• Welcome
• Saturday, Dec 13
• Sunday, Dec 14
• Monday, Dec 15
• Tuesday, Dec 16
• Breakfast Symposia
• New Horizons Symposium
• Asthma Course
• Ventilation Course & Workshops
• Site & Hotel Info
• Travel Discounts
• Registration & Fees
• Exhibitors
• What to See and Do in Anaheim
• AARC.org

Important Date

• Oct 31
  Discounted registration ends

Sunday, December 14

Plenary Session
8:30 A.M.–9:20 A.M.

AARC Annual Business Meeting

Toni Rodriguez EdD RRT AARC President/Presiding

The Annual Meeting of your professional association. The 2009 AARC Officers, Board of Directors, and House of Delegates officers are installed. Reports from the AARC leadership are presented. The meeting concludes with the installation and address of the 2009 President, Tim Myers RRT-NPS.

8:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.

31st National Competition
Sputum Bowl® Preliminaries

Jim Fenstermaker RRT FAARC
Placentia CA/Presiding

Teams from the AARC state affiliates compete in the preliminary competitions. The top four teams will advance to the Finals on Monday evening, Dec 15, along with the Student Sputum Bowl finalists.

Plenary Session
9:30 A.M.–10:20 A.M.

35th Donald F Egan Scientific Memorial Lecture

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

This lecture provides an overview of in-depth information about dynamic aspects of pulmonary physiology, pulmonary medicine, or clinical respiratory care. The lectureship is extended to a recognized world-class participant in the area of interest—investigator, clinician, or academician.

David Pierson

The Cardiopulmonary Physiology of Dinosaurs

David J Pierson MD FAARC Seattle WA

Most of us have been fascinated by dinosaurs since early childhood, and seldom does a week go by without something about them in the news. Healthcare workers who rely daily on an understanding of circulatory and respiratory physiology cannot help wondering about how the largest animals ever to walk the earth could have functioned. What would the blood pressure have had to be in a creature 40 feet tall? How could the competing constraints of dead space and airway resistance be overcome in order for an animal to breathe through a 35-foot trachea? And what can studies of today’s dinosaur descendents tell us about the anatomy and physiology of their giant ancestors? This presentation will delve into these questions and more, using evidence from paleontology, comparative physiology, and even the ICU, in a serious but entertaining examination of the dinosaurs through the eyes of a clinician.

10:30 A.M.–11:30 A.M.

Professor’s Rounds: The Role of Simulation in Improving Patient Care

Professor: Keith Littlewood MD, Charlottesville VA
Presenter: Charles G Durbin Jr MD FAARC, Charlottesville VA

Simulation has taken center stage in developing and testing competence in many areas of clinical practice. Technological advances have allowed the production of realistic human models capable of creating rare situations, allowing individuals to experience emergencies in a safe way without endangering patients. This presentation will develop an appreciation for the breadth and depth of simulation opportunities by having Dr. Charlie Durbin present a series of vignettes, which will be discussed by Professor Littlewood, Co-Director of the Simulation Center at the University of Virginia. He will identify how different simulation techniques could have been used to improve patient outcomes. Slide and video presentations will illustrate these cases, which will include management of the unexpected difficult airway, during overdose, impending respiratory arrest, and evolving treatment of cardiac arrest.

10:30 A.M.–11:30 A.M.

Cystic Fibrosis 2008 and Beyond

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

Respiratory Care Journal Conference Summary—What Did the Experts Say?

Bruce Rubin

Bruce K Rubin MD MEngr MBA
FAARC, Wake Forest NC

Have you ever wondered what the experts are saying about cystic fibrosis? This presentation will highlight the presentations and discussions from the September 2008 Respiratory Care Journal Conference. Information which is directly applicable to the care of your pediatric and adult patients will be presented.

10:30 A.M.–11:50 A.M.

Come, Take a Swim: 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, several patient cases will be presented from the perspective of a physician and a respiratory therapist. Emphasis will be placed on management decisions and technological challenges as well as their effects on the outcome. After each case, time will be allotted for an open discussion with the audience.

10:30 A.M.–12:05 P.M.

Blood Gas Diagnostics

10:30 A.M.–11:15 A.M.

Pitfalls in Measurement and Interpretation of Oxygenation Status

Bruce Toben RRT-NPS CPFT, Piscataway NJ

The accurate measurement of hemoglobin has a major clinical impact on patient assessment and evaluation of therapies that affect cardiopulmonary dynamics. This lecture will present the pitfalls in measurement and interpretation of common indicators of oxygenation status.

