2023 Conference Schedule

Pre-Conference Workshop Registration
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Introduction to Simulation Standards of Best Practice
Jessica Dietz, MS, RRT-ACCS
Bruce Karatzoglou, BSc RRT
Sponsored by Laerdal Medical and Ing-Mar Medical
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Jessica Dietz, MS, RRT-ACCS Jessica Dietz holds a Master of Science Degree in Respiratory Care (MSRC) from Rush University, Chicago, IL. She joined the IngMar Medical team in 2016. She currently is the Clinical Education Lead and provides training to customers on the clinical use of the ASL 5000, manages clinical educators, as well as curriculum development and consultation services. Jessica previously worked at the University of Chicago Medicine as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

[x] Bruce Karatzoglou, BSc RRT Bruce Karatzoglou is a health care professional who partners with individuals and systems that share his passion for ‘helping save lives’ through exceptional implementation of simulation based training methodologies. Prior to spending a few years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist both abroad and in his beloved hometown of Toronto, Bruce’s passion for medical simulation began with his very first meeting with the Eddie the Eagle – the human patient simulator housed at the training facility at St. Michael’s Hospital back in the day. A few years later, he would later return to that facility as the Program Coordinator where he fostered the growth of the simulation program in the spirit of partnership and shared values. In 2004, Bruce joined Laerdal Medical Canada as an Educational Services Specialist who facilitated the uptake and sustainability of simulation programs in clinical and primary educational settings on a national and international basis. Further down the road, Bruce was appointed to the roles of Lead, Educational Services and Programs, Educational Services Account Executive, and most recently, Manager of Educational and Technical Services with responsibilities that the support the growth of the Services portfolio nationwide. Through his work, Bruce has fostered meaningful collaboration with simulation advocacy groups to address both front-line and organizational medical simulation-based needs. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and studied to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario.

Introduction to Scenario Development and Design
Jessica Dietz, MS, RRT-ACCS
Bruce Karatzoglou, BSc RRT
Sponsored by Laerdal Medical and Ing-Mar Medical
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Jessica Dietz, MS, RRT-ACCS Jessica Dietz holds a Master of Science Degree in Respiratory Care (MSRC) from Rush University, Chicago, IL. She joined the IngMar Medical team in 2016. She currently is the Clinical Education Lead and provides training to customers on the clinical use of the ASL 5000, manages clinical educators, as well as curriculum development and consultation services. Jessica previously worked at the University of Chicago Medicine as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

[x] Bruce Karatzoglou, BSc RRT Bruce Karatzoglou is a health care professional who partners with individuals and systems that share his passion for ‘helping save lives’ through exceptional implementation of simulation based training methodologies. Prior to spending a few years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist both abroad and in his beloved hometown of Toronto, Bruce’s passion for medical simulation began with his very first meeting with the Eddie the Eagle – the human patient simulator housed at the training facility at St. Michael’s Hospital back in the day. A few years later, he would later return to that facility as the Program Coordinator where he fostered the growth of the simulation program in the spirit of partnership and shared values. In 2004, Bruce joined Laerdal Medical Canada as an Educational Services Specialist who facilitated the uptake and sustainability of simulation programs in clinical and primary educational settings on a national and international basis. Further down the road, Bruce was appointed to the roles of Lead, Educational Services and Programs, Educational Services Account Executive, and most recently, Manager of Educational and Technical Services with responsibilities that the support the growth of the Services portfolio nationwide. Through his work, Bruce has fostered meaningful collaboration with simulation advocacy groups to address both front-line and organizational medical simulation-based needs. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and studied to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario.

