• AARC.org
• Contact Us
• Register

The Gold Standard in Respiratory Care Meetings

 

Saturday, December 1

8:30 A.M.–10:55 A.M.
OPENING SESSION
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim
Sam P. Giordano MBA RRT FAARC
AARC Executive Director/Presiding

8:30 A.M.–10:10 A.M.
AARC Awards Ceremony
The ceremony recognizes the “doers” in the profession, from students to experienced, long-established clinicians. Be there and applaud your peers. Today they are recognized; tomorrow it may be you.

10:15 A.M.–10:55 A.M.
Keynote Address
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from GE Healthcare

John W. Walsh
President, Alpha-1 Foundation
Mr. Walsh is the co-founder, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation in Miami, Florida. Under his leadership, the organization has become internationally recognized and has invested nearly $31 million to support Alpha-1 Antitryspin research and programs in 60 institutions in North America and Europe. In 2002, Mr. Walsh’s contribution to pioneering collaboration in orphan drug development was recognized by the FDA with the Commissioner’s Special Citation. Mr. Walsh has an extensive background in business management and government relations; he has been reappointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to serve a third term on the Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability is the Chair of the National Health Council’s Board of Directors (2005-2006); the Immediate Past Chair and member of the American Thoracic Society’s Public Advisory Roundtable (PAR); member of the American Lung Association’s National Action Panel on Lung Disease; member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Genetic Research Ethics And Law (CGREAL) at Case Western Reserve University; member of the US COPD Coalition Executive Committee; the Chair of the International COPD Coalition; member of the COPD Foundation Board of Directors and was the Presidential Appointee (2004-2005) of the American Thoracic Society’s Board of Directors. He regularly testifies before Congress and advisory groups as a patient advocate. Mr. Walsh was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, in 1989.

11:00 A.M.
Opening of Exhibit Hall
Toni Rodriguez EdD RRT/Presiding
The 2007 AARC President opens the Exhibit Hall. As the “Gold Standard” of all respiratory care meetings, the Congress presents all the manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. The Exhibit Hall offers attendees an opportunity to make purchases right on the spot, often at special discounts. Don’t miss this great opportunity! The Exhibit Hall will stay open until 4:00 P.M. on Monday, Dec. 3.

8:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.
Covidien 30th National Competition
Sputum Bowl® Preliminaries
Jim Fenstermaker RRT FAARC
Placentia CA/Presiding
Teams from the AARC state societies compete in the preliminary competitions. The top 4 teams will advance to the Finals on Monday evening, Dec. 3, along with the Student Sputum Bowl finalists.

11:05 A.M.–11:50 A.M.
Orientation for First-time Attendees
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from HCA West Florida

Presented by the AARC Program Committee
This program overview includes suggestions on how to maximize your time not only at the educational sessions, but also at the exhibits and peripheral activities.

11:05 A.M.–11:50 A.M.
Orientation: Presenting an Open Forum® Abstract
Teresa A Volsko MHHS RRT FAARC
Hudson OH
This lecture will discuss the framework of an Open Forum session (poster session and podium presentation), purpose and function of the moderators, and components essential to a podium presentation. Included will be example presentations.

1:00 P.M.–1:50 P.M.
Wheeze-Free on the High Seas
Bruce Toben RRT-NPS CPFT, Piscataway NJ
This presentation reviews 13 years of cruising with patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. A multidisciplinary team of RTs, nurses and physicians acted as escorts for more than 120 patients during this span. The presentation will describe the supplies, programs, challenges, and rewards of this annual event.

1:00 P.M.–2:10 P.M.
Productivity and Validating Your Operations
1:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M.
Using Productivity To Establish Staffing Levels
Richard M Ford RRT FAARC, San Diego CA
This presentation will give examples of how to use your productivity data to establish appropriate staffing levels.