11:20 A.M.–12:05 P.M.

Lactate: Physiology and Clinical Utility

Bruce Toben RRT-NPS CPFT

Hyperlactatemia is frequently identified in critically ill patients when presenting with shock, low cardiac output, acute liver failure, decompensate diabetes mellitus, cancer, AIDS, seizures, and poisoning. This lecture will present the production, acid-base physiology, and clinical utility of lactate monitoring and analysis.

10:30 A.M.–12:05 P.M.

Tide Coming In! Staff Management

10:30 A.M.–11:15 A.M.

Performance Appraisals; Pitfalls or Lifelines

Bill D Cohagen RCP RRT FAARC, Phoenix AZ

Breaking the tradition of the dreaded annual performance appraisal. Looking at the newest trends and tips to make the process as painless as possible.

11:20 A.M.–12:05 P.M.

Recruitment and Retention

Garry W Kauffman MPA RRT FAARC, Lancaster PA

Define practices necessary to maintain a workforce and discuss the issues if there is not an active program in your depment. Provide examples of strategies that will assist in both recruitment and retention.

10:30 A.M.–12:10 P.M.

Application of HFOV: Is Our Knowledge of This Mode Moving as Fast as the Piston?

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

10:30 A.M.–11:00 A.M.

Ruben Restrepo

Technical Aspects of HFOV 101

Ruben D Restrepo MD RRT
FAARC, San Antonio TX

High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV) continues to challenge our technical abilities as clinicians at the bedside. This presentation will review the most important technical aspects of the oscillator to remember in the clinical setting.

11:05 A.M.–11:35 A.M.

Is There a HFOV Protocol That Works?

Henry E Fessler MD, Baltimore MD

Although a protocol-based approach has been extensively reported for conventional mechanical ventilation, it is not the case with HFOV. This lecture will describe the key elements in the implementation of a HFOV protocol at the bedside.

11:40 A.M.–12:10 P.M.

HFOV: Clinical Applications

Stephen Derdak DO Col USAF MC,
San Antonio TX

Use of HFOV in conditions such as pregnancy, pulmonary fibrosis, and increased intracranial pressures presents new challenges in the critical care setting. This lecture summarizes some of the important modifications to the HFOV strategy required to adequately manage this condition.

10:30 A.M.–12:15 P.M.

Advances in Bronchoscopy

10:30 A.M.–11:05 A.M.

Eric Edell

Interventional Bronchoscopy

Eric S Edell MD
Rochester MN

There have been many recent innovations in the treatment of endobronchial disease, foreign bodies and endobronchial obstruction. This lecture will discuss the techniques used by the interventional bronchoscopist.

11:05 A.M.–11:40 A.M.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy

Lois A Rowland RRT-NPS RPFT, Richmond VA

This presentation will describe the EBUS technology, diagnostic advantages over blind transbronchial biopsies, and the role of the respiratory therapist assistant.

11:40 A.M.–12:15 P.M.

The Diagnostic Advantages of Using Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy

Eric S Edell MD

Bronchoscopes equipped with an ultrasound probe generate images of extra-bronchial structures and can improve the yield of lymph node sampling for diagnosis and staging of thoracic tumors. This lecture will review how this equipment is used to help diagnose disease not diagnosed using bronchoscopes without ultrasound.

11:30 A.M.–12:15 P.M.

Percutaneous Tracheostomies

Bill D Cohagen RRT FAARC, Phoenix AZ

This presentation will provide you with an overview of percutaneostomies tracheostomies. This presentation will explain in detail the role of the respiratory therapist in performing this procedure.

1:00 P.M.–5:05 P.M.

AARC's 24th New Horizons Symposium®

Neonatal Respiratory Care

Clicke here for all information.

1:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M.

Respiratory Care Implications of Sepsis

Charles G Durbin Jr MD FAARC, Charlottesville VA

Sepsis with acute organ dysfunction is a leading cause of death in the ICU. Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT) can significantly decrease hospital mortality for these patients. The speaker will describe the role of the RT in successful implementation of evidenced-based protocol for septic patients.

1:00 P.M.–1:45 P.M.

