This weekend, thousands of respiratory care professionals from here in the U.S. and around the world will converge on San Antonio, TX, for the biggest and most influential respiratory care meeting anywhere this year.
What will they take home from their four days at the AARC International Respiratory Convention & Exhibition? Two long-time attendees explain why they go to the AARC Congress year after year and what they get out of the experience —
Amanda Richter, MHA, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, director of cardiopulmonary services, Metroplex Health System, Killeen,
First and foremost, the AARC Congress is the best opportunity you will ever have to meet some of the most amazing people in our field. It really is just an incredible experience all around. Every time I’ve attended Congress, I have left feeling empowered to take on the world. It’s exciting, stimulating, and motivating. I can honestly say that I have come further in my career through the resources I’ve gained and relationships I’ve built by participating in AARC events. The Congress gives me the opportunity to surround myself with people that inspire me to do more and be more. From the networking, to the education, to the innovation and the fun, it really is quite the experience. If you’ve never been, you really just have to come out and see for yourself, and I look forward to meeting you. If you’ve been before, then you already know what I’m talking about, and I’m sure I’ll see you there.
Cheryl Hoerr, MBA, RRT, CPFT, FAARC, director of respiratory services, the sleep center, and neurology services, Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, MO
The Congress gives me the opportunity to pull out of my hectic, everyday routine at the hospital and concentrate on all things respiratory. And while my time at the Congress can be extremely hectic too, it’s usually because I’m trying to catch up with colleagues and friends that I only see once a year at this event. So during the day I pack in as many presentations and Open Forums and meetings as I can. When the events for the day are finished then it’s time to go out and explore the area, relax, and re-hash the events of the day while planning to do it all again tomorrow. The break in my routine is what energizes me, and I go back to my organization filled with great ideas that I can’t wait to try out! —
