As artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes healthcare and education, respiratory therapy programs increasingly integrate AI-driven tools for simulation, assessment, and personalized learning. While AI presents opportunities to enhance student engagement and competency development, it also raises significant ethical concerns to ensure fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and bias mitigation. With the potential reliance on AI in clinical decision-making, responsible use of AI requires enhancing benefits while minimizing potential harm. This session will explore the ethical implications of AI in respiratory care and discuss strategies to ensure equitable and responsible AI implementation. The presentation will provide practical guidance for educators navigating this evolving landscape.

With growing awareness of the importance of IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Accountability) in education, many organizations prioritize outreach to 'diverse' student populations. But what does effective engagement look like in practice? In this session, we’ll explore innovative approaches to connect with students from various backgrounds and discuss how creating safer, more supportive spaces can empower these students to thrive in educational programs. Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives, actionable ideas, and inspiration to drive meaningful change in their institutions.

Respiratory therapy educators are strategic and purposeful when designing curricula, securing laboratory resources, and ensuring valuable clinical learning experiences. Nonacademic factors - including academic culture — influence student engagement, learning readiness, motivation, and success. Program culture has a profound effect on a supportive, inclusive academic environment. This session will explore the potential attributes of an effective academic culture in RT programs to optimize student and program success.