1:35 P.M.–2:10 P.M.
Validating Your Operations with Benchmarking
Thomas P Malinowski RRT FAARC
Falls Church VA
This presentation will demonstrate how to use the data from the AARC Benchmarking System to validate your staffing, procedures, and protocols.

1:00 P.M.–2:20 P.M.
Neonatal Clinical Cases
An Interactive Case-Based Approach
Ira M Cheifetz MD FAARC, Durham NC and
Tiffany G Mabe RRT-NPS, Chapel Hill NC
The care of the neonate can be a challenging experience. In this interactive audience response session, patient cases will be presented from the MD and RRT perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on management decisions and technological challenges, as well as their effects on outcome. After each case, time will be allotted for open discussion with the audience.

1:00 P.M.–2:25 P.M.
Monitoring for Pulmonary Side Effects of Drugs
1:00 P.M.–1:40 P.M.
Inhaled Insulin
Melynne Youngblood MD, Mankato MN
The FDA has approved an inhaled insulin with cautions. Learn the potential side effects and recommendations for the use of lung function tests in monitoring the use of this novel approach to the treatment of diabetes.

1:45 P.M.–2:25 P.M.
Amiodarone, Bleomycin, and Other Cytotoxic Drugs
Melynne Youngblood MD
A number of drugs may damage the lungs. This lecture will discuss recommendations for using lung function tests to monitor patients for lung toxicity.

1:00 P.M.–2:50 P.M.
Educator Academy—Part IV: Improving Student Test Performance
1:00 P.M.–1:35 P.M.
The Role of Critical Thinking in Test Performance
Thomas V Hill PhD RRT, Athens GA
At the conclusion of this session, the attendees will be able to define critical thinking and describe, demonstrate, and apply methods for improving critical thinking in students and identify methods of assessing their proficiency.

1:40 P.M.–2:10 P.M.
Evaluating Student Examination Performance
Thomas V Hill PhD RRT
At the conclusion of this session, the attendees will be able to analyze student performance in various testing formats to identify the causes of poor performance, to include: knowledge deficiency, reading problems, language barriers, critical thinking proficiency, test anxiety, and other problems/issues.

2:15 P.M.–2:50 P.M.
Improving Test Performance
Bill Galvin MEd RRT CPFT AE-C FAARC, Gwynedd Valley PA
At the conclusion of this session the attendees will be able to describe strategies that teachers could share with their students to improve their performance in various test situations and conditions. Emphasis will be placed on all forms of testing, to include: multiple choice examinations, true/false, matching, and the dreaded essay examinations.

1:00 P.M.–3:20 P.M.
Failure To Oxygenate the Patient with Severe ARDS
1:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide
Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
Is there a role for inhaled nitric oxide for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome? This presentation will review the when and how of inhaled nitric oxide in ARDS patients.

1:35 P.M.–2:10 P.M.
High Frequency Ventilation
Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC
Does high frequency ventilation improve outcomes in patients with ARDS? This presentation will describe high frequency ventilation technique, patient selection, and clinical trials.

2:15 P.M.–2:45 P.M.
Airway Pressure Release Ventilation
Richard M Kallet MS RRT FAARC,
San Francisco CA
Does airway pressure release ventilation improve outcomes in patients with ARDS? This presentation will review airway pressure release ventilation technique, patient selection, and clinical trials.

2:50 P.M.–3:20 P.M.
Recruitment Maneuvers in ARDS
What is the role of recruitment maneuvers in ARDS? This presentation will describe the timing, methods, and clinical pearls of recruitment maneuvers.

1:00 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
Evidence-Based Approach to the Pharmacological Management of Asthma
1:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M.
Bronchodilators: Short and Long Term Agents
Douglas Gardenhire EdD RRT NPS, Atlanta GA
Improving airflow during an acute exacerbation of asthma is crucial; however, maintenance may be more important. This lecture will review the clinical evidence of bronchodilators in the management of asthma.

