The field of respiratory care continues to evolve, shaped by the tireless dedication of professionals who serve as educators, clinicians, advocates, and community leaders. From the halls of academia to the front lines of neonatal intensive care and community health advocacy, members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are making headlines for their significant contributions.
This report provides a comprehensive look at how these respiratory therapists (RTs) are elevating the profession, fostering academic excellence, and providing vital care during the most vulnerable moments of their patients’ lives.
1. Academic Advancement and Institutional Growth
The landscape of respiratory therapy education is undergoing a transformative shift as institutions move to elevate the status of their programs.
Boise State University’s New School of Respiratory Care
In a move that signals the increasing specialization of the field, Boise State University recently announced the establishment of a dedicated School of Respiratory Care. Previously, the discipline functioned as a department under the broader umbrella of the School of Allied Health Sciences.
AARC member Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, has been instrumental in this transition. The creation of the school is expected to provide faculty and students with greater autonomy, facilitating more robust research initiatives and specialized training. By carving out a distinct identity within the university, Boise State is positioning itself to lead the way in respiratory science, potentially setting a new standard for how RT programs are structured across the nation.
Excellence in BSRT Programming
Academic recognition also reached the East Coast, as Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) received the prestigious AARC Apex Award. The award recognizes the university’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree advancement program, which has been cited as one of the best in the country.
Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, accepted the accolade on behalf of the university during the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix. The Apex Award highlights programs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to quality, patient safety, and professional development. Dr. Kreiger’s leadership in the BSRT program underscores the vital importance of advanced education in ensuring that the next generation of therapists is prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare.
2. Clinical Dedication: Personal and Professional Milestones
While academic prestige is important, the heart of the profession remains in clinical care. Recent reports highlight how respiratory therapists balance the demands of the hospital with the complexities of human connection.
A Personal Mission in the NICU
The intersection of professional skill and personal empathy was highlighted in a recent profile of John Dvorak, BS, RRT, featured in St. Cloud LIVE. Dvorak’s journey into the field took on a poignant dimension when his own niece required life-saving intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Dvorak’s experience provides a compelling look at the life of a respiratory therapist. When his family needed him most, his training allowed him to bridge the gap between clinical necessity and familial support. His story serves as a testament to the fact that respiratory therapists are not just healthcare workers; they are often the steady hands holding the lives of our most vulnerable loved ones.
High-Performing Maternity Care
The quality of care provided at major medical centers is often a collaborative effort involving multidisciplinary teams. At the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, that excellence was recently acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report, which named the facility a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care.
AARC member Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was featured in the coverage of this achievement. Her role in ensuring neonatal and maternal respiratory health is a critical component of the hospital’s high ranking. Such recognitions validate the essential role that specialized respiratory clinicians play in comprehensive maternity care, ensuring that newborns—often the most fragile patients—receive the respiratory support they need from their very first breath.
3. Advocacy and Public Health Oversight
Respiratory therapists are increasingly serving as the voice of reason and scientific integrity in public health debates. Their expertise in air quality and pulmonary physiology makes them uniquely qualified to assess environmental risks.
Investigating Community Air Quality
In Florida, the community of Collier is currently grappling with concerns regarding a local waste and recycling plant. Residents have filed nearly 30 complaints regarding dust particles, leading to significant anxiety about the long-term respiratory health of the neighborhood.
AARC member Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, was tapped by WINK News to provide expert analysis on the situation. Dr. Buhain’s background in safety and respiratory care provided a critical perspective on the potential physiological impacts of particulate matter inhalation. By stepping into the public sphere to address these concerns, Dr. Buhain highlights the role of the respiratory therapist as a community guardian, ensuring that corporate compliance does not come at the expense of public health.
4. Celebrating the Future of the Profession
The cycle of the profession continues with the training and induction of new practitioners. Education remains the bedrock of the field, and recent pinning ceremonies have highlighted the excitement of the next generation.
New Beginnings at Newman University
At Newman University, a recent pinning ceremony celebrated the achievements of nursing and respiratory therapy graduates. The event, which included AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, as well as student member Haven Sjogren, marked the transition from academic rigor to clinical practice.
The inclusion of both seasoned professionals and student members at such events fosters a sense of mentorship and continuity. As these new graduates enter the workforce, they carry with them the foundational knowledge required to uphold the high standards of the AARC.
5. Beyond the Bedside: Creative Endeavors
Finally, the versatility of the respiratory therapy community is best exemplified by the diverse interests of its members.
In a unique cross-section of civic pride and artistic talent, Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, was featured in the Lebanon Daily News for his custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture. Created to commemorate America’s upcoming semi-quincentennial (America250PA) in 2026, Rudegeair’s work demonstrates that the precision and attention to detail required in respiratory care often translate into other high-stakes creative fields. It serves as a reminder that healthcare professionals are well-rounded individuals whose contributions extend well beyond the hospital walls.
Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The events of the past few months, as documented in media outlets nationwide, point to several key trends:
- Professional Autonomy: The shift toward dedicated "Schools of Respiratory Care" suggests that the field is maturing into a more recognized and independent academic discipline.
- Public Advocacy: RTs are becoming essential voices in environmental and public health crises, moving beyond the traditional bedside role to become community consultants.
- Cross-Generational Mentorship: The emphasis on pinning ceremonies and the recognition of educators like Dr. Kreiger and Dr. Koster suggests a strong focus on the sustainability of the workforce.
- Humanizing the Clinician: Media features focusing on the personal motivations of therapists, such as the stories of John Dvorak and Jim Rudegeair, help build public trust and deepen the connection between the medical community and the public.
As the respiratory therapy field moves toward 2026, these members represent the diversity, resilience, and intellectual rigor that define the profession. Whether they are managing the complex environment of a NICU, advising on local air quality, or shaping the curriculum of a new school, AARC members remain at the forefront of respiratory health.
The visibility of these professionals in the news is not merely a collection of personal achievements; it is a reflection of a profession that is growing in influence, necessity, and stature. As these therapists continue to navigate the challenges of modern medicine, their work ensures that the importance of respiratory health remains in the public consciousness, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients and communities alike.
