Call to Advocacy: The Power of Unity Toni L. Rodriguez Ed.D, RRT President-Elect AARC

ONE PURPOSE

PURPOSE Prior to mid 40’s the role of respiratory therapist did not exist: ….. only the Oxygen Orderly

PURPOSE World War II driven technology spurred new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques related to the use of oxygen combined with positive pressure to improve respiratory function.

PURPOSE So why respiratory therapy? To fulfill a need for: 1.Advanced therapeutic knowledge of the physiology and pathology of respiratory disease 2.Implementation and operation of complex medical equipment 3.Monitoring critically ill patients and the highly complex medical equipment around the clock.

PURPOSE Our profession was created to serve as patient advocates in the treatment of pulmonary disease and it’s consequences.

ONE PROMISE

Promise The future promise of our profession remains linked to patient advocacy

Promise A combination of external and internal factors are converging to make our expertise in the evaluation, treatment, education and rehabilitation of cardio- pulmonary patients invaluable.

Promise External Factors: –Changing demographics –Unchanging air quality –Socioeconomic factors –New and re-emerging infections –Potential risk of bio-terrorism

Promise Internal Factors: –Increasing need for health care –Increased cost of health care –Inadequate medical staffing levels –Increased call for cost-effective care by third party payers –Increased patient knowledge and demands

Promise Next to a nurse, the respiratory therapist is the most frequently seen health care practitioner at the patient’s bedside. US department of labor projects a 38% increase in job openings for respiratory therapists by the year 2012

Promise The result of these factors: A Prominent role and recognition for the respiratory care profession

Promise –Recognition by government regulatory agencies –Role of patient educator and chronic disease manager –Protocol driven practice the common standard of care

Promise –Advanced practice and patient management in the acute care setting. –Increased access to patients in all care settings –Globalization of the profession

Promise Undisputed expert in the area of respiratory disease prevention, treatment, management and rehabilitation.

ONE CHALLENGE

One Challenge To fulfill the promise of our destiny: “ To be the leading national and international professional serving as an advocate for patients, their families and the public in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of respiratory disease through advanced science and professional excellence”

One Challenge The professions ability to claim our future will depend on our ability to mobilize our resources: –AARC –Chartered Affiliates –Individual Members

One Challenge AARC: There is no other organization or entity working in your behalf with the national and international stature, established integrity, prominent connections and human and material resources of the AARC

One Challenge The AARC is ALIVE in a class of it’s own! Authorized Legitimate Informed Victorious Empowered

One Challenge Chartered Affiliates: –Affiliate: A related organization which is a legally separate entity, controlled by separate boards of directors but connected to a parent organization by common purpose and goals. The success of the AARC is substantially attributable to it’s Chartered Affiliates. –We can only continue to live and thrive through volunteer support grounded in the Chartered Affiliates

One Challenge Chartered Affiliates: –Charged with the responsibility of generating local activities that extend the Associations numerous benefits to the members: Education Scope of practice/Professional standards Advocate at state level Partnerships Increased public recognition Services to meet the need of the members

One Challenge Individual Members: Individual therapists united in a professional organization that interacts with local, state and federal government on public policies that affect their patients. Quality care Patient advocacy Educational competency Service attitude Commitment to the profession Support of AARC/State initiatives

AARC CHARTERED AFFILIATES INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

“UNITY” of PURPOSE UUnited NNecessary IIndividuals TTrust YYield