1:35 P.M.–2:05 P.M.
Anti-asthma Agents—Are They Worth Starting?
Arzu Ari PhD MS CRT CPFT, Atlanta GA
Maintenance therapy is crucial in the treatment of asthma; however, anti-asthma agents may be a better choice than corticosteroids. This lecture will review the clinical evidence of anti-asthma agents in the management of asthma.

2:10 P.M.–2:40 P.M.
Corticosteroids: How Much Is Too Much?
Douglas Gardenhire EdD RRT NPS
Inhaled corticosteroids seem to be the mainstay for asthma management, and
systemic corticosteroids are the front-line agents in an acute exacerbation. This
lecture will review the clinical evidence of corticosteroids in the management of
asthma, as well as touch on newer agents.

2:45 P.M.–3:15 P.M.
Asthma Toolbox—What Device Should I Choose?
Lynda Goodfellow EdD RRT AE-C, Atlanta, GA
Professionals caring for asthmatics have many tools to consider when selecting the appropriate device. This lecture provides a review of the literature describing the selection of an appropriate device.

3:20 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
Alternative Treatments—What Else Can I Consider?
Chip Zimmerman MSM RRT NPS, Atlanta GA
While bronchodilators and corticosteroids may be the mainstay in the treatment of asthma, not everyone will respond. This lecture will review alternative options in the treatment of asthma.

1:00 P.M.–3:25 P.M.
Update on COPD and Its Management
1:00 P.M.–1:45 P.M.
Current Pharmacologic Management of COPD
Richard ZuWallack MD, Hartford CT
This presentation reviews the drugs currently available for managing patients with COPD and summarizes the evidence base supporting their use. In the context of current clinical practice guidelines, it provides practical guidance for deciding when and how to prescribe these drugs for COPD patients.

1:50 P.M.–2:35 P.M.
Management of Anxiety and Depression in COPD
Charles F Emery PhD, Columbus OH
Anxiety and panic are common in COPD and can be disabling. They require evaluation and management different from measures targeted at bronchospasm and airflow obstruction. This presentation discusses the importance of recognizing and properly treating anxiety and panic in patients with severe COPD and provides practical guidance for incorporating management of these things into comprehensive care.

2:40 P.M.–3:25 P.M.
COPD Exacerbations: Significance, Assessment, and Current Management
David J Pierson MD FAARC, Seattle WA
Much new information has appeared in the past few years about the importance of COPD exacerbations in the natural history of this disease and its impact on patients’ quality of life. This presentation reviews current evidence on diagnosing, assessing, and managing exacerbations.

1:00 P.M.–4:05 P.M.
Use of Clinical Simulation Technology in Respiratory Care Education
1:00 P.M.–2:00 P.M.
Planning Clinical Simulation Educational Venues
Jeffrey J Ward MEd RRT FAARC, Rochester MN
The presentation will review the process of developing scenarios that can be used in the education of students and competency assurance of staff therapists. It will involve setting objectives and selecting simulation methods.

2:05 P.M.–4:05 P.M.
Maximizing the Learning Experience Using High Fidelity Simulation
Cheryl A Paulson RRT and Robert J Clifford RRT, Rochester MN
The presenters will discuss and demonstrate how to use simulation technology to do training and competency assessment. Specific areas to be addressed include: assessment of ventilator alarms and appropriate interventions, and the proper use of artificial airways by following the Mayo Clinic Difficult Airway Algorithm.

4:10 P.M.
Education Section Meeting
Jeffrey J Ward MEd RRT FAARC/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Education Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

1:55 P.M.–2:45 P.M.
The Impact of Competitive Bidding on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy
Timothy W Buckley RRT FAARC, Deerfield IL
Competitive bidding for home medical equipment including oxygen therapy is scheduled to be implemented in April 2008 in 10 selected cities. This is expected to have a significant impact on access to care. What we know so far, and what we expect the impact to be, will be discussed. Also, what to expect next as CMS continues to roll out competitive acquisition across the country.

