The profession of respiratory therapy is undergoing a period of profound transformation, characterized by elevated academic standards, community advocacy, and an increasing presence in the public consciousness. Recent media coverage highlights the diverse contributions of American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) members, who are stepping out of the clinical shadows to lead institutional growth, influence public health policy, and champion the human side of patient care.
From the establishment of new academic schools at major universities to the hands-on care provided during personal family crises, AARC members are proving that the scope of the respiratory therapist (RT) extends far beyond the bedside. This report explores the recent achievements of several key figures in the field and the broader implications their work has for the future of respiratory medicine.
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 discipline, Boise State University has announced the launch of a dedicated School of Respiratory Care. Previously operating as a department within the School of Allied Health Sciences, this elevation provides the faculty and student body with greater autonomy, resources, and institutional support.
Dr. Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, a prominent AARC member and advocate for respiratory education, has been instrumental in this transition. The move is designed to foster greater strides in clinical research and academic excellence. By separating from the larger Allied Health umbrella, the new school can better tailor its curriculum to the rapidly evolving needs of the healthcare industry, including advanced simulation training and specialized neonatal and pediatric tracks. This transition serves as a blueprint for other universities aiming to modernize their healthcare programs in response to the increased demand for specialized respiratory professionals.
Southern Connecticut State University’s Apex Award
Academic excellence was further underscored by the success of Southern Connecticut State University’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree advancement program. The program recently earned the prestigious AARC Apex Award, a recognition bestowed upon institutions that demonstrate superior quality and patient-centered outcomes.
Dr. Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, accepted the honor at the 2026 AARC Congress in Phoenix. The Apex Award highlights programs that have successfully bridged the gap between entry-level education and advanced practice, ensuring that the next generation of RTs is equipped with the critical thinking skills required to manage complex chronic conditions and participate in interdisciplinary care teams.
Humanizing the Profession: Advocacy and Personal Connection
While academic milestones define the structural growth of the profession, the heart of respiratory therapy remains rooted in human connection. Two recent stories demonstrate how RTs bring both expertise and empathy to their communities.
A Family Crisis Turned Advocacy
John Dvorak, BS, RRT, recently shared his journey into respiratory care with St. Cloud LIVE, offering a poignant look at why many enter this demanding field. Dvorak’s story is defined by a personal intersection of professional duty and familial love: when his niece was born prematurely and faced severe respiratory distress in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dvorak stepped in to provide support that went beyond the standard of care.
His narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the intimate role RTs play in the lives of their patients. Dvorak’s ability to navigate the complex medical needs of his own family member while maintaining professional standards highlights the emotional intelligence required of the profession. His story has resonated widely, reminding the public that RTs are not just technicians, but essential caregivers who often treat their patients with the same intensity they would offer their own kin.
Pinning Ceremonies and Future Generations
The next generation of practitioners is currently being molded at institutions like Newman University. A recent pinning ceremony—a rite of passage for nursing and respiratory care students—featured AARC members Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student member Haven Sjogren. These ceremonies are more than symbolic; they represent the formal induction of new professionals into a field that has seen unprecedented growth in responsibility and clinical demand. By highlighting these moments, the profession continues to recruit high-quality candidates who are prepared to meet the challenges of a post-pandemic healthcare environment.
Clinical Vigilance and Public Health Oversight
Respiratory therapists are increasingly acting as the "canaries in the coal mine" for environmental health issues. As experts in pulmonary function and air quality, they are uniquely positioned to interpret how environmental toxins impact local communities.
Investigating Air Quality in Florida
Dr. Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently provided expert commentary on a critical public health investigation in Florida regarding a waste and recycling plant. Residents living near the facility reported nearly 30 complaints related to dust particles and respiratory irritation.
Dr. Buhain’s involvement in this investigation highlights the role of the RT as a community health advocate. His expertise in environmental safety and respiratory physiology allows him to provide clear, scientific context to neighborhood concerns. The situation in Florida underscores a broader trend: RTs are becoming essential voices in public health policy, often bridging the gap between community complaints and regulatory compliance. Their ability to translate technical environmental data into understandable health risks is a vital service in the ongoing effort to ensure safe living environments.
Bridging Science and Culture: The Versatility of the RT
The versatility of the respiratory therapist is not limited to medicine. The story of Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, demonstrates the creative depth of the profession. A resident of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Rudegeair combined his professional focus on respiratory mechanics with his passion for artistry to create a custom-designed Liberty Bell sculpture. This work, created to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, was unveiled at the Lebanon County Expo Center.
While seemingly disparate from clinical practice, the dedication required to engineer such a monument mirrors the precision required in managing mechanical ventilation. It serves as a testament to the character of the modern RT: meticulous, community-oriented, and deeply engaged with the broader world.
Implications: The Future of the Respiratory Profession
The collective activities of these AARC members point toward several key trends that will define the next decade of respiratory care:
- Academic Specialization: As seen at Boise State, the trend toward dedicated schools of respiratory care will likely continue, leading to more research output and specialized degree tracks.
- Public Health Integration: With experts like Dr. Buhain, the profession is moving into the realm of environmental advocacy, positioning the RT as a vital consultant for public health initiatives.
- Holistic Patient Care: The emphasis on the personal experiences of practitioners like John Dvorak reinforces the importance of "human-centric" care in an era of rapid technological advancement.
- Recognition and Excellence: The industry’s focus on awards and recognitions, such as the Apex Award and U.S. News & World Report rankings—which recently recognized Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, and the team at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center—demonstrates a commitment to measurable, high-quality outcomes.
The Road Ahead
As the field continues to evolve, the AARC remains a central pillar for these professionals. By fostering a network that connects clinical practice, academic research, and community advocacy, the association is ensuring that the role of the respiratory therapist continues to expand in influence and scope.
The individuals mentioned here—from the educators at Boise State to the advocates in Florida—are not just doing their jobs; they are redefining what it means to be a respiratory therapist in the 21st century. Their work suggests a future where the RT is an indispensable figure in the hospital, the classroom, and the community at large. As we look toward 2026 and beyond, the profession is clearly poised to play a larger, more impactful role in the health and well-being of the nation.
Through these stories, we see a profession that is confident, growing, and deeply connected to the people it serves. The message is clear: respiratory therapy is no longer just a support service; it is a clinical and academic powerhouse that is actively shaping the future of healthcare.
