From Bedside to Briefcase: The Ed Coombs Story
Respiratory therapists are the end users of the equipment manufactured by respiratory health industry, so it’s only natural for the companies that make that equipment to tap into the expertise of RTs. Their expertise helps bring their products to market and ensures that they meet the demands of their customers. In the following Q&A, Ed Coombs, MA, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, explains how he made the transition from the RT department to the corporate world —
When, where, and why did you first become interested in respiratory care?
While driving home from swim practice during high school, I came across a motorcycle accident and provided CPR in the street. This led to me volunteering for my local EMS corps. As a result of that experience, I was introduced to the respiratory care profession. Following graduation from high school, I enrolled in a respiratory care program.
Where did you go to RT school?
I attended RT school at the State University of New York-Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. As a student, the faculty constantly instilled a sense of professionalism, and from day one of the program demanded excellence of each student.
What was your first job in the profession and what did you learn at that job that helped guide the rest of your career?
I had worked part time as a student technician at Crouse Hospital. I had many mentors in Syracuse; the important learning experience on the first job was the importance of teamwork. After graduation, I started working at a local community hospital where working nights, often alone, you learned to apply critical thinking skills when treating patients. The concept of teamwork and critical thinking has helped me for the past 25 years.
How long did you work as an RT before transitioning into industry and where were you when the industry opportunity arose? What job was offered to you, and how did the opportunity come about?
I had worked at both community hospitals and a university hospital for approximately 18 years, both as a staff respiratory therapist and clinical supervisor. My first job in industry was that of a clinical application specialist. This was a perfect blend of clinical work and business, as I was responsible for teaching therapists, nurses, and physicians new technology and potentially improving their own understanding of mechanical ventilation principles.
The opportunity arose after I was able to meet several industry staff in similar roles during various AARC Congresses. After presenting various case studies in vendor booths, I was approached by a vendor and offered a role as a per-diem clinical application specialist. I realized that I had a new appreciation for the opportunities within industry.
What made you decide to move into industry and how have you liked working in that setting as opposed to the clinical setting you worked in before?
After working in a per-diem capacity, I was given the opportunity to work on a full-time basis, again as a clinical application specialist. Having this applications role kept me engaged clinically in the adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units. Approximately one and a half years later, I was promoted to a product manager role, where I was responsible for bringing new ventilator technology to market. This included a myriad of activities such as product management, internal and external training, communications, marketing activities, and interacting with key RT leaders to understand unmet needs and bring this to a future market.
As an RT, I am very comfortable with these responsibilities as I can apply my clinical skills and analytical thinking to advance technology and promote best practice in the clinical setting. The combination of clinical and business experiences has helped me grow professionally and personally in a variety of venues. The move to industry also provided me the opportunity to see the way in which RTs and MDs practice differently in the U.S. and abroad.
How did your background as a working therapist help to prepare you for your industry position? How did it help you move up the ranks?
My background as a working therapist in multiple ICUs has always been relied upon to serve as a clinical resource. I have relied on this background for much of the educational and training components of my role with industry. The combination of RT school and the decision to further my education in health care management has worked synergistically to prepare me to interact at various levels within the health care delivery system on multiple business topics. Having this ability is essential when working with various groups such as administration, physicians, biomedical technicians, nurses, and of course the respiratory departments.
Where do you work now and what is your position there? Do you still feel like you use your background as an RT in your job today? Why or why not?
I am fortunate enough to serve as the director of marketing-intensive care at Draeger Medical. I use both my education and experience as an RT, as well as my other training, almost every day. While I have not treated patients in almost nine years, to remain effective, I keep up to date with the latest research and trends in mechanical ventilation as well as current trends in medicine and marketplace conditions.
Conversations of a clinical nature with our customers are routine, which is why it is imperative to stay current and understand the needs of our customers. For several years, customers have told me that being able to talk to an RRT instills a sense of confidence and trust. After hearing this from many of our product users, I also felt compelled to sit for the recently released credential for adult critical care by the NBRC.
If you were to give new therapists 3-4 bits of advice about transitioning into industry, what would they be?
For therapists entering the workforce and desiring to move from a clinical environment to industry, I would recommend that you don’t “forget your roots.” I still introduce myself as a respiratory therapist above my role as the marketing director. For me, doing so is a continual source of pride. As RTs we have all made, at one point or another, an incredible difference in health care, one patient at a time.
I would also suggest to “pay it forward” — be humble in your success and take time to thank the mentors along your career path that have helped guide you. Lastly, I would urge everyone in both the clinical environment and industry to be an active member of the AARC. Become involved in your local chapters and proactively participate in promoting and adding value in the work you do as a respiratory therapist.