BREAK

Hands-on Simulation Experience
Jessica Dietz, MS, RRT-ACCS
Bruce Karatzoglou, BSc RRT
Sponsored by Laerdal Medical and Ing-Mar Medical
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Jessica Dietz, MS, RRT-ACCS Jessica Dietz holds a Master of Science Degree in Respiratory Care (MSRC) from Rush University, Chicago, IL. She joined the IngMar Medical team in 2016. She currently is the Clinical Education Lead and provides training to customers on the clinical use of the ASL 5000, manages clinical educators, as well as curriculum development and consultation services. Jessica previously worked at the University of Chicago Medicine as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

[x] Bruce Karatzoglou, BSc RRT Bruce Karatzoglou is a health care professional who partners with individuals and systems that share his passion for ‘helping save lives’ through exceptional implementation of simulation based training methodologies. Prior to spending a few years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist both abroad and in his beloved hometown of Toronto, Bruce’s passion for medical simulation began with his very first meeting with the Eddie the Eagle – the human patient simulator housed at the training facility at St. Michael’s Hospital back in the day. A few years later, he would later return to that facility as the Program Coordinator where he fostered the growth of the simulation program in the spirit of partnership and shared values. In 2004, Bruce joined Laerdal Medical Canada as an Educational Services Specialist who facilitated the uptake and sustainability of simulation programs in clinical and primary educational settings on a national and international basis. Further down the road, Bruce was appointed to the roles of Lead, Educational Services and Programs, Educational Services Account Executive, and most recently, Manager of Educational and Technical Services with responsibilities that the support the growth of the Services portfolio nationwide. Through his work, Bruce has fostered meaningful collaboration with simulation advocacy groups to address both front-line and organizational medical simulation-based needs. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and studied to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario.

Early Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

WSRC Board Meeting
All Wisconsin RT's are welcome to attend.
Wilderness Ballroom 1

MSRC Board Meeting
All Minnesota RT's are welcome to attend.
Wilderness Ballroom 4

EVENT: Presentation of Colors and Awards Ceremony
Tundra

EVENT: Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
Sandstone Ballroom

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Putting the Pieces Back Together for a Staff Wellbeing
Venkatesh Bellamkonda, MD
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Venkatesh Bellamkonda, MD Venkatesh Bellamkonda, or Venk as he prefers, is a graduate of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and after a year of psychiatry residency he restarted training in emergency medicine, both at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He completed an Emergency Ultrasound fellowship at George Washington University and served as director of emergency ultrasound for all of Mayo Clinic’s ED’s for many years. He has achieved Gold fellow status from the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy and served as director of Curriculum for the Quality Academy enterprise wide previously. Currently, among other roles, he serves his department as Chair of education and as Wellness Officer. He is one of the founders, editors, and hosts of the Emergency Medicine podcast, Always on EM which is spreading rapidly. He has moved through many challenges including academic difficulties, health issues and more and still seems to love what he does – for these and more reasons, I am excited to have him talk about wellbeing today. My relationship with emergency medicine has been full of love and periods of hate or frustration as well. Throughout the journey, I have found ways to rekindle joy when it is hard to find while also helping me achieve more than I ever imagined. Through the use of story, Dr Bellamkonda will share strategies that individuals, groups of like-affected people, and the institution can use to help everyone live a better life in medicine.

Impact of Open Proportional Ventilation on Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease: An RT and Patient Perspective
Anne Snyder, RRT
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Anne Snyder, RRT Anne Snyder is both a patient and employee for Baxter Respiratory Health. She has been a Respiratory Therapist for 28 years and has worked with Hillrom, now Baxter, for 15 years, providing education and training to both patients and healthcare teams on methods of Airway Clearance and Non-Invasive Ventilation. She has had asthma for most of her life. More recently, following some additional health challenges, her asthma has gotten significantly worse and further complicated with COVID last year. She has found herself in the same position as many of her patients and adapting to life using oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and nebulizer treatments with airway clearance and lung expansion therapy, participating in Pulmonary Rehab and learning how to navigate the healthcare system and being her own advocate.

