Shuron Abdullah RRT
I am AARC, because after eighteen years as a Respiratory
Therapist, I can still listen, care and empathise with my patients,
despite the rapid pace surrounding us daily.
- I have a continuous thirst for more and more knowledge that will
allow me to be a better practitioner, and also the ability to mentor and
inspire the new generation, coming behind us.
- The ability to effectively communicate with my workforce
community-whether it’s new Respiratory graduates or new nursing
graduates, in order to increase their levels of confidence as the enter
the vast and somewhat intimidating world of healthcare.
Harold Just RRT
Since 1974 when I became registered, I have proudly been
able to say, “I AM AARC”! In each of the thirty two years since then, I
have seen the efforts of dedicated members pay off in many ways. The
AARC has represented the interests of its members clinically,
professionally, educationally, and politically. I have seen the
perseverance, and political savvy that our organization has exercised
with state licensure, the medical expertise shown by the development of
clinical guidelines, and the proactive stance taken when Medicare DRG's
cut hospital revenue and threatened our very existence as a profession.
It's this kind of representation that reflects our unity as medical
professionals, and has gained us the respect of the entire health
services industry. The AARC can continue to meet challenges such as
these only with the support of each and every one of us.
I AM AARC!!! Are you?
Susan Parsons RRT
The AARC has done so much for our profession and still
continues to help us make gains. We have political advocay due to the AARC
keeping members in tune with what is going to impact our profession and our
patients. The AARC helps us to organize en mass vs. trying to do something
independently. AARC keeps us with multiple resources at our fingertips for
licensure issues, clinical practice guidelines, educational experiences,
etc. The AARC also helps you to keep up with your annual CEUs by allowing
you to print your transcript on line. For less than 25 cents per day you
get all of this and more. I don’t know about you but this is the best money
I spend. The AARC is about helping the Respiratory Therapists ensure we
still have those quarters to invest from such an awesome profession, SO SIGN
UP NOW, SO THAT YOU CAN ALSO SAY I AM AARC, because I AM MORE THAN PROUD TO
SAY “I AM AARC!”
Ronald Taylor CRT
I am AARC because it provides me with the up to date
knowledge and information, which enables me to carry out my work with
enthusiasm and professionalism. That is why I AM AARC
Lesley Smith, RRT-NPS, RPFT
My membership in the AARC shows that I have pride in my
chosen profession of 32 years. I always thought I would end up going to
nursing school, but as the profession has grown, I have had the opportunity
to grow right along with it -from rocking beds and iron lungs to advanced
microprocessor ventilators. My experience as a Respiratory Care
Practitioner has been fulfulling and continues to capture my interest. The
AARC is like the “master gardener,” always attentive to and supportive of
keeping our profession healthy and growing!
Sandra Moore CRT, RPFT
I am a manager and have been a member of the AARC for 20
plus years. My goal is to stay informed about current trends in our
profession and I feel that membership in my State and professional
organizations is the best way to accomplish this goal.Respiratory services
add value to patient care and the AARC add value to the Respiratory care
professionals.
Kim Simmons MHS, RRT-NPS
I want to stay informed—I am AARC
I want to advocate for the profession—I am AARC
I want to advocate for the patients—I am AARC
I want to work with enthusiastic people—I am AARC
I am proud to be a respiratory therapist and
I love the work we do—I am and always will be AARC
Norma Allex RRT
The foundation and premise of a professional organization
that we can truly say supports, educates,legislates, and opens our minds to
new innovations in our selected career as Respiratory Therapists, is second
to none. We can stand as one on a national and international level in
providing the best quality care with the most current technology that is
clinically sound for our patients we serve. On a professional note, the new
opportunities and friendships that have evolved from the New Orleans
International Congress have made every moment worthwhile. I am proud to be a
Respiratory Therapist, Manager to a great team of Respiratory Care
Practitioners and an AARC member.
Mary Lou Golebieski RRT, RPFT
It’s hard to believe that it has been 27 years since I
proudly accepted my diploma and became a Respiratory Therapist. This
profession and our professional organization has afforded me so many
wonderful opportunities and kept me connected to the ever changing
healthcare environment. You can't put a price tag on the support and
resources available through the AARC. Professionals who share my passion,
that is why I'm AARC!
