AARC Activities:
- Leadership & Management Section Member – AARC (2024–Present)
- Adult Critical Care Section Member – AARC (2022–Present)
- Education Section Member – AARC (2022–Present)
HOD Activities:
- House of Delegates (HOD) – Texas Delegate
- Term 1: 2021–2022
- Term 2: 2022–2023
- House of Delegates Student Mentorship Committee – Member (2022–2023)
- House of Delegates Awards and Recognition Committee – Member (2021–2023)
Affiliate Activities:
- TSRC Positions and Roles
- Board of Directors, TSRC – Member (08/2017 – 01/2023)
- South Region Director, TSRC – (08/2017 – 01/2021)
- Texas Delegate, TSRC to AARC House of Delegates – (01/2021 – 01/2022 and 01/2022 – 01/2023)
- Regional Affairs Committee, TSRC – Member (06/2019 – 01/2023)
- Nominations and Elections Committee, TSRC – Member (06/2019 – 01/2023)
- TSRC Planning and Events
- Planning Committee Chair – Alamo District Seminar (2017-2019)
Related Organizations:
- CHEST Positions and Activities
- Respiratory Care Interest Group Steering Committee – Member (2023–Present)
- FCCP Subcommittee (Membership) – Member (2022–Present)
- Airways Disorders Network – Member-at-Large (2022–2024)
- Interprofessional Team Network Steering Committee – Chair (2019–2022), Vice-Chair (2018–2019), Ex-Officio Member (2017–2018)
Education and Credentials:
- MPH, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FCCP
Publications:
- Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
- Ramirez KE, Wettstein RW, Cuevas S, Gardner DD, Restrepo RD. Adherence to an Oxygen Weaning Protocol in Mechanically Ventilated Adults in the MICU. Respir Care. 2020. doi:10.4187/respcare.07432.
- Wettstein RW, Gardner DD, Wiatrek S, Ramirez KE, Restrepo RD. Endotracheal cuff pressures in the PICU: Incidence of underinflation and overinflation. Can J Respir Ther. 2019;55:1–5.
- Ramirez KE, Snowden CD, Hunt D, Yifru F, Alnasser M, Sevilla L, Carreon M, Wettstein R, Stokes T and Restrepo RD.Is the PROSEVA Trial Prone Positioning Protocol Followed in a Group of Adult Patients with ARDS admitted to the ICU? Respiratory Care 2019 Oct;64(10)
- Ramirez KE, Soucy VD, Alghareeb H, Chavez M, McLin M, Tran A, Carreon M, Stokes T, Wettstein R, and Restrepo RD. Ventilator Alarm Selection in the ICU. Respiratory Care, October 2019, 64 (Suppl 10) 3238923.
- Book Chapters
- Ramirez KE, Shelledy DC, Peters JI. (2020). Appendix B: Major Cardiopulmonary Disease States and Conditions. In: Respiratory Care Patient Assessment & Care Plan Development. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Ramirez KE, Esquinas AM, et al. (2020). Chapter 4: Interface – Nasal/face mask/total face mask/helmet/pipe. In: Respiratory Care in Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilatory Support. Nova Science Publishers.”
Elections Committee Questions:
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the AARC, and what do you recommend to address it?
One of the biggest challenges facing the AARC today is the engagement and retention of the next generation of RTs. There is a critical need for more effective strategies to ignite interest in AARC involvement and to clearly communicate the value and benefits that membership can provide for those entering the profession. Equally important is the need to cultivate pathways that support leadership development, advocacy, and lifelong professional growth. Many early-career RTs remain unaware of the opportunities available through AARC and lack the structured mentorship necessary to inspire meaningful participation.
As a clinical educator and someone deeply invested in professional service, I have witnessed the profound impact that early involvement in professional organizations can have on students and recent graduates. When individuals are introduced to these opportunities early and supported through clear leadership pathways and intentional mentorship, their growth is accelerated.
Healthcare is changing more rapidly than ever. What ideas do you have to help today’s respiratory therapist meet these challenges?
One of the most impactful ways to support RTs in navigating these shifts in healthcare is through targeted education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and intentional mentorship.
As someone who has served as a Director of Clinical Education and has led efforts in curriculum innovation and clinical readiness, I believe in equipping respiratory therapists not only with clinical expertise, but also with critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership skills. I would advocate for the development of advanced educational modules and simulations that reflect emerging healthcare challenges such as ECMO, AI in diagnostics, and competency-based models.
Additionally, fostering stronger interdisciplinary collaboration is something I’ve championed through interprofessional teaching with PA, nursing, and medical students. It helps RTs see their role as vital members of the care team and strengthens their voice in patient advocacy and decision-making.
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?
If given the opportunity to represent, I would focus on enhancing the value of the Education Section by fostering stronger connections among academic faculty, clinical educators, and students across the nation. With over a decade of experience in curriculum development, clinical education, and mentoring students and faculty, I understand the importance of creating accessible, innovative, and collaborative platforms for professional growth.
First, I would work to develop a mentorship initiative within the Education Section that connects seasoned educators with early-career faculty and graduate students. Second, I would advocate for the creation and promotion of more interactive content such as webinars, faculty roundtables, and resource-sharing forums tailored specifically to the evolving needs of respiratory therapy educators. Lastly, I would focus on outreach by engaging faculty and students at the program level by showcasing the benefits of Education Section membership.