Exhibit Hall - Manager's Only
Sandstone Ballroom

BREAK

Exhibit Hall
Sandstone Ballroom

Maintenance of the Artificial Airway: Time for a New Standard of Care
Nicholas Prevo, BSRT, RRT-ACCS, NPS, CPFT, AE-C
Sponsored by AVANOS
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Nicholas Prevo, BSRT, RRT-ACCS, NPS, CPFT, AE-C Nick Prevo is a clinical education specialist with Avanos medical and a staff therapist at Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw Michigan. He has been a therapist for 13 years, and is a member of the MSRC, and AARC.

Vibrating Mesh Nebulization in the Emergency Department
Theresa Cantu, MSRC, RRT-NPS, AE-C
Sponsored by Aerogen
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Theresa Cantu, MSRC, RRT-NPS, AE-C Theresa Cantu is as Clinical Respiratory Specialist for a 358 bed free-standing children's healthcare organization. She focuses her work in quality improvement measures to improve outcomes in a rural area health system serving 1.3 million children.

LUNCH
Sandstone Ballroom

Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Paige Wegner, CF Patient
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Paige Wegner, CF Patient Parent and child with Cf

The Impact of Adverse Events on Respiratory Therapists: The Role of Peer Support
Christopher Bosley, RRT, RRT-NPS, LRT, RCP
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

BREAK

Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Cole Wegner, CF Patient
Paige Wegner
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

EVENT: Student Activity
Sandstone Ballroom

EVENT: Evening Entertainment
Sandstone Ballroom

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Putting the Pieces Back Together for a Staff Wellbeing
Venkatesh Bellamkonda, MD
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Venkatesh Bellamkonda, MD Venkatesh Bellamkonda, or Venk as he prefers, is a graduate of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and after a year of psychiatry residency he restarted training in emergency medicine, both at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He completed an Emergency Ultrasound fellowship at George Washington University and served as director of emergency ultrasound for all of Mayo Clinic’s ED’s for many years. He has achieved Gold fellow status from the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy and served as director of Curriculum for the Quality Academy enterprise wide previously. Currently, among other roles, he serves his department as Chair of education and as Wellness Officer. He is one of the founders, editors, and hosts of the Emergency Medicine podcast, Always on EM which is spreading rapidly. He has moved through many challenges including academic difficulties, health issues and more and still seems to love what he does – for these and more reasons, I am excited to have him talk about wellbeing today. My relationship with emergency medicine has been full of love and periods of hate or frustration as well. Throughout the journey, I have found ways to rekindle joy when it is hard to find while also helping me achieve more than I ever imagined. Through the use of story, Dr Bellamkonda will share strategies that individuals, groups of like-affected people, and the institution can use to help everyone live a better life in medicine.

Impact of Open Proportional Ventilation on Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease: An RT and Patient Perspective
Anne Snyder, RRT
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Anne Snyder, RRT Anne Snyder is both a patient and employee for Baxter Respiratory Health. She has been a Respiratory Therapist for 28 years and has worked with Hillrom, now Baxter, for 15 years, providing education and training to both patients and healthcare teams on methods of Airway Clearance and Non-Invasive Ventilation. She has had asthma for most of her life. More recently, following some additional health challenges, her asthma has gotten significantly worse and further complicated with COVID last year. She has found herself in the same position as many of her patients and adapting to life using oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and nebulizer treatments with airway clearance and lung expansion therapy, participating in Pulmonary Rehab and learning how to navigate the healthcare system and being her own advocate.

Exhibit Hall - Manager's Only
Sandstone Ballroom

BREAK

Exhibit Hall
Sandstone Ballroom

ICU Liberation
Dr. Thomas Carver, MD
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Dr. Thomas Carver, MD Dr Carver is a trauma and critical care surgeon at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin where he is the Senior Medical Director of Critical Care Services.

Adult Tracheostomy Care: PDSA It!
Sarah Bazelak, BSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Sarah Bazelak, BSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C Sarah is an Education & Quality Coordinator for Respiratory Care at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Sarah has participated and led multiple process improvement initiatives that support enhanced patient outcomes and value-based care within the Froedtert Health system. She is a strong advocate for elevating the respiratory care profession and is passionate for continued self-development. Sarah is currently pursuing her master’s degree in respiratory care at Rush University. Outside of respiratory care, Sarah enjoys reading, art/creative outlets, interior design, and spending time with her family.