Kathy Garrett-Szymanski RRT, AE-C
The AARC has been there for the past twenty plus years of my
professional career! I have been a therapist on the floor, the ICU, the
CCU, Peds ICU, Neonatal ICU, a supervisor, department manager of respiratory
and sleep lab. Now, as an asthma educator and smoking cessation counselor,
the AARC is still here for me. Through many job titles, a few job changes
and many learning experiences I know the AARC has been there for me, that is
why I am the AARC.
Rebecca Fanucchi RRT, NPS
I am a member of the AARC because there is no better way to
educate myself about the growing field of respiratory care. What I learn
from my professional organization's website, articles, newsletters and
magazines impacts patient care. I am member of the AARC because I want only
the best respiratory care for my patients and nothing less.
Bill Cohagen
My father was AARC and I am AARC. Together we helped make a difference.
Now I have a 100% AARC Department. Together we make a difference.
I am a true professional and very proud to be in your company.
Ed Thomas, MA, RRT
As a member of the AARC since 1974, I have experienced the support and dedication of our professional organization many times over the years. When Arizona, like many other states, was battling for state licensure, the AARC was there with us in the trenches. Their leadership, direction and even financial support helped us attain our goal. The AARC continues to be the “Voice” of our profession.
Jared England
I am an AARC member because I value my professionalism. The
AARC does as well. I see myself and the AARC as partners to
ensure that my profession is here for ages to come.
Larry Garland
Because I am proud of my profession. We have and always make
a difference in the quality of care for our patients
Jeffrey Davis
Ever since I became an AARC member and became active in my State
Society, I have felt a great pride in my career choice. I look
forward to work every day, it is not a job, it is a career.
I AM a Respiratory Therapist!
Yvonne Lamme
Because I consider myself to be a professional and professionals
belong to their professional organization.
Ruth Krueger Parkinson BS, RRT
I love my profession! I choose to be an AARC member because
it is part of being a professional. Gandhi's quote “You
must be the change you wish to see in the world” is a watch
word all RTs who want to see their profession grow and change
with the times could embrace!
Tom Lamphere
There's no other organization that represents our PROFESSION
in government, research, public relations and more! If the AARC
didn't exist, who would watch out for the interests of both
patients AND therapists!
Denice Stingl
I have always felt that being aware of what is new and exciting
can only be done by being involved. Being an AARC member means
you will surround yourself with motivated, informed individuals
who are passionate about the career they have chosen.
Jamie Reagan
To promote this profession, along with all of the truly useful
tools and resources you provide to members.
Glenda Pippin
I am a professional, and want to set an example for my students.
Nothing more needs to be said.
Michael Cooper RRT, CPFT
I am AARC because I as a respiratory therapist recognize the
AARC as a requirement for my professional progress.
LJ Turcotte
The AARC helps be a better RT by providing tools, education
and a place to go to for any professional needs. Most of all,
involvement with the AARC provides me with role models that
will help to model my career and show me how to help others
in the most efficient way.
Bob Cook RRT, RCP, MA
I've been an AARC member since 1971. In those nearly 35 years
the AARC has worked diligently to enhance our status as a profession
by providing quality educational programs and by encouraging
research that has proven the scientific basis for the procedures
that we provide to patients of all ages. Through the efforts
of the AARC, contributions that RCPs make to cost effective,
quality patient care are well known and accepted world wide.
Mike Sisley
It is my duty as a professional
Carl P. Wiezalis MS,RRT, FAARC
AARC is a not-for- profit membership association which gives
respiratory therapists a National forum to govern the development
and evolution of their profession. By design and by government
control this democratic, representative organization exists
to facilitate the continuous education of respiratory therapists
and to represent the philosophies and principles of the profession
to outside but related groups. As a health services profession
Respiratory Care is seen by the public as a selfless advocate
for cardiopulmonary wellness and care. It is this dedication
to public welfare which allows Respiratory Care to take a place
next to Medicine and Nursing as stewards of individual and community
health. Along with our privileged social status comes social
expectation that democracy dictates the direction of our association,
that we place the patient before ourselves in the pursuit of
best care and that we follow a special truth code indicative
of humane human service .Organized behavior is the only way
that a large group of similarly disposed service professionals
can positively impact the American society. It is the AARC that
provides the structure for individual respiratory therapists
to realize a collective synergy and the resulting voice to benefit
our patients and our community.
