From the Desk of Dan Garrett, CAE, AARC Executive Director
Back in May, we let you know about the strategic planning work that had begun. Since then, AARC Board, House of Delegates and Executive Office staff members have worked hard to collaborate and develop a new strategic plan that will support the profession, strengthen the association, and enhance our engagement with members. The plan was approved by the AARC Board in July. I am confident that our plan will be a roadmap for AARC as we embark on a new, stronger path to being the leading organization to advance the profession of respiratory care worldwide.
“This new plan brings great hope and excitement to the association,” said AARC President Sheri Tooley, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC. “Together, we will build and grow the profession.”
Engage
It is through this path that we will build and strengthen a diverse and inclusive professional community. The RT profession is immensely diverse, and we want to ensure that the AARC continually recruits new members, seeks out new voices, and meets the needs of members.
Students are our future, and we know they are vital to the sustainability of the profession. Through this plan, we will increase engagement efforts with career explorers and RT students. We want to help people find the RT profession and stay with it.
The AARC will also embark on a rebranding effort as we enter a new era for the association. We have heard your suggestions and assure you we are working to implement them in this next journey for the AARC.
And finally, we will develop tools and resources to cultivate leadership opportunities for our members. Professional development and career growth is important for our members.
Elevate
We will advance the recognition and role of respiratory therapists. Our communities need to continue learning about the RT profession and understand its vital part in the critical care team. This is where the Elevate path comes in.
Through our ongoing public relations campaign, we are working with news outlets to help get the RT story increased recognition. We will also target physicians and executive leaders to garner their support for the profession.
And finally, we will forge new and relevant allied health organization relationships to mutually promote the profession.
Advocate
Through advocacy efforts, we will champion policies and initiatives that enhance access to respiratory care. In addition to our lobbying work, we will educate our members on what Compact Licensure is and how members could benefit from it.
Advocating for the profession is how we expand patient access to respiratory therapists. I encourage all members, and RTS everywhere, to stay alert of lobbying opportunities and support these actions. Our collective voice leads to action.
Educate
And finally, through our Educate path, the AARC will deliver premier evidence-based learning opportunities and promote the art and science of respiratory care. Whether through our annual meetings, resources, live webcasts, and/or our robust course catalog, education opportunities abound for members. And we only want to enhance this.
We will work to create new Clinical Practice Guidelines, find new research opportunities, and publishing opportunities for members.
Respiratory therapy is a lifelong learning career option, and we will provide the tools and direction to make that possible.
Onward to the New Era
“Great things will come from this plan,” said AARC President-Elect Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC. “We have a strong foundation in place, and I look forward to seeing how the AARC and the profession grow in these next few years.”
Looking to the future brings much excitement. Our work to implement this plan has already begun. Please stay tuned to your AARC communications for more details. And, if you are headed to AARC Congress 2022, I look forward to seeing you there.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Dan Garrett, CAE, is the Executive Director of the AARC. As the AARC executive director, Dan works directly with the board of directors and the AARC staff, refining this relationship to bring the best benefits, resources, and tools to fill member needs. When not working, you can find Dan cycling new trails, spending time with his family, or hanging out with his dog, Oliver.
