that signify the transition from academic student to clinical practitioner. The presence of established members like Dr. Cho and Clark alongside new students reinforces the culture of mentorship that defines the AARC. As the profession grows, the passing of the torch from experienced practitioners to those just beginning their careers ensures that the high standards of respiratory care are maintained across generations.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The breadth of these stories—from the founding of a new School of Respiratory Care to the public advocacy of individual therapists—points to a profession that is maturing and diversifying.
- Increased Academic Independence: The shift at Boise State suggests that respiratory therapy is moving toward a more autonomous educational model, which will likely lead to an increase in clinical research and evidence-based practice.
- Public Health Leadership: As evidenced by Dr. Buhain’s work in Florida, RTs are uniquely positioned to address the environmental respiratory challenges of the 21st century.
- Community Integration: By engaging in local history, as seen with Jim Rudegeair, and serving as pillars of community healthcare, RTs are increasing the visibility of the profession beyond the hospital ward.
- Mentorship and Continuity: Through pinning ceremonies and academic awards, the profession is successfully managing the transition of knowledge, ensuring that clinical excellence is a continuous thread in the fabric of American healthcare.
As the respiratory care field moves forward, the AARC remains committed to supporting these members as they continue to lead, advocate, and innovate. The stories of these individuals are not just personal highlights; they are indicators of a vital, growing, and essential profession that remains at the forefront of human health and well-being.