Douglas S. Laher BS, RRT
To me, Respiratory Care isn't a job... it's a career. For too
many people, it's work, it's a 40 hour/week job and it pays
the bills. We need to continue to be ambassadors to our profession
and show the government, the insurance industry and the health
care field we are deserved of the respect we yearn for. How
can we do that without the internal support of our own colleagues?
The apathy that plagues our profession must be dealt with before
we can move forward as an association. My membership to the
AARC is only one of many efforts I put forth to show support
for my profession. “I am AARC!”
Melinda Gaylor Childress
AARC represent professionalism which I am!
AARC represents innovation which I am!
AARC represents respiratory Therapists which I am!
AARC represents leadership which I am!
AARC is a resource to others which I am!
The AARC creates the body of Therapists and pushes our clinical
awareness professionally among others which cannot be done alone.
John Salazar
The AARC provides me with the tools to make a difference in
my profession.
Michael R. Jackson
I am lucky that I get to work directly with the AARC on; PACT,
formerly the House of Delegates, at the annual congress, &
on the board of my state society. I join because I know first
hand the great works of the AARC.
Gail Varcelotti
I am a member because Respiratory Care has been a part of my
life since 1973. To not be informed and involved in my profession
through an organization such as the AARC, I would have lost
my edge and not been true to what I consider my professional
growth and success.
Gerald Schlette
I am a member of the AARC because the AARC exemplifies who and
what I am: a professional with pride, a leader, a teacher, a
communicator and a patient advocate.
Michael Nibert RRT, BSRT
To enhance customer service as a professional health care provider!
So the real question is: Why would you NOT want to be a member
of our professional organization???
David Kissin
I feel a need to support our profession and feel the AARC is
the way to go.
Frank Salvatore Jr., BS, RRT
I am AARC because I feel it my duty as a professional to be
a part of the national organization that promotes and looks
out for our profession. I paid my first dues as a student back
in 1987 and have been a member ever since. My involvement on
the state level has fueled my desire to be more active. In my
eighteen years as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, I have never
doubted my decision to become one. In good and bad times, I
am thankful for the things that our profession and our professional
organization do for our patients. I am AARC because I love this
profession as does those who advocate for us there in Texas.
Joseph Tato
The spirit of the AARC is consistent with my belief that what
we do in the community makes a difference with the lives we
touch.
Barb Schenk
I love being a RT and I think part of being a health care professional
is being a member of your professional organization.
Ellen Becker
One element of professional behavior is to be an active member
in your profession's organization. Everyone is busy, but taking
the time to enroll as an AARC member is something that I can
do to help the AARC be our profession's voice to the world and
advocate for the needs of respiratory therapists.
Tony Schmitt
I am an AARC member because I love what I do as a therapist
and educator of future therapist. It has been my career and
defines a lot of who I am.
Steve Wehrman
I have been a member since 1978. I joined because I wanted to
be a professional and I thought membership would be a good start.
I have stayed a member because of the people I've met in the
AARC and my state society-real professionals who see this as
more than just a job. I promote the AARC because I want my students
to have a chance to become professionals too. To do that, they
need professional role models.
Thomas Cahill RCP, RRT
As a professional I feel it is my obligation to promote and
support the organization that promotes me.
Alan Roth
It is an important voice of the profession and it keeps you
in touch of the pulse of the membership on issues that affect
us.
Chris Hamilton
I am energized by the great work that is being done by so many
of our members. I belong because it allows me to network and
share with other professionals. In addition, it is exciting
to attend the national convention and share in the experience.
I especially enjoy introducing RC students to the wide world
of respiratory care at the national convention. They are always
amazed - especially by the exhibit hall!
Scott Roberts RRT
These are challenging times in healthcare. As a professional
RCP “I can do-be more” .My AARC membership is my badge
of distinction.
Emily Adams
I feel it's important to both represent our profession as well
as learn new techniques to improve patient care. I take pride
in belonging to an organization that's agenda is to bring attention
to us and advance our profession.
Michael T. McQuillan
I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Therefore, I am AARC.
Virginia Becchine
I felt it was the professional thing to do. I was excited about
becoming a respiratory therapist and wanted to belong to the
profession's national organization. It was called the AAIT back
then. I joined as a student 34 years ago.
Laura France
I became an AARC member for easy tracking of my CRCEs. Once
I started recruiting a lot of others, the group discount was
beneficial.