2:15 P.M.–3:55 P.M.
Success Stories for Transformational Leadership
2:15 P.M.–2:45 P.M.
Change as a Catalyst: Empowered RTs—the Juice Is Worth the Squeeze
Stan Holland MSc RRT, Harrisonburg VA
Success stories of how to use transformational leadership while leading staff through the 3 stages of transitions: ending, losing, letting go—the neutral zone—the beginning.

2:50 P.M.–3:20 P.M.
RC Benchmarking Success Stories: Transforming Data to Actionable Information
Stan Holland MSc RRT
Transforming data from the AARC Benchmarking System into success stories in hospitals. This lecture will explain how data gleaned from the AARC Benchmarking System helped document the speaker’s departmental efficiency.

3:25 P.M.–3:55 P.M.
Pulmonary Center of Excellence: Pulmonary Disease Management
Stan Holland MSc RRT
The objectives of this talk include team members (“The Draft”), what is a pulmonary center of excellence; team develoP.M.ent (“Game Plan”) integration of medical direction; team “win-win” measures of success—clinical and financial outcomes; and team celebration (“Refilling the Tank”).

4:00 P.M.
Management Section Meeting
Richard M Ford RRT FAARC/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Management Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

2:25 P.M.–4:35 P.M.
Even the Experts Cannot Agree
2:25 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
Tidal Volume Should Initially Be 6 ml/kg in Virtually All Patients with Respiratory Failure
Pro: Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC
Con: Robert M Kacmarek PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA
Although the ARDS Network has demonstrated that low tidal volume ventilation is associated with improved mortality for adults with acute lung injury, the ideal tidal volume for all other situations remains controversial. Two experts in the field will debate whether 6 ml/kg tidal volume should be used for all patients with respiratory failure.

3:10 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
Noninvasive Ventilation Should Be Used in All Forms of Acute Respiratory Failure
Pro: Dean R Hess PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA
Con: Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
Although noninvasive ventilation has been demonstrated to be effective for patients with COPD, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and neuromuscular weakness, its role in other forms of acute respiratory failure remains controversial. Two experts in the field will debate whether noninvasive ventilation should be used for all forms of acute respiratory failure.

3:55 P.M.–4:35 P.M.
Recruitment Maneuvers Should Routinely Be Used in the Management of ALI and ARDS
Pro: Robert M Kacmarek PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA
Con: Richard H Kallet MSc RRT FAARC, San Francisco CA
The use of recruitment maneuvers in the management of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome remains very controversial. Two experts in the field will debate whether recruitment maneuvers should routinely be used in the critical care setting.

2:30 P.M.–4:05 P.M.
LTAC Care Planning and Education
2:30 P.M.–3:15 P.M.
Care Plans for Long Term Acute Care Facilities
Maria M Wooldridge MA RRT, New Orleans LA
This lecture will focus on develoP.M.ent of care plans for the LTAC facilities, how to develop care plans, and how to maintain appropriate care plans to meet requirements.

3:20 P.M.–4:05 P.M.
Patient Education and Family Training in the Long Term Acute Care Facility
Maria M Wooldridge MA RRT
This lecture will address the components of education as they relate to LTAC facilities: components necessary in family training for all aspects of respiratory care of the chronic patient from oxygen to ventilators and everything in between.

2:50 P.M.–4:25 P.M.
Quality Control Measures in Lung Function Testing
2:50 P.M.–3:10 P.M.
Do We Need National Regulation of Lung Testing?
Is it time to consider a national program to accredit pulmonary function labs? This lecture will discuss programs in other countries and explore the merits of PFT lab regulation.

3:15 P.M.–3:35 P.M.
Spirometry and Lung Volume Quality Control
Gregg L Ruppel MEd RRT RPFT FAARC,
St. Louis MO
Learn the optimal quality control methods for spirometry and lung volume measurements.

