February 22, 2007

New Podcast Explains AARC Medicare Initiative
The AARC launched its new Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative last week, and now you can learn much more about it via a new podcast featuring AARC Executive Director Sam Giordano. Right now is a great time to write your members of Congress in support of the effort, as the AARC heads to Washington, DC, for its annual Capitol Hill Lobby Day on March 6.

Open Forum Issues Call for Abstracts
Showcase your research and share with your colleagues by submitting an abstract for consideration for the Open Forum. This Forum helps build a scientific basis for the profession and gains you recognition for your work on a national level. The deadline for submission is June 1.

Alpha-1 Targets AARC Members for New Fellowships
The Alpha-1 Foundation is making two new fellowships available to RTs who are members of the AARC. Both are aimed at helping to identify Alpha-1 patients from among the population of COPD patients and will provide up to $25,000 in funding. The application deadline is April 16.

Draeger Joins Corporate Partner Program
Draeger Medical, Inc., has become the latest respiratory care company to sign on to the AARC's Corporate Partner program. As a Corporate Partner, Draeger will be supporting educational and research efforts aimed at ensuring that respiratory therapists have the information and tools they need to deliver top quality care to patients with a wide range of respiratory disorders.

 Next Stop for Asthma Course: Providence, RI
The AARC has the perfect way for you to increase your asthma management skills and prepare for the Asthma Educator-Certified exam at the same time. Registration is underway now for the next session of the Association's Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Course in Providence, RI, April 28-29.

AARC Execs Represent Profession at NHLBI Meeting
AARC Executives Sam Giordano and Tom Kallstrom represented the profession recently at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's annual meeting for public health organizations. The two day, invitation-only session gave leading health groups the chance to weigh in on the government's plans to increase funding for respiratory diseases and raise awareness of lung health issues.

Good Press: AARC Members in the News
This week's list of newsmakers includes an RT who has climbed the ranks in his hospital all the way up to CEO, two students who are making a real difference in tobacco control efforts in their community, a therapist who was interviewed extensively about the respiratory care profession, and more.

 Comments or questions? Send them to info@aarc.org .