Bill Kiger, RRT, RCP
I am a member of the AARC because I love being a professional
respiratory therapist, I love the patients I educate and treat,
I hate lung disease in all its forms and the effect it has on
all of my patients, and the AARC is the ONLY professional organization
through which I can effectively work to achieve my professional
goals and which works just as hard as I do towards the same
goals.
Bill Pruitt RRT, CPFT, AE-C
I see membership in the AARC as one of the hallmarks of being
a professional and it is both a privilege and a responsibility.
I realize that without a strong association of therapists, we
have no voice in the “halls of power”. Those halls
are in Washington, D.C., in our state capital, our state’s
hospital association, and even extend into the halls of my workplace.
Finally - as my membership strengthens the association, the
association in turn provides many tangible benefits to me. Benefits
that improve my knowledge and skill as therapist, boost my impact
on the patients I see and the students I teach, and make me
more effective in improving my world.
Alan Clark
1. I think it is a professional responsibility.
2. Educational material and ability to network with other RT
professionals
Jon Finnegan
I have two reasons for being an AARC member; one is to advance
the integrity and respect of our profession, two is as a member
of a section you can interact with other therapists and get
advice, ideas, and how-to's from other areas of the country
and from therapists with many years of experience.
Cyndi White RRT-NPS
I enjoy representing my profession and the opportunity to meet
and network with some of the best Respiratory Therapists from
across the country. The AARC is the best way to stay informed
and “on top” of what's going on in the Respiratory
Care Profession. I am also very active in my state organization
and love working with the program commitees to provide exciting
educational opportunities for Respiratory Therapists.
Elaine Green
Simple... I am proud of what I do and I believe in supporting
the organization that supports me.
Doug Orens
I'm proud of my profession and the AARC is the focal point for
respiratory care!
Debbie Koehl MS, RRT-NPS, AE-C
The AARC is my professional representative for what is important
to me, my patients, my career and the future of my profession.
I am a member because I am a professional. I am a member because
I care! I care at the state level and at the national level!
Charles O. Miles
It is very simple “If I don't who will.” As a professional
we can't sit back and wait for others to do the work, we should
give whatever help that we can.
Don Huston, BS, RRT-NPS, RPFT, RCP
I am an AARC member because it is the least that I can do to
give back to a profession that has been so good to me. The Respiratory
Care field has provided me with a very stable job for nearly
23 years and has provided well for me and my family. I know
that my membership money is being used in a variety of ways
to keep my job secure as well as to ensure that patients are
getting the professional help of a Respiratory Therapist when
they need it. It is awesome to see the AARC and the state societies
working together and collaborating with the State Respiratory
Care Boards to promote the profession and to improve patient
care for people everywhere.
Joseph E. Kimmins RRT
To mold the way our profession is perceived.
Shawna Strickland
The challenges of recognition as a respiratory therapist can
be overwhelming at times. The AARC does an excellent job of
promoting the profession and standing behind its members.
W. David Howard RRT-NPS
Patients are my number one priority and the reason I selected
this profession. To care for patients requires a well balanced
therapist. Education, Compassion, Dedication and Professionalism
make up the legs to my stool. However, unless I place that stool
on a firm foundation it will provide me little help as I go
throughout life. The AARC is that strong level foundation for
me. I entered the profession in 1987 and I've been an AARC member
since June 1, 1988. I Am AARC!
Cathy Bitsche
I like to stay current with practice. I also like having advance
notice of the meetings and opportunities to register early.
Michele Comes
It is a big part of being a professional! I am proud to be an
RRT and appreciate the lobby efforts and everything else that
the AARC membership provides.
Patricia Ann Doorley MS, RRT, FAARC
I have been a practicing respiratory therapist and member of
the AARC for more than 30 years. I became a member so that I
could help to influence the direction of the profession, and
therefore of my practice, and I have continued to maintain my
membership for the same reason.
Robert Ropp
I'm a professional!
Bill Cohagen
I am a true professional
Bill Pifer BS, RT, RCP
It is important for all respiratory therapists to support the
AARC so the AARC can continue the fight for RTs’ values,
worth and assuring a future exists for the Respiratory Therapy
profession. We all get a lot out of our profession because the
AARC has worked to provide what we cherish today. We cannot
be lazy or count on someone else to take care of business but
rather stand up and do our duty. For the little amount we pay
it is a lot easier than the hard work it has taken to get Respiratory
Therapy where it is today. We owe ourselves, our patients and
the future RTs to support the AARC with our membership. “United
we stand divided we fall.”