Subacute and Home Care Ventilatory Support of the Spontaneously Breathing Patient

Billy M Lamb RRT CPFT, Fenton MO

Review the spontaneous breathing process for patients supported with mechanical ventilation. Discuss challenges of supporting spontaneous breathing efforts and achieving patient ventilator synchrony. Discuss weaning adjuncts, including trans tracheal assisted ventilation.

1:00 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

PEEP: Bringing the Evidence to the Bedside

Ira Cheifetz

Dean Hess

Ira Cheifetz MD FAARC
Durham NC                            

Dean Hess PhD RRT FAARC
Boston MA

Despite decades of research and tremendous experience in all patient populations, PEEP remains a very controversial topic. How do you set PEEP for your patient with acute lung injury? It is very likely that your answer will differ from your colleague. The effects of PEEP titration varies from patient to patient and even over time for the same patient. This unique session will blend an interactive audience response case-based approach with an in-depth review of the medical literature. Is your practice supported by the medical literature? Come find out!

1:00 P.M.–2:35 P.M.

Managing Other Services

1:00 P.M.–1:45 P.M.

Respiratory Therapist Managing an Emergency Department

Kevin McQueen RRT, San Marcos CA

Describes the ins and outs of being a respiratory therapist and the operations manager of the second busiest emergency department in San Diego County; how RTs can manage nurses and other healthcare providers; and why RTs shouldn't limit their thinking to only positions related to respiratory care.

1:50 P.M.–2:35 P.M.

Vernon Pertelle

Respiratory Therapist as a Hospital Administrator Managing Multiple Departments

Vernon R Pertelle MBA RRT LVN
Oceanside CA

Details the challenges and rewards when a respiratory therapist became a hospital administrator. What is it like to be an Assistant Vice-President/Senior Director as a respiratory therapist?

1:00 P.M.–3:10 P.M.

Management 2008

1:00 P.M.–1:40 P.M.

Marketing Your Respiratory Care Services

Janice J Thalman MHS RRT FAARC
Durham NC

Discusses how to capture the unique strengths and characteristics offered by your respiratory care services. Elaborates on how to market those unique strengths to influence the future scope of practice within your facility, influence hospital administration, and recruit and retain prospective respiratory therapists.

1:45 P.M.–2:25 P.M.

Susan Rinaldo-Gallo

CPT Coding for Respiratory Care Services

Susan Rinaldo-Gallo MEd RRT
Durham NC

Details the CPT Code approval process, successes and failures; discrepancies between coding and reimbursement; Part A and Part B reimbursement; and actual coding case studies taken from the AARC coding list serve (names removed of course)

2:30 P.M.–3:10 P.M.

Medical Direction—The View From Both Sides

Janice J Thalman MHS RRT FAARC and Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC

Looks at both sides of the relationship between a medical director and a respiratory department and how to best develop that relationship for successful clinical outcomes and departmental operations. Discusses the need for such a relationship, the desired objectives from each party’s perspective and the appropriate roles for each.

1:00 P.M.–4:40 P.M.

Sleep A to…ZZZZZ

1:00 P.M.–1:20 P.M.

What Every Respiratory Therapist Should Know About Polysomnography

Atul Malhotra MD, Boston MA

A brief overview of polysomnography. How to make sense of a sleep study report, what is normal and what is abnormal.

1:25 P.M.–1:45 P.M.

Peter Gay

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients with COPD

Peter C Gay MD
Rochester MN

Presents issues related to sleep-disordered breathing in patients with COPD. Identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with COPD.

1:50 P.M.–2:10 P.M.

Sleep Disordered Breathing in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Atul Malhotra MD

Describes issues related to sleep-disordered breathing in patients with congestive heart failure. Identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with congestive heart failure.

2:15 P.M.–2:35 P.M.

Paul Selecky

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Women

Paul A Selecky MD FAARC
Newport Beach CA

An overview of issues related to sleep-disordered breathing in women. Identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in women.

2:40 P.M.–3:00 P.M.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in the Perioperative Period

Atul Malhotra MD

An overview of issues related to sleep-disordered breathing in the perioperative period. Identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing during the perioperative period.

3:05 P.M.–3:25 P.M.

Sleep in the ICU and interactions with Mechanical Ventilation

Sai Parthasarathy MD, Tucson AZ

An overview of issues related to sleep in the ICU, in particular in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in mechanically ventilated patients.

3:30 P.M.–3:50 P.M.

Strategies to Improve CPAP Adherence in the Home and in the Hospital

Peter C Gay MD

A discussion of issues related to adherence to CPAP therapy in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Techniques that can be used to improve adherence in the home. Also, strategies that can be used to improve adherence when the patient is admitted to the hospital.