3:40 P.M.–4:00 P.M.
Diffusing Capacity Quality Control Methods
Susan B Blonshine RRT RPFT FAARC, Mason MI
Lack of good quality control methods leads to potentially large interlab and intralab variability of DLCO measurements. Learn the best quality control techniques to minimize spurious results.

4:05 P.M.–4:25 P.M.
Quality Control of Exercise and Gas Exchange Equipment
Carl D Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC
Rochester MN
Quality control of equiP.M.ent used for exercise and gas exchange measurements is essential to assure diagnostic accuracy. Learn the methods necessary to perform meaningful tests.

3:00 P.M.–4:45 P.M.
Student-Focused Seminar—Metamorphosis: Transitioning from Student to Professional Status
3:00 P.M.–3:35 P.M.
The AARC and You, or Becoming a Professional
Toni Rodriguez EdD RRT, Phoenix AZ
Provides an overview of the profession of respiratory care to include its evolution, role, and value. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics and traits of a professional and the critical importance of being involved and maintaining professional membership.

3:35 P.M.–4:10 P.M.
Achieving the NBRC Credential or Getting Credentialed
Bill Galvin MSEd RRT CPFT AE-C FAARC Gwynedd Valley PA
The presentation will address commonly cited reasons for poor performance on the NBRC credentialing examinations. It will cover strategies and techniques for successful performance on exams.

4:10 P.M.–4:45 P.M.
Securing That First Job or Getting Employed
Colleen L Schabacker RRT FAARC
Cookeville TN
Provides an overview of the job selection process to include the resume and the interview process. Emphasis will be placed on securing meaningful and satisfying employment.

3:25 P.M.–4:25 P.M.
Updates in Noninvasive Ventilation
Nicholas M Hill MD FACCP, Boston MA
Presentation will review the current trends and updates in the indications for using noninvasive ventilation. The participant will be able to understand the role of noninvasive ventilation in respiratory care.

4:30 P.M.
Adult Acute Care Section Meeting
Nick Widder, RRT/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Adult Acute Care Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

4:00 P.M.–4:55 P.M.
H5N1 and the Threat of an Influenza Pandemic
Lewis Rubinson MD PhD, Seattle WA
This presentation will review the different forms of influenza, including H5N1 or “bird flu” and describe what might happen if there were a world-wide pandemic of this infection in humans. Included will be a description of how respiratory clinicians would be impacted in such a pandemic and the implications for critical care, mechanical ventilation, and other aspects of care.

4:05 P.M.–4:55 P.M.
Understanding the Physiology of Exercise Testing
Richard Casaburi MD PhD, Torrance CA
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is an important component of pulmonary diagnostic evaluation as well as an integral part in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. This presentation reviews the physiology of exercise and describes the patterns of abnormality encountered in patients who complain of dyspnea. Through examples, it provides a guide to recognizing and quantitating the process that limits patients’ abilities to exercise.

4:10 P.M.–5:00 P.M.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What’s Old Is New Again
Garry W Kauffman MPA RRT FAARC
Lancaster PA
This presentation reviews the beginning of HBO therapy over a century ago and traces its history and utilization over the past 140 years to its present state. With the advent of CMS accepting UHMS indications for HBO approximately 2 years ago, the utilization of HBO has absolutely skyrocketed. In addition to the historical develoP.M.ent of HBO, the presentation addresses “traditional” and “off label” indications of HBO, contraindications, side effects, and complications; reviews the 4 types of HBO devices, defining roles and responsibilities for clinical RTs and RT administrators; and concludes with a variety of case studies to illustrate the value of hyperbaric medicine.

» Next

• Welcome
• Saturday, Dec 1
• Sunday, Dec 2
• Monday, Dec 3
• Tuesday, Dec 4
• Breakfast Symposia
• New Horizons Symposium
• Asthma Educator Prep Course
• Mechanical Ventilation Workshop
• Site & Hotel Information
• Discounted Transportation/Tickets
• Registration and Fees
• Exhibitors