LUNCH
Sandstone Ballroom

Reducing Respiratory Device Related Pressure Injuries
Breeanna Long, BS, RRT
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Breeanna Long, BS, RRT Breeanna has been a Respiratory Therapist for 17 years and currently serves as the manger of the St. John’s Respiratory Therapy Department. She focuses on building a strong team of knowledgeable RT’s through ongoing education, and learning opportunities that build critical thinking. Her passions include camping with her husband and 2 dogs, and any activity that brings her adult children together.

Pressure Control Ventilation: Patient Ventilator Synchrony
Bill LeTourneau, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

BREAK

ARDS Updates
Chris Williams, MD
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Chris Williams, MD I’m a board certified pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine physician and serve as the respiratory medical director, rehab medical director, sleep medicine co chair and pulmonary medicine vice chair at Mayo Clinic Health System, NWWI. I have special interests in ARDS, mechanical ventilation, alternatives to CPAP therapy and critical care echocardiogram.

EVENT: Student Activity
Sandstone Ballroom

EVENT: Evening Entertainment
Sandstone Ballroom

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Putting the Pieces Back Together for a Staff Wellbeing
Venkatesh Bellamkonda, MD
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Venkatesh Bellamkonda, MD Venkatesh Bellamkonda, or Venk as he prefers, is a graduate of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and after a year of psychiatry residency he restarted training in emergency medicine, both at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He completed an Emergency Ultrasound fellowship at George Washington University and served as director of emergency ultrasound for all of Mayo Clinic’s ED’s for many years. He has achieved Gold fellow status from the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy and served as director of Curriculum for the Quality Academy enterprise wide previously. Currently, among other roles, he serves his department as Chair of education and as Wellness Officer. He is one of the founders, editors, and hosts of the Emergency Medicine podcast, Always on EM which is spreading rapidly. He has moved through many challenges including academic difficulties, health issues and more and still seems to love what he does – for these and more reasons, I am excited to have him talk about wellbeing today. My relationship with emergency medicine has been full of love and periods of hate or frustration as well. Throughout the journey, I have found ways to rekindle joy when it is hard to find while also helping me achieve more than I ever imagined. Through the use of story, Dr Bellamkonda will share strategies that individuals, groups of like-affected people, and the institution can use to help everyone live a better life in medicine.

Impact of Open Proportional Ventilation on Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease: An RT and Patient Perspective
Anne Snyder, RRT
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Anne Snyder, RRT Anne Snyder is both a patient and employee for Baxter Respiratory Health. She has been a Respiratory Therapist for 28 years and has worked with Hillrom, now Baxter, for 15 years, providing education and training to both patients and healthcare teams on methods of Airway Clearance and Non-Invasive Ventilation. She has had asthma for most of her life. More recently, following some additional health challenges, her asthma has gotten significantly worse and further complicated with COVID last year. She has found herself in the same position as many of her patients and adapting to life using oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and nebulizer treatments with airway clearance and lung expansion therapy, participating in Pulmonary Rehab and learning how to navigate the healthcare system and being her own advocate.

Exhibit Hall - Manager's Only
Sandstone Ballroom

BREAK

Exhibit Hall
Sandstone Ballroom

Lead with Passion
Chuck Stadler Jr, RN
Sponsored by CORE Staffing
Glacier A - D

[x] Chuck Stadler Jr, RN Chuck Stadler Jr. is a highly accomplished registered nurse with 18 years of experience and a serial entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience in healthcare staffing, telehealth, software development, and clinical program development. In addition, he is also an expert in the food and restaurant industries. Born and raised in Vassar, MI, Chuck currently resides in Frankenmuth, MI, with his wife Lisa and their three daughters. Chuck's leadership and management style are grounded in his values of honesty, integrity, and commitment to excellence. He is dedicated to promoting his staff into leadership roles and supporting their professional growth, both in healthcare and the food and restaurant industry. Chuck's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to success in various industries. When he is not working, Chuck enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.

