July 23, 2023
The AARC Summer Forum in Snowbird, Utah, wrapped up an amazing three days of learning, networking, and fun on Tuesday, July 16, with a record 537 registered respiratory care leaders, educators, and clinicians! Thank you to all of our attendees for an outstanding and engaging event. Here’s a brief recap of the meeting:
Sunday: Learning and Leadership
The meeting kicked off on Sunday morning with a welcome address from AARC President Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC, followed by the Sam Giordano Leadership Lecture Series. Named after the former AARC president and long-time executive director of the AARC, the series focused on “Feedback Fusion: Tailoring Communication for Students and Employees.” Caitlyn Coppock RRT, RRT-ACCS, Fasil Getachew MBA, RRT, FAARC, DHA, Cheryl Hoerr MBA-HCM, RRT, FAARC, and Georgianna Sergakis PhD, RRT, AE-C, FAARC, FNAP delved into a dynamic exploration of effective feedback delivery in educational and professional contexts.
Other presentations on Sunday dealt with topics ranging from supporting neurodiverse students, innovations in teaching, secrets to unveiling healthcare executive presence, managing a multigenerational workforce, CoARC standards, and financial and productivity management. Attendees were also treated this year to a complimentary lunch on the hotel rooftop with a beautiful view and interactions with some local wildlife called Pot Guts.
During an hour-long dedicated exhibitor break, attendees could see the latest and greatest in RT equipment and services and engage with our corporate sponsors. The day came to a close with an outstanding Welcome Party set outside on the deck of the Snowbird Cliff Lodge. The party featured an amazing mountain view, sweet treats, refreshments, dancing, and tunes spun by a local DJ.
Monday: Topics for managers and educators
Monday began with an attendee breakfast that provided fuel for the jam-packed day ahead. First up was the annual Jimmy Young Memorial Lecture, which zeroed in on “The Boundary Around Legitimate Examination Preparation.” Speakers included Kellie Carrol MPA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, C-ELBW, Robert Shaw PhD, RRT, FAARC, and Lori Tinkler MBA, ICE-CCP, who discussed the potential consequences of behaving in ways judged to be out-of-line by the NBRC and its actions regarding examination security.
Additional presentations on Monday examined clinical practice guidelines, how to find students and educators for your programs, how to be a mentor, how to use AI to improve workflow efficiency, the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, and Boyles Law applications. Attendees also had one last chance to visit exhibitors and learn about the respiratory therapy advancements, products, tools, and programs.
The Leadership & Management and Education Specialty Sections held meetings on Monday afternoon to finish out the day.
Tuesday: Bridging the Divide
The half-day session on Tuesday began with an Agency Update featuring leaders from the AARC, NBRC, and CoARC. They updated attendees on their organizations and future priorities.
Shortly after the Update, Thomas Hill, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT, FAARC, and Kathy Rye EdD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC, delivered the Dr. H. Fred Helmholtz Education Lecture Series presentation on “Reflections While We Erase the Chalkboard,” describing their experiences that presented opportunities for professional growth and service to the respiratory care profession. A panel discussion with Dana Evans MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, Teri Miller MEd, RRT, CPFT, FAARC, and Lenny Nyangwara RRT, MSM, FAARC shared their expertise, experiences, and strategies for tackling respiratory therapy challenges head-on, while also exploring innovative solutions and collaborative strategy. Other lecture topics included assessing online programs, being an active learner, 5 things to know about Lean, and breathwise leadership.
The meeting wrapped up with a Closing Ceremony address titled “Are Your Helping Your Team Members Grow?” by Jones Loflin, author and professional speaker who provided attendees with his insights on growing your team with the strategies of four words: grow, cultivate, prune, and harvest.
A final highlight of the meeting was AARC’s new Emerging Leaders cohort, which consisted of 13 individuals selected earlier this year to further develop their leadership and networking skills. The group presented their thoughts on how to grow AARC and the profession at the Board meeting on Wednesday.
AARC would also like to thank our bag sponsor, Vero Biotech, and our corporate sponsors, Draeger, Mallinckroot Pharmaceuticals, Linde, Medline Hudson RCI, Maxtec/Perma Pure, and Sentec.
For additional pictures and highlights, visit our social media pages and check out the Summer Forum online community in AARConnect.
Emerging Leaders 2024