Marie Fenske
As a Respiratory Therapist, I am a professional (and that sets
me apart) so I want to be part of the professional association
(and that sets me apart too).
Jay Fuller
I have been employed in the respiratory therapy profession for
the past 10 years. The aarc has supported my goals and objectives
since that time. Our role as a respiratory therapist will continue
to grow. I would strongly encourage each and everyone to become
a member of the aarc to continue to educate patients and our
communities everywhere.
Howard Mc Donald RRT, RCP, RT
I grew up as a 4-H All-star in West Virginia. Motto “To
make the best, better.” Everyday the challenges faced by
therapists are enormous and quite varied this old 4-H motto
reminds me of my 30+ year career. Our mastery of ventilation
is only getting better we can now do Breathe by Design. The
AARC events give us exposure, but by volunteering you to do
more and help guide the future of our profession.
Tom Trenis
Being a member of the AARC gives me an active voice in our profession.
This allows me to become as active as I want to be on issues
that affect our profession.
Dianna Gorsuch RRT
I'm a member because I believe everyone should belong to their
professional organization. Alone we can't be heard but as an
organization of thousands we can. If we want to make changes
for our profession we need to stand together.
Sharon E. Fowler RRT, RCP
The AARC is truly an “operational platform” from which
I grow as a person and develop as a professional. My career
has led me to people and places that I would not have imagined
before I was a therapist; and new opportunities to use my knowledge
and skills are plentiful. However, I believe that the lack of
recognition by Medicare for reimbursement of home care services
rendered by Respiratory Therapists has limited the expansion
disease management services. The AARC is my voice to move this
agenda and increase the awareness of the value of my profession.
The AARC also provides a forum for RTs nationwide, and supports
research which benefits mankind. I am proud of the work done
by the AARC, and thankful for all of the benefits afforded by
my membership in the AARC.
Gail Bush
The AARC enables me to provide excellent educational opportunities
to the staff without cost to them. This allows them to meet
their state requirement.
Charity Bowling
Being an AARC member means being a part of our growth as professionals.
The AARC provides me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge,
network throughout the country, and develop myself in a career
that is finally being recognized. Being a member gives me the
strength to know that my voice counts in legislative issues
and the opportunity to become involved. Thanks AARC!
Jason Brock HM2 (FMF), USN, CRT (one day soon will be RRT-NPS,
RPFT, RPSGT)
As a member of the military, obviously I believe in strength
in numbers, I feel that we should be apart of our professional
societies in order to promote and advertise our professionalism
to the entire health care continuum. When I ask people about
Respiratory Therapy being unknown to most and why they think
Nursing is so strong, the answer I always get is,“because
their society is strong and has a lot of backing.” I in
turn ask them, “well then, don't you think if we made our
society strong, we would be right there with them.” They
either change the subject or say “good point.” I need
to support my AARC, because I care about my patients, my future
and my profession. I Am AARC!!!!
Geri Bernacki
I think it is important to be a member to demonstrate professionalism
and commitment to a career in Respiratory Care.
A. Ray Braxton, RRT, RCP
I see it as a professional obligation of all respiratory therapists
to belong to a national organization (AARC) that represents
the profession of respiratory care.
Tom Johnson
I have been a member of the AARC since 1974 and I still consider
it an important element of my professional life. I have learned
to depend upon the AARC to provide me with the state-of-the-art
information to help me be a better therapist, manager and educator.
The AARC has never let me down, nor do I expect it ever will.
David Ingram
First of all I am proud of what I do as a respiratory care professional.
Secondly, as a delegate to the AARC, representing Vermont and
New Hampshire, I have realized how involved the AARC is, in
representing each of us in the political process. The AARC is
our “eyes, ears and voice”, in all of the different
arenas that can influence our profession. What I have observed
is the AARC has the same interest in mind that I have, providing
the best professional care to our patients with lung disease.
Mark Brady
I have been in Respiratory Care (Inhalation Therapy) for 33
years and a member for 25 years. It’s my way of showing
my pride in my career choice and supporting the future for years
to come.