The Pursuit of Higher Education
Anja Dreps, RRT, RPFT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
Glacier A - D

[x] Anja Dreps, RRT, RPFT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS Anja Dreps, became a Respiratory Therapist while serving in the US Army Reserves. After completing the 91V (Respiratory Specialist) program, she completed some coursework to earn an ASRT degree in Respiratory Therapy from Moraine Park Technical College, and a BSRT from the University of Southern Indiana. She is currently enrolled in the Master's in Respiratory Care program at Boise State University. Anja has 20+ years of respiratory care experience, worked in adult critical care, neonatal intensive care, and pulmonary function testing, and has held roles in leadership. In 2020 Anja began her current position as the Respiratory Therapy Program Director at Moraine Park Technical College.

LUNCH
Sandstone Ballroom

Optimizing Respiratory Therapy Resources: A Value Based Care Initiative to Reduce Non-Evidence Based Therapy in an Academic Medical Center Through Change Management
Kellianne Fleming, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS
Glacier A - D

[x] Kellianne Fleming, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS Kellianne Fleming is the Director of Pulmonary Services at Froedtert & MCW in Milwaukee. Kellianne holds a master's degree in respiratory care from Rush University in Chicago. Kellianne is passionate about the proper utilization of resources, specifically the human resource of respiratory care practitioners, in the delivery of evidence-based care. Kellianne's most recent project, "Optimizing Respiratory Therapy Resources: A Value Based Care Initiative to Reduce Non-Evidence Based Therapy in an Academic Medical Center through Change Management" was selected as Editor's Choice and presented at the 2022 AARC Congress.

Personal & Professional Values Alignment - Does It Matter?
Anne Uttermark, MA, BS-RRT, LRT
Sponsored by Allina
Glacier A - D

[x] Anne Uttermark, MA, BS-RRT, LRT Anne Uttermark trained in Respiratory Therapy at North Dakota State University/MeritCare Hospital and has been practicing at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for over 20 years. The first three years as a staff and Lead therapist and the past 17 years in a leadership role overseeing various departments in addition to Respiratory Therapy. Currently, Anne oversees Respiratory Therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and serves as the Chair of the Organ Donation Commitee at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

BREAK

Promoting Professionalism in Your Department
Christopher Bosley, RRT, RRT-NPS, LRT, RCP
Bill LeTourneau, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Rachel Wagner, RRT
Make sure to bring a smart phone/device to this session.
Glacier A - D

[x] Christopher Bosley, RRT, RRT-NPS, LRT, RCP Chris received his BS in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and his AAS-Respiratory Care Practitioner from Mid-State Technical College, Marshfield, WI. He is a Pediatric Respiratory Care Education Specialist with the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine – Respiratory Care, Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN. He has been a practicing respiratory therapist for the past 24+ years, 21+ years with the Mayo Clinic, spending 14 years on the neonatal/pediatric transport team. Chris sits on the Medical Board for Camp Superkids, and served as Board of Directors, & Vice-President for the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) and is the current President. He also serves as a pediatric clinical instructor, lecturer & adjunct faculty member for the Mayo School of Health Sciences/University of Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys traveling abroad to support medical mission work in Vietnam.

[x] Bill LeTourneau, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS Bill has been a respiratory therapist for over twenty years, currently working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Bill received his respiratory therapy education at St Paul College and went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Concordia University in St Paul, Minnesota. He is has served as the Vice President of the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care and the Chair of the Clinicians Advisory Committee for the American Thoracic Society. Bill’s educational experiences includes 10 years as a Clinical Instructor at St Paul College, 7 years as the Associate Program Director of the Mayo Clinic Respiratory Therapy Program and as a Clinical Specialist in Education in the Respiratory Therapy Department in Rochester Minnesota.

