AARC Election 2026 — Karsten Roberts

AARC Activities:

• Clinical Practice Guideline, Spontaneous Breathing Trials (Chair, 2022-2025)
• Membership Innovation Committee (Co-chair, Current)
• Membership Advisory Committee (Co-chair, 2022-2024)
• Membership Committee (Chair, 2020-2023)
• Next Gen RT Network Task Force (Member, Current)
• Education Advancement – Value Proposition and Research Task Force (Member, Current)
• Political Action Contact Team (Member, 2017-2023)
• Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Oxygen Therapy (Member, 2019-2021)
• Respiratory Therapy Aid Ad Hoc Committee (Member, 2022-2023)
• AARC Representative, NBRC ACCS Examination Job Analysis (2016)

Affiliate Activities:

• Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care:
  • Director-at-Large, Adult Acute Care (2020-2021)
  • Legislative Committee (Chair, 2018-2021)
  • Judicial Committee (Chair, 2018-2021)
  • Legislative Committee (Member, Current)
• California Society for Respiratory Care:
  • Membership Committee (2015-2016)
  • Ad Hoc Committee: Rebranding (2014)

Related Organizations:

• Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
  • Director-at-Large, Respiratory Section Steering Committee (2024-2025)
  • Chair Elect, Respiratory Section Steering Committee (2025)
  • CDC/SCCM, Wellness Taskforce (2022)
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • Item Writing, Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapy Exam (2024)
• American College of Respiratory Therapy Education (ACRTE)
  • Social Media Committee (Chair, 2014-2018)

Education and Credentials:

• Master of Science

Publications:

• Roberts KJ, Zumstein KK, Lamphere TR, Williams M, Powell SA, Moran A, Kellar B, Solly WR, Pierce M. Improving Students’ Knowledge and Skill Through a Tele-ICU Clinical Rotation. Respir Care 2022; 67(7) 789-794.
• Roberts KJ, Silvestri JA, Klaiman T, Gutsche JT, Jablonski J, Fuchs BD, Kerlin MP, Mikkelsen ME. Well-being Among Respiratory Therapists in an Academic Medical Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Respir Care 2022, 67(12) 1588-1596.
• Roberts KJ. 2022 Year in Review: Ventilator Liberation. Respir Care 2023, 68 (12) 1728-1735.
• Roberts KJ, Goodfellow LT, Battey-Muse CM, Hoerr CA, Carreon ML, Sorg ME, Glogowski J, Girard TD, MacIntyre NR and Hess DR. AARC Clinical Practice Guideline: Spontaneous Breathing Trials for Liberation From Adult Mechanical Ventilation. Respir Care 2024, 69(7) 891-901.

Elections Committee Questions:

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the AARC, and what do you recommend to address it?

The biggest challenge for the AARC right now is membership engagement and retention. Despite growth in membership over the past 3 years, engaging members is crucial for sustainability. Ensuring members feel valued involves increased opportunities for networking, and involvement in AARC activities, addressing member needs and demonstrating value.

Utilizing AARConnect and social media platforms is key to engaging members, especially new professionals. Regular updates from Board leadership and highlighting member achievements foster a sense of accomplishment. The new mentorship communities are excellent for connecting with new professionals, providing guidance, and fostering a sense of belonging. I look forward to understanding member needs and preferences to help AARC adapt its strategies. Building a diverse and inclusive community where all members feel welcome and valued is essential for the organization’s success and achieving the strategic plan’s goals.

Healthcare is changing more rapidly than ever. What ideas do you have to help today’s respiratory therapist meet these challenges?

It is important for us to understand and embrace the changes occurring in healthcare through continuous learning and adaptability. Encouraging RTs to engage in the AARC through networking, specialty certifications, and Congress attendance helps members remain up to date on the latest advancements and best practices. Understanding and utilizing new platforms such as telemedicine and advanced monitoring systems, will help to integrate new technology into daily practice, enhancing patient care and streamlining workflows. As an educator I promote interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure best practices are employed for comprehensive care and allowing RTs to learn from other healthcare professionals. Advocating for wellness support and resilience training can help therapists manage the stress and demands of their roles, ultimately improving patient outcomes and job satisfaction.

The value of this section is important. If given the opportunity to represent, what would you do to increase the value of this section, and how would you increase interest in section membership?

To increase the value of the section I would focus on enhancing engagement, visibility, and professional development opportunities. The chair’s role in being involved in webinars and engaging with members helps highlight current trends and innovations in respiratory care, providing members with insights and continuing education. I am excited to be involved in the mentorship programs. These initiatives create a supportive community that meet the needs of new members and emerging leaders. As the Section Chair I would leverage AARConnect to highlight member achievements, share success stories, and promote upcoming events, to help make the section more visible and attractive to potential members. Collaborating with other sections and organizations to host joint events may help to broaden our reach and showcase the benefits of AARC membership. I look forward to actively seeking feedback from members and bringing their suggestions to the Board to ensure their needs and interests are meet.