3:55 P.M.–4:15 P.M.

New Airway Pressure Technologies and Interfaces

Sai Parthasarathy MD

A plethora of new equipment, specifically airway pressure technologies and interfaces, has become available for treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. Potential benefits of this equipment will be addressed.

4:20 P.M.–4:40 P.M.

Reimbursement Issues Related to CPAP Therapy

Peter C Gay MD

A discussion of the reimbursement issues related to sleep studies (attended and unattended) and related to providing technology for treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

2:00 P.M.–3:35 P.M.

Using the Benchmarking Tool

2:00 P.M.–2:45 P.M.

Got Enough Staff? Prove It!

Bill Dubbs MEd RRT FAARC, Irving TX

Productivity measurement will be compared and contrasted to benchmarking as required tools to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of staffing levels. Foundational concepts as well as ideal and undesirable characteristics of both tools will be presented.

2:50 P.M.–3:35 P.M.

Richard Ford

Benchmarking-Transforming Data

Richard M Ford RRT FAARC
San Diego CA

Compares the action OI to the AARC benchmarking system and discusses the matrix for the AARC system.

2:30 P.M.–4:25 P.M.

Baccalaureate Degrees in RC: The Why and How

2:30 P.M.–3:15 P.M.

Ellen Becker

Why Do Respiratory Therapists Pursue Baccalaureate Degrees?

Ellen A Becker PhD RRT-NPS AE-C
Brooklyn NY

Hear the reasons why respiratory therapists who were already working in the profession decided to complete their baccalaureate degree. Find out what they expect to gain from the degree, how the degree affected their careers, the logistical steps that led to the degree, and whether or not they found the experience valuable. This presentation is based upon numerous interviews of working practitioners who completed a baccalaureate degree to further their goals in the respiratory care profession.

3:20 P.M.–4:25 P.M.

Moving Forward: The Pursuit of Higher Education in Respiratory Care

Kimberly Clark MBA RRT-NPS, Charlotte NC

As respiratory therapy technical and professional roles continue to evolve and expand, the need for higher education beyond the associate’s degree is essential. This presentation will provide information regarding the development and implementation of a university-based baccalaureate degree completion program in respiratory therapy and its transition to distance education. In addition, this presentation will include the many challenges and opportunities encountered throughout the process.

2:35 P.M.–4:05 P.M.

Why Do We Need Research?

Bruce K Rubin MD MEngr MBA FAARC, Winston-Salem NC

What is evidence-based medicine? Why research? Isn’t clinical experience sufficient? This presentation by one of the most productive researchers in the field of respiratory care will answer these questions. The rationale behind an evidence-based approach to medicine and the key elements of scientific research will be clearly presented. The information presented is essential for all clinicians regardless of whether or not you perform research.

3:25 P.M.–4:10 P.M.

Adjuncts to Home CPAP Therapy: Where’s the Evidence?

Billy M Lamb RRT CPFT, Fenton MO

Discuss currently available Home CPAP therapy adjuncts, including EPR, C-Flex and other breath modifiers. Explore evidence to support clinical application of these and other features.

3:45 P.M.–4:30 P.M.

Continuing Care-Rehabilitation Section Membership Meeting

Debra M Koehl MS RRT-NPS AE-C/Chairing

Section members meet to determine their needs and priorities, as well as how to use the AARC resources to accomplish them. All Congress attendees are invited.

4:10 P.M.–5:00 P.M.

Mulitcenter Studies—Implications for the RT at the Bedside

Douglas F Willson MD, Charlottesville VA

Have you ever been asked to obtain data or make ventilator changes because of a clinical study? Ever wonder why in the world you should spend your valuable time complying with these requests? This session will review several multicenter clinical trials that directly affect respiratory therapist at the bedside. This presentation will provide the clinician with a valuable perspective as to why these studies are essential to further improving the care that we provide to our patients of all ages on a daily basis.

4:15 P.M.–5:15 P.M.

Noninvasive Ventilation—Lessons Learned from the 2008 Journal Conference

Richard M Kallet MSc RRT FAARC, San Francisco CA

As the summarizer at the recently held Respiratory Care Journal Conference on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, Mr. Kallet is well qualified to present the key elements of each of the papers presented at the conference, as well as how they should affect the practice of every respiratory therapist.

• …previous
• next…