[x] Rachel Wagner, RRT Rachel Wagner is a proud graduate of Chippewa Valley Technical College who has been with Mayo Clinic Health System NWWI for 10 years. 9 of those years were spent in Eau Claire at the bedside and the past year she has been working in management as the Supervisor or Respiratory Care at Mayo Clinic Health System Osseo and Menomonie Hospitals. During Rachel’s career she has chaired many committees for various conferences to help provide continuing education credits for Respiratory Therapists throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. She became involved in conference planning and the WSRC right after graduation and has been involved ever since. Rachel finds staying involved and meeting new people in the profession to be rewarding and refreshing. Something else that keeps Rachel excited about the profession is educating and mentoring new employees and students. Aside from work Rachel loves spending time with my friends and family. She loves new adventures, travel, and raising her 2 children!

EVENT: Student Activity
Sandstone Ballroom

EVENT: Evening Entertainment
Sandstone Ballroom

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

It's 2023: Have You Made the Case for Respiratory Therapy?
Garry Kauffman, RRT FAARC MPA FACHE
Make sure to bring a smart phone/device to this session.
Sponsored by Monaghan
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Garry Kauffman, RRT FAARC MPA FACHE On Garry's first day in RT school, he and his classmates were presented with a Mr. Barco uniform, a table full of books, an AARC student membership, and stethoscope. The uniform represented professionalism, the books would provide the knowledge to practice, the AARC membership would be the start of a journey as a professional, and the stethoscope would be an essential tool to assess patients and plan for their respiratory care. Much has changed in the following decades for Garry but was hasn't changed is his passion for people-patients, families, fellow therapists- and all those in healthcare who have pledged our careers to helping others. Garry truly believes that there is 'No Better Time to Be an RT!'

Government Affairs for Respiratory Care
Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff
Sponsored by AARC
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff Miriam O’Day has supported mission driven health related not-for-profit organizations for over 25 years. She serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs for the AARC a role she took on in June of 2022. She is focused on advancing the profession through favorable reimbursement recognition that will allow respiratory therapists to work outside of the hospital setting. Miriam is working with a large coalition to make a statutory change to Medicare oxygen reimbursement that will include a payment provision for respiratory therapists. She heads the state government affairs activities which work to safeguard scope of practice and licensure. Miriam previously served the AARC as Director of Federal Affairs from 2006-2015. She represents AARC with Members of Congress, federal agencies and regulators and coordinates the annual Capitol Hill lobby day known as PACT. Miriam is the former President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation an organization focused on funding research to cure the lung disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. She Streamlined scientific programs, and moved the Alpha-1 Foundation Research Registry in house, rebalanced the research grant portfolio to highlight the need for translational as well as basic science.

BREAK

Government Affairs: A Lobbyist's Perspective
George A. Klaetsch
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] George A. Klaetsch George Klaetsch has been President of Klaetsch Public Affairs Strategies (KPAS) since September 2008. KPAS is a firm specializing in government relations, public affairs, trade association management and issue-based grassroots advocacy. Prior to KPAS, he was the Senior Vice President for the Madison office of a regional public affairs firm. From 2000 – 2005, George was Public Affairs Manager for Alliant Energy, a Fortune 1000 investor-owned utility providing electric and gas service to customers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Prior to his private sector career, George served in Governor Tommy Thompson’s administration from 1993 – 2000. During that time, he was the Coalitions and Political Director for Thompson’s 1998 re-election campaign and member of the finance team during the 1994 campaign. Additionally, George has managed and advised numerous campaigns, including gubernatorial, congressional, legislative, issue-based and judicial campaigns in Iowa and Wisconsin. George is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

When the Going Gets Tough, DMAT Gets Going
Janet Stephens, BS, RRT-AACS
Brian Wehrle, RRT
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Janet Stephens, BS, RRT-AACS 34 + years as an RCP including aeromedicine and emergency and critical care. I have been involved with the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) with the Wisconsin-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) for 10 years and currently hold the position of Chief RCP on my team.

