Summer Forum LIVE! Wraps Up
Still on the COVID-19 pandemic wave, for 2021 we opted to stay virtual for our annual Summer Forum event. Leaders, Managers, and Educators from across the U.S. came together in a virtual learning environment to gain tools and resources to help them daily in their careers. Many sessions focused on the progression of the profession and growing the field.
State of the Profession and Agency Update
Respiratory leaders came together to deliver a State of the Profession and Agency Update. Panelists included AARC President Sheri Tooley, BS, RRT, CPFT, along with Tonya Winders, MBA (ARCF), Pat Munzer, DHSc, RRT (CoARC), and David Vines, PhD, RRT, FAARC (NBRC). In this combined keynote address and agency update, President Tooley updated attendees on the goals, priorities, and strategic focus of the AARC for 2021. Leaders of the ARCF, CoARC, and NBRC discussed the latest professional, research, accreditation, and credentialing issues facing respiratory care. Participants left this presentation with a better understanding the current and future direction of the profession.
Plenary Lections Take the Virtual Stage
Kathy Fedor, MBA, RRT, FAARC, Robert Shaw, PhD, RRT, FAARC, and Lori Tinkler, MBA, delivered the Jimmy A Young Memorial Lecture: “Observations from the Credential Maintenance Program.” Together, they discussed their observations from the credential maintenance program, which went live in 2020. With more than a year’s worth of information to share, the presenters discussed participant feedback, assessment of performance levels, and concepts participants miss the most.
Ellen Becker, PhD, RRT, RPFT, delivered the Dr H Fred Helmholz Education Lecture Series, discussing “Do We Give Up Too Soon? Helping All Learners Achieve Excellence.” Every respiratory therapist teaches, whether the target audience is patients, health care colleagues, or students in an academic program. Becker proposed the question: How do you respond when a learner “doesn’t get it,” despite repeated attempts? She highlighted strategies to optimize learning for those who struggle and help them achieve their fullest potential.
Plenty of Time to Chat and Network
Each day at Summer Forum LIVE! kicked off with time to get acquainted with colleagues. Chat rooms for attendees, targeted to their specialty, ran throughout the event. A favorite from Congress 2020 LIVE!, RTs participated in live Q&A chats after the sessions where they engaged in discussions with the speakers. These chats continued to be a hit for the conference. RTs enjoyed seeing one another. They discussed the lecture topics in depth, and even made plans to collaborate outside of Congress. New this year was a Post Day Zoom Chat where attendees had to the chance to share questions, concerns, or just chat with AARC Staff.
Browsing the Virtual Booths
In addition to the exhibitor booths, AARC provided a stellar booth experience for attendees. Visitors to the AARC Booth got a sneak peak at the 2021 Respiratory Care Week theme and the chance to download the planning guide. We also showcased our new Thank an RT videos, encouraging RTs and community members everywhere to share the videos. Check them out!
- Thank an RT (30 seconds)
- Agradezca a un Terapeuta Respiratorio (30 seconds)
- Respiratory Therapists: Forever an Essential Piece to Patient Care (60 Seconds)
- Terapeutas Respiratorios: Siempre una Pieza Esencial para el Cuidado del Paciente (60 seconds)
On-Demand Access Available
Summer Forum LIVE! sessions will be available on demand. All attendees who paid for Full Bundle or Single Day registration will have On-Demand Access aligned with their purchase. If you did not attend Summer Forum LIVE!, you can still purchase the On-Demand Access to the event. CRCE is not available for On-Demand Access. Visit the pricing page for details.
Claim Your CRCE
To add, evaluate, and claim credit for the sessions you attended at Summer Forum LIVE!, go to the CRCE Manager site. It will save your progress when any updates are made. After you have claimed credit for all sessions attended for the entire event, use the final step to Submit and Generate your Certificate. Deadline for submission is September 9, 2021.
What’s Next?
We’re back in person for Congress 2021, Nov. 6-9 in Phoenix, AZ. Stay tuned for program and registration details coming later this summer. We can’t wait to see you in Phoenix!
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
