Tuesday, Dec. 4
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8:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m | General
Opening Session
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. | Mandalay H
Awards Ceremony
Thomas J Kallstrom MBA RRT FAARC AARC Executive Director/CEO/Presiding
Show description
This ceremony recognizes the “doers” in the profession, from students to long-established practitioners. Be there and applaud your peers. Today it’s them; tomorrow it could be you!
9:35 a.m.–10:25 a.m. | Mandalay H
Keynote Address — Health Care Remixed
Zubin Damania MD, aka ZDoggMD
Show description
Through an engaging mix of song, humor, and creative storytelling, Dr. Damania examines the challenges of delivering compassionate care in our dysfunctional healthcare system while proposing collaborative ways to revitalize it. He explores how we might work individually and collectively to ensure that the future of medicine is a bright one.
10:30 a.m. | Shoreline Exhibit Hall
Opening of the Exhibit Hall
Brian Walsh PhD RRT RRT-NPS FAARC AARC President/Presiding
Karen Schell DHSc RRT RRT-NPS RPFT AARC President-elect/Presiding
Show description
The 2018 AARC President and President-elect open the Exhibit Hall. As the gold standard of all respiratory care meetings, AARC Congress 2018 presents to you all the manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. The Exhibit Hall offers attendees an opportunity to see, touch, and manipulate the latest technology in the field and have clinical conversations with manufacturer representatives. Don’t miss this great opportunity!
10:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Mandalay E | General
Sputum Bowl Preliminaries
Renee Wunderley BS RRT RRT-NPS/Presiding
Show description
Student teams from the AARC State Societies compete in the preliminary competitions. The top four teams will face off in the Finals on Thursday, Dec. 6.
Sponsored by:
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Reef C | General
Orientation for First-Time Attendees
Karen Schell DHSc RRT RRT-NPS RPFT, Frankfort KS
Thomas Lamphere RRT RPFT FAARC, Sellersville PA
Show description
Are you a first-time attendee with unanswered questions about who to see, where to go, and what to expect from your first AARC Congress? If so, then attendance at this presentation is a MUST for you! This presentation provides first-time attendees with an overview of the entire AARC Congress and includes suggestions on how to maximize your time, not only at the educational sessions but also at the exhibits and peripheral activities as well.
12:05 p.m.–12:35 p.m. | Surf B | General
Presenting an Open Forum® Abstract
Teresa Volsko MBA RRT FAARC, Canfield OH
Rich Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
Show description
This presentation will introduce the neophyte research presenter to the customs, roles, and experience of presenting at an Open Forum session. The stages of an Open Forum presentation including poster set-up, interacting with participants and moderators, presenting at the podium, and participating in moderated audience discussions will be addressed. Expectations for Editor’s Choice and Poster Only presentations will be reviewed.
12:45 p.m.–2:40 p.m. | Surf B | General
Open Forum — Poster Discussions #1
Show description
Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from
12:45 p.m.–2:10 p.m. | Surf E | General
Open Forum — Poster Discussions #2
Show description
Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from
1:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Adult Acute
Patient Assessment
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Mandalay L
Auscultation of the Chest
Brian Cayko MBA RRT DCE, Great Falls MT
Show description
Chest auscultation is an essential part of the physical examination. This lecture will describe breath sounds that might be heard during auscultation with an emphasis on the responsible pathology. Common disagreements in describing breath sounds will also be discussed.
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Mandalay L
Systematic Interpretation of Adult Plain Films
Jeff Anderson MA RRT, Boise ID
Show description
This presentation will provide a systematic approach to interpretation of adult ICU plain films and will include several examples of common and uncommon abnormalities.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Mandalay L
Systematic Interpretation of Adult CT scans
Jeff Anderson MA RRT, Boise ID
Show description
This presentation will provide a systematic approach to interpretation of adult ICU CT scans and provide examples of common abnormalities along with paired plain films.