[x] Brian Wehrle, RRT I have been working in respiratory care since the spring of 2019, and have been on staff with NDMS/DMAT since the spring of 2021. Notable deployments: Hurricane Ida Sept 2021. Currently employed at Thedacare Neenah as a RCP.

LUNCH
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Fire Down Below: Pathophysiology and Management of Inhalation Injuries
Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI Stephen became a respiratory therapist. during his service in the United States Air Force. He has worked all manner of hospitals from large academic medical centres to rural critical access hospitals. Previously he has worked as an EMS provider and supervisor, clinical educator, and volunteered as a flight respiratory therapist. Currently he is on hiatus from clinical practice for a few months while finishing work on his masters thesis. He also serves as the volunteer executive director of Kolibri Forensics, a nonprofit forensic search and recovery team that works to help close missing persons cases. He is currently pursuing a masters degree by research in forensic archaeology and anthropology to be followed by a doctorate in that field. He intends to stay working as a therapist though and will just have a really unique second job.

Diaphragm Pacing - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Jeffery Thompson, RRT
Sponsored by Synapse Biomedical, Inc.
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Jeffery Thompson, RRT Jeff Thompson is the Clinical Services Manager for Synapse Biomedical. Jeff began his career in respiratory therapy 28 years ago and for the past 16 years, Jeff has worked extensively in medical device research and is a subject matter expert on the NeuRx® Diaphragm Pacing System. He has personally participated in the treatment of over 350 patients implanted with the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

BREAK

The Downward Spiral: The Pathophysiology of Sepsis and Septic Shock
Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI Stephen became a respiratory therapist. during his service in the United States Air Force. He has worked all manner of hospitals from large academic medical centres to rural critical access hospitals. Previously he has worked as an EMS provider and supervisor, clinical educator, and volunteered as a flight respiratory therapist. Currently he is on hiatus from clinical practice for a few months while finishing work on his masters thesis. He also serves as the volunteer executive director of Kolibri Forensics, a nonprofit forensic search and recovery team that works to help close missing persons cases. He is currently pursuing a masters degree by research in forensic archaeology and anthropology to be followed by a doctorate in that field. He intends to stay working as a therapist though and will just have a really unique second job.

Closing Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

It's 2023: Have You Made the Case for Respiratory Therapy?
Garry Kauffman, RRT FAARC MPA FACHE
Make sure to bring a smart phone/device to this session.
Sponsored by Monaghan
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Garry Kauffman, RRT FAARC MPA FACHE On Garry's first day in RT school, he and his classmates were presented with a Mr. Barco uniform, a table full of books, an AARC student membership, and stethoscope. The uniform represented professionalism, the books would provide the knowledge to practice, the AARC membership would be the start of a journey as a professional, and the stethoscope would be an essential tool to assess patients and plan for their respiratory care. Much has changed in the following decades for Garry but was hasn't changed is his passion for people-patients, families, fellow therapists- and all those in healthcare who have pledged our careers to helping others. Garry truly believes that there is 'No Better Time to Be an RT!'

Government Affairs for Respiratory Care
Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff
Sponsored by AARC
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff Miriam O’Day has supported mission driven health related not-for-profit organizations for over 25 years. She serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs for the AARC a role she took on in June of 2022. She is focused on advancing the profession through favorable reimbursement recognition that will allow respiratory therapists to work outside of the hospital setting. Miriam is working with a large coalition to make a statutory change to Medicare oxygen reimbursement that will include a payment provision for respiratory therapists. She heads the state government affairs activities which work to safeguard scope of practice and licensure. Miriam previously served the AARC as Director of Federal Affairs from 2006-2015. She represents AARC with Members of Congress, federal agencies and regulators and coordinates the annual Capitol Hill lobby day known as PACT. Miriam is the former President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation an organization focused on funding research to cure the lung disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. She Streamlined scientific programs, and moved the Alpha-1 Foundation Research Registry in house, rebalanced the research grant portfolio to highlight the need for translational as well as basic science.

BREAK

What You Need to Know Before You Accept Your First Position
Garry Kauffman, RRT, FAARC, MPA, FACHE
Make sure to bring a smart phone/device to this session.
Sponsored by Monaghan
Glacier A - D

[x] Garry Kauffman, RRT, FAARC, MPA, FACHE On Garry's first day in RT school, he and his classmates were presented with a Mr. Barco uniform, a table full of books, an AARC student membership, and stethoscope. The uniform represented professionalism, the books would provide the knowledge to practice, the AARC membership would be the start of a journey as a professional, and the stethoscope would be an essential tool to assess patients and plan for their respiratory care. Much has changed in the following decades for Garry but was hasn't changed is his passion for people-patients, families, fellow therapists- and all those in healthcare who have pledged our careers to helping others. Garry truly believes that there is 'No Better Time to Be an RT!'

Government Affairs - Why Should I Care?
Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff
Sponsored by AARC
Glacier A - D

[x] Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff Miriam O’Day has supported mission driven health related not-for-profit organizations for over 25 years. She serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs for the AARC a role she took on in June of 2022. She is focused on advancing the profession through favorable reimbursement recognition that will allow respiratory therapists to work outside of the hospital setting. Miriam is working with a large coalition to make a statutory change to Medicare oxygen reimbursement that will include a payment provision for respiratory therapists. She heads the state government affairs activities which work to safeguard scope of practice and licensure. Miriam previously served the AARC as Director of Federal Affairs from 2006-2015. She represents AARC with Members of Congress, federal agencies and regulators and coordinates the annual Capitol Hill lobby day known as PACT. Miriam is the former President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation an organization focused on funding research to cure the lung disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. She Streamlined scientific programs, and moved the Alpha-1 Foundation Research Registry in house, rebalanced the research grant portfolio to highlight the need for translational as well as basic science.

LUNCH
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Establishing a Career Path: How to Further Your Education and Grow Professionally Post-Graduation
Anja Dreps, RRT, RPFT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
Glacier A - D

[x] Anja Dreps, RRT, RPFT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS Anja Dreps, became a Respiratory Therapist while serving in the US Army Reserves. After completing the 91V (Respiratory Specialist) program, she completed some coursework to earn an ASRT degree in Respiratory Therapy from Moraine Park Technical College, and a BSRT from the University of Southern Indiana. She is currently enrolled in the Master's in Respiratory Care program at Boise State University. Anja has 20+ years of respiratory care experience, worked in adult critical care, neonatal intensive care, and pulmonary function testing, and has held roles in leadership. In 2020 Anja began her current position as the Respiratory Therapy Program Director at Moraine Park Technical College.

Professionalism from the Ground Up: What a Professional Journey Will Look Like
Christopher Bosley, RRT, RRT-NPS, LRT, RCP
Bill LeTourneau, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Rachel Wagner, RRT
Make sure to bring a smart phone/device to this session.
Glacier A - D

[x] Christopher Bosley, RRT, RRT-NPS, LRT, RCP Chris received his BS in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and his AAS-Respiratory Care Practitioner from Mid-State Technical College, Marshfield, WI. He is a Pediatric Respiratory Care Education Specialist with the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine – Respiratory Care, Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN. He has been a practicing respiratory therapist for the past 24+ years, 21+ years with the Mayo Clinic, spending 14 years on the neonatal/pediatric transport team. Chris sits on the Medical Board for Camp Superkids, and served as Board of Directors, & Vice-President for the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) and is the current President. He also serves as a pediatric clinical instructor, lecturer & adjunct faculty member for the Mayo School of Health Sciences/University of Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys traveling abroad to support medical mission work in Vietnam.

[x] Bill LeTourneau, MA, RRT, RRT-ACCS Bill has been a respiratory therapist for over twenty years, currently working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Bill received his respiratory therapy education at St Paul College and went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Concordia University in St Paul, Minnