Can you provide a brief overview of your journey in the field of respiratory care, from the early stages of your career to your current position?
Upon graduation for Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina, I moved to Miami Florida to work at Jackson Memorial Hospital in NICU. It was a pretty bold move considering I was a new graduate. I was working at Jackson Memorial Hospital when the 1980 ‘riots’ began as a result of an all-White male jury acquitting four officers for the beating death of a Black insurance salesman. I moved back to Columbia several months later. I worked with pediatric patients for several more years. My passion for respiratory care led me to work in various patient care settings including a TCI unit at a nursing home, home care and polysomnography. In 2000, I began my career at BlueChoice HealthPlan/BCBS of South Carolina in Population Health/Disease Management, where I am currently working. I have been employed at BlueChoice HealthPlan for the past 24 years.
What inspired you to pursue a career in respiratory care, and how has your passion evolved over the years?
I chose the profession of respiratory care because of my older sister’s severe asthma. I remember as a child hearing her wheezing and coughing all night. In those days, the mid-to-late 1960’s, there we not many options, particularly for Black people, for treatment. It was difficult to watch her struggling to breathe. My aunt was a severe asthmatic and passed away from her condition. I also have asthma. Therefore, I have always had an interest in the care and treatment of people with asthma. As soon as the National Asthma Educators’ Certification exam became available I became the first AE-C in South Carolina. My passion for respiratory care and caring for people with asthma also led me to working at BlueChoice HealthPlan.
Could you share a few key milestones or achievements in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I have so many key professional milestones and achievements. One of my greatest achievements was choosing to be a respiratory therapist. Some key milestones are passing the registry exam, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and a master’s degree from Webster University. Becoming an AE-C and of course, being elected the AARC House of Delegates is an achievement I am very proud of. My participation in the House of Delegates started my passion for supporting my profession. In 2016, was elected to be the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates, which is a milestone for me and the AARC. Currently I serve on the AARC Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large.
How do you stay updated on the latest advancements and developments in respiratory care, and how has continuous learning played a role in your professional growth?
The AARC website and AARConnect are great resources to stay updated on the latest advancements and developments in respiratory care. The AARC website offers courses via AARC University, Webcasts and Journalcasts, CPGs, the Respiratory Care Journal and the Resource Center. AARConnect communities has discussion between RTs which offer opportunities to share information and learn how other facilities operate.
What are your thoughts on the future of respiratory care, and how do you see the role of professionals evolving in the coming years?
I believe the future of respiratory care is promising. We, RTs, must pursue higher education. We can not be complacent with an associate or bachelor’s degree. RTs need to become Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist to be on an even playing field with other healthcare professional. An advanced degree also opens the door to research and teaching opportunities for RTs.
Can you share any memorable or rewarding experiences from your interactions with patients that have left a lasting impression on you?
Working in my current position, I don’t have face-to-face contact with patients. We “coach” our patients (we refer to them as members) telephonically and digitally. I contacted on of the members who has a child with severe asthma. I called to follow-up following a recent asthma ED visit which lead to being hospitalized. The child was having at least two ED visits for asthma per month for several months. She agreed to have a home visit with an RT. The RT found the home in disrepair, there were approximately 8 children sleeping on mattresses on the floor. The disturbing find was each time the child visited the ED she was given prednisone/prednisone. The mother was not instructed to stop the previous dose; therefore she was giving the child both doses of steroids. The RT provided asthma management, including medication education and trigger avoidance techniques. We continued to contact the mother to provide ongoing education and provide community assistance for the family’s needs. The child’s ED visits and asthma admission slowly decreased and the child’s asthma is well controlled.
As a seasoned professional, what advice would you offer to aspiring respiratory care professionals who are just starting their careers?
Don’t give up! Our profession is demanding and can be overwhelming. Advocate for our profession by making sure we are recognized as an integral member of patient care. Use your knowledge to assure patients, physicians, nurses and all healthcare professions know we are respiratory therapist and we’re here to stay. Also, keep going with continuing education. We’re RT STRONG!