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Mandalay L
ABG Interpretation: The Metabolic Side of Things
Sara Mirza MD MS, Chicago IL
Show description
This lecture on arterial blood gas interpretation will focus on metabolic acid-base disturbances. The presenter will describe important concepts related to these disturbances including primary causes, compensation, anion gap, and serum electrolytes.
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education
Can You See It Now? Congenital Heart Defects + 3D Printing
Samantha Davis MS RRT AE-C, Boise ID
Show description
3D printing technology has made its way into libraries, college campuses, and medical centers worldwide. Familiarize yourself with this emerging technology and leverage it to engage your learners.
1:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Management
What It Will Take for Respiratory Care to Survive as a Profession
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Lagoon F
Challenges Facing Respiratory Care as a Profession: Making the Transition from World 1 to World 2
Garry Kauffman MPA RRT FAARC, Walnut Cove NC
Show description
This presentation will review the status of the U.S. health care system with respect to payment methodologies, service delivery imperatives, and deliverables in terms of quality, patient safety and satisfaction, and financial performance, and illustrate the need to create a compelling value proposition for respiratory care services by making the transition from “counting procedures” to adding value.
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Lagoon F | Track TBA
A New Paradigm for Benchmarking Respiratory Care Services
Madhu Sasidhar MD, Cleveland OH
Show description
This talk will describe the development, validation, and implementation of a new model for monitoring productivity.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Lagoon F
How do We Establish the Value-Efficiency of Respiratory Care
Rob Chatburn MHHS RRT FAARC, Cleveland OH
Show description
This presentation will review the failings of legacy productivity and benchmarking systems in respiratory care. It will then describe a new system to quantify the value of specific respiratory therapy activities and labor categories for more effective strategic planning.
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Lagoon F
Will Respiratory Care Survive? Yes, If…
Jamie Stoller MD MS FAARC, Cleveland OH
Show description
This talk will outline the trends in health care that will be critical in determining the survival of respiratory care as a distinct profession.
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Reef C | Management
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Program Management
Trina Limberg BS RRT FAARC, San Diego CA
Show description
Attend this session to review and address challenges facing programs with increased referrals, patient diversity, and clinic volume. Learn how to leverage for more resources and expand services.
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Breakers F | Clinical Practice
Managing Pulmonary Complications of Neuromuscular Disease
Sara Mirza MD MS, Chicago IL
Show description
Advances in the management of neuromuscular diseases have led to improved life expectancy for patients with these conditions. We are now encountering patients with chronic, neuromuscular respiratory weakness in both home and inpatient settings. This lecture will provide an update to respiratory therapists on ways to identify when these weaknesses warrant intervention and how to implement them in their practice.
1:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Mandalay C | Neonatal/Pediatric
PRO/CON: Waking Intubated Children Is Safe and Improves Outcomes
PRO: Alex Rotta MD FCCM, Cleveland OH
CON: Martin Kneyber MD PhD FCCM, Groningen Netherlands
Show description
Invasively mechanically ventilated pediatric patients are routinely managed with pharmacologic sedation and confined to bed. Two international experts will debate the benefits and risks of such an approach. Should intubated children be confined to bed or allowed to ambulate in the ICU — and potentially beyond? Time will be allocated for discussion with the audience.
1:30 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Patient Safety
Managing Ventilator Alarms: Establishing the Foundation
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Mandalay D
Alarm Fatigue: Implications for Patient Safety
Marc Schlessinger MBA RRT FACHE, Plymouth Meeting PA
Show description
A major focus of Joint Commission surveys for the next several years will be clinical alarm management. One key component of clinical alarm management is alarm fatigue. Much work has been done on physiologic monitoring and the attention will now move toward ventilator alarms. This presentation will help therapists take an objective look at alarm fatigue as it pertains to mechanical ventilation as well as BiPAP, ETCO2, and pulse oximeters.
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Mandalay D
Utilizing Middleware to Improve Patient Safety
Connie Dills MBA RRT RPFT, West Hartford CT
Show description
In this session attendees will be shown, through statistical data, how the utilization of middleware in managing ventilator alarms can reduce alarm fatigue and greatly enhance patient safety.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Mandalay D
Using Ventilator Benchmark Data To Improve Patient Safety
Rich Zink MBA, West Lafayette IN
Show description
In this session the Regenstrief National Center for Medical Device Informatics’ (REMEDI) database will be introduced and used to demonstrate the value of shared data and knowledge in patient safety and quality improvement efforts. The presenter will discuss how hospitals have used shared data for benchmarking default ventilator settings and reducing non-actionable ventilator alerts.
1:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Pulmonary Function
Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) Symposium
1:30 p.m.–2:05 p.m. | Breakers D | Track TBA
Why Do We Need Reference Equations?
Sanja Stanojevic PhD, Toronto Ontario
Show description
The objectives of the GLI are to establish improved international reference equations for lung function tests using data collected under standardized conditions. This lecture will discuss common challenges in interpreting lung function tests, and the advantages of using GLI reference equations to characterize lung function in our patients.
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Breakers D | Track TBA
Interpretation of Spirometry Results
Sanja Stanojevic PhD, Toronto Ontario
Show description
In 2012 the GLI published the reference equations for spirometry. The data included over 74,000 subjects and defined reference equations for ages 3-95 and four unique ethnic groups. The lecture will review the specifics about how the reference equations were derived and the implications for their practical use.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Breakers D | Track TBA
Lung Volumes
Gregg Ruppel MEd RRT RPFT, Oro Valley AZ
Show description
The GLI Network is in the process of collecting data on lung volumes. This lecture will give a progress report on the work of the lung volume group to date.
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Breakers D | Track TBA
Implementation of DLCO Equations
Sanja Stanojevic PhD, Toronto Ontario
Show description
In 2017 the GLI published the reference equations for transfer factor of the lung (diffusing capacity). The data was derived from over 9700 subjects ages 5 to 85 years. The lecture will review the specifics about how the reference equations were derived and the implications for their practical use.
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice
Review of the Literature and Latest Developments in Pulmonary Rehab
Brian Carlin MD FAARC, Sewickley PA
Show description
This talk will discuss the latest developments in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation over the last year.
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education
Digital Merit Badges: Recognizing Student Achievement
Tammy Kurszewski DHSc RRT RRT-ACCS, Wichita Falls TX
Show description
Respiratory programs have long relied on the concept of competencies to assure knowledge and skill of graduates. The emergence of digital merit badges moves one step further in engaging the millennial learner while also validating soft skills not previously recognized such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership under the traditional format. This presentation will introduce the digital merit badge and its potential role in respiratory therapy education.
2:10 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Adult Acute, Neonatal/Pediatric, Sleep Medicine
Year in Review
2:10 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Breakers F
Adult Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Karsten Roberts MS RRT RRT-ACCS, Philadelphia PA
Show description
The lecturer will describe the most important publications in adult invasive mechanical ventilation in the last calendar year.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Breakers F
Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation
Craig Smallwood PhD RRT, Jamaica Plain MA
Show description
The most important publications in pediatric mechanical ventilation in the last year will be described.
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Breakers F
Noninvasive Respiratory Support
John Davies MSc RRT FAARC, Cary NC
Show description
NIV changed mechanical ventilation in the last two decades. The use of high flow nasal oxygen has expanded the use of noninvasive support for respiratory failure. This talk will review the use of NIV and noninvasive respiratory support over the last year.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Breakers F
Patient Transport
Dario Rodriquez MSc RRT, Cincinnati OH
Show description
The papers published in the last year related to transport of the patient with respiratory disease and mechanical ventilation will be described.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Breakers F
Sleep Medicine
Brian Carlin MD FAARC, Sewickley PA
Show description
This talk will discuss the latest updates in the field of sleep disorders medicine over the last year. This will include developments in sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: The New 2018 Guidelines
Gerilynn Connors RRT, Fairfax VA
Show description
This talk will discuss the key changes in the upcoming 2018 guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Mandalay C | Neonatal/Pediatric
Ventilator Management Strategies To Minimize Neonatal Lung Injury
James Kiger MD, Pittsburgh PA
Show description
As infants are especially susceptible to ventilator-induced lung injury of all forms, a careful and rational approach to ventilation that seeks to minimize harm is potentially beneficial in the reduction of chronic lung disease. This presentation will discuss evidence-based choices for ventilator management with a focus on reducing the risks of volutrauma, atelectrauma, and biotrauma.
2:50 p.m.–3:25 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education
Using Apps to Engage Interprofessional Learners
Douglas Masini EdD RRT FAARC, Savannah GA
Show description
Apps on tablets, computers, or phones allow the instructor to teach respiratory care procedures, as well as lung and airway anatomy and physiology, in a visually appealing way that contributes simultaneously to the cognitive, effective, and hands-on psychomotor skills of the student in orientation. The author will demonstrate how apps provide a low-cost alternative to lectures, photos, and slides of the cardiopulmonary system.
3:15 p.m.–5:10 p.m. | Surf B | General
Open Forum — Poster Discussions #3
Show description
Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from
3:15 p.m.–5:10 p.m. | Surf E | General
Open Forum — Poster Discussions #4
Show description
Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Mandalay D | Ethics
Ethics: Critical Care or Euthanasia?
Melissa Ash BS RRT AE-C, Downingtown PA
Show description
Euthanasia has been discussed since the ancient Roman and Greek times. Today it is still a hot topic. This lecture will address whether respiratory therapists are unknowingly participating in euthanasia and will compare and contrast comfort care with euthanasia. Specific case studies will be discussed.
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice
Case Studies from Case Management: Successes and Shortcomings
Krystal Craddock BSRC RRT AE-C, Roseville CA
Show description
This lecture will discuss how the respiratory therapist’s expertise can play a vital role in respiratory care case management when discharging patients to post-acute care. Case studies will be presented on successful discharges and discharges where there were opportunities for improvement.
3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Neonatal/Pediatric
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Mandalay C
Current Challenges, Outcomes, and Future Direction
Brad Kuch MHA RRT FAARC, Havertown PA
Show description
Management of BPD and chronic lung disease requires a multidisciplinary team approach to navigate clinical and developmental challenges. The presentation will discuss the current challenges surrounding the care of these complex patients from acute phase through discharge. Outcomes and future therapeutic options will be discussed.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Mandalay C
Clinical Management of Severe BPD
James Kiger MD, Pittsburgh PA
Show description
Infants who have developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia have significant challenges in the management of their ventilation and associated comorbidities. This presentation will discuss ventilator strategies for infants who have already been diagnosed with severe BPD as well as evidence-based approaches to the management of nutrition, pulmonary hypertension, and development in these vulnerable infants.
3:30 p.m.–4:05 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education
Putting Research into Your Curriculum
Aaron Light DHSc RRT RRT-ACCS, Springfield MO
Show description
The presenter will demonstrate ways to incorporate a research component into a curriculum. This presentation will discuss ways to include actual research projects like bench studies and human testing studies. Examples of how he has performed over 60 student-led research projects and transitioned them into Open Forum abstracts for the AARC will be described.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education
Nurturing a Clinical Problem into a Research Project
Dave Burnett PhD RRT AE-C, Kansas City KS
Show description
Many respiratory therapists are expert clinicians and have great ideas about improving clinical care. However, they are unsure of how to take a clinical problem and create a meaningful and impactful research project. This presentation will discuss how to form a research question, conduct a productive literature search, develop your aims and hypothesis, and choose the methodology for a project.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Mandalay D | Patient Safety
The Patient Experience: Is There Common Sense in Medicine?
Thomas Lamphere RRT RPFT FAARC, Sellersville PA
Show description
Health care workers are told by their administrators to not only deliver quality medical care, but to ensure patients have a great experience while in the hospital. However, most health care workers have never been a patient themselves and fail to recognize things they do every day that directly relate to a poor patient experience. This presentation will follow the presenter as a case study to examine the use of common sense in medicine.
4:10 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Lagoon F | Management
PRO/CON: RTs Add Value to Health Care Delivery
Douglas Laher MBA RRT FAARC, Irving TX
Garry Kauffman MPA RRT FAARC, Walnut Cove NC
Show description
This pro/con debate will explore whether or not RTs add value to health care delivery in the realms of quality, safety, and financial performance. Presenters will defend their position through published evidence, financial data survey results, and outcome metrics. Do RTs really add value, or is the profession an unneeded, task-driven commodity that hospitals can do without? As an added twist, a coin will be flipped at the onset of the presentation to determine which side of the debate each person will take.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Breakers D | Pulmonary Function
Spirometry in the Primary Care Setting
Curt Merriman RRT CPFT, Burnsville MN
Show description
Spirometry in primary care settings has a long history of poor quality. Ideally, qualified respiratory therapists should be performing these tests. In reality that rarely happens. Coordinated efforts with pulmonary function lab personnel for training and quality control can help provide improved quality and assure long-term quality improvements.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Mandalay L | Adult Acute
Predicting Extubation Failure
David Vines PhDc RRT FAARC, Wheaton IL
Show description
Extubation failure occurs in 10-20% of extubated patients and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Many factors lead to extubation failure, but can it be predicted? This presentation will review published research associated with predicting extubation failure.
4:10 p.m.–4:45 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for the Non-Obstructed Patient
Trina Limberg BS RRT FAARC, San Diego CA
Show description
Attend this session to review evidence-based practice for training and educating this growing population of patients.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Breakers D | Pulmonary Function
How To Explain Spirometry to a PCP
Amanda Clark RRT, Columbia SC
Show description
Primary care providers are charged with being an expert in a variety of disease processes and in interpreting labs tests, radiologic and otherwise. There has been a tremendous amount of misdiagnosis of pulmonary disease from lack of interpretive strategies for simple diagnostics such as oximetry and spirometry.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Mandalay C | Neonatal/Pediatric
Implications of Aerosol Delivery in a Pediatric Population
Tim Myers MBA RRT FAARC, Avon OH
Show description
Aerosolized medications are commonly administered, often without supportive data. This presentation will review the current literature to support an evidence-based approach to aerosol delivery in the pediatric population.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Mandalay D | Clinical Practice
Passive Smoke Exposure in Children: Health Risks of Smoke Exposure
Natalie Napolitano MPH RRT FAARC, Philadelphia PA
Show description
This lecture will discuss the known health hazards to children with exposure to second- and third-hand smoke.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Madalay L | Adult Acute
Preventing Extubation Failure
Carl Hinkson MS RRT FAARC, Marysville WA
Show description
This evidence-based presentation will review strategies aimed at preventing extubation failure. The use of cuff leak tests, glucocorticoid therapy, noninvasive ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, and other topics will be discussed.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Lagoon L | Management
Hot Topics in Higher Education: Incorporating Disease Management into the RC Curriculum
Douglas Masini EdD RRT FAARC, Savannah GA
Brady Scott MS RRT FAARC, Wheaton IL
Show description
Disease management is an important, emerging role for respiratory therapists. This presentation will include suggestions for including disease management in both didactic coursework and in clinical experiences.
4:50 p.m.–5:25 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice
A Safe Approach in Caring for Tracheostomy Patients across the Continuum
Kathleen Spihlman BS RRT, St Louis MO
Show description
This lecture will discuss how to achieve positive outcomes to improve care for the tracheostomy patient and transition them successfully from acute to post-acute. This lecture will review the overall risks to tracheostomy patients when entering into any health care system and clear methods to eliminate that risk to this vulnerable population.