Former Director Respiratory Services
Walgreens Home Care
Buffalo Grove, IL
AARC member since 1997 (1975–1983)
AARC Activities:
Membership, Home Care Section 1997–present.
Affiliate Activities:
Chairman, Illinois Society for Respiratory Care Pediatric-Perinatal Sub-Committee on
Joint Orientation December 1981.
Related Organizations:
American College of Chest Physicians 1998–present. Home Care Steering Committee 2006–present. Respiratory Care Steering Committee 2008–present. American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest Board of Directors 1998–present.
Education:
Associate Degree Respiratory Care Triton College, River Grove, IL, 1976. Bachelor of Science National College of Education, Evanston, IL, 1982.
Publications:
Co-author, Division of Respiratory Care Policy and Procedure Manual, November,
1980, author, Pediatric Arterial Puncture Workbook, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 1980. Item Writer, Clinical Simulation Examination, National Board for Respiratory Care, July 1980 and Clinical Simulation Examination for Self Assessment, NBRC June 1979. Written Registry Examination for Self Assessment, NBRC October 1978.
What is your vision of the AARC in 2015?
The AARC in 2015 will be an organization that is more representative of the practicing respiratory therapist. The organization will be larger, more diverse and will have an expanded role in the representation of RTs. After 60 years the AARC will finally be seen as the “go to” organization for respiratory care issues, and be seen as an equal partner with other professional organizations. We will be addressing the care of the baby boom generation, and introducing a whole new generation of respiratory therapists to replace those of us who will be retiring. RTs will be recognized by Medicare and Medicaid,as critical in the care of patients in many healthcare settings. The AARC will have a well developed and practical approach to supporting the evidenced based practice of respiratory care to consumers, patients, government and other health care professions.
What have you done in the last 5 years to promote the profession
in your community?
I have promoted the professional image of the RTs that practice across the country in home care, particularly at Walgreens. I have defined a role for the RT in home care that can be used as an example by other organizations. Our RTs are recognized for their contributions and valued for the care they are providing for our patients. By hiring, training and leading the RTs, we have developed one of the strongest clinincal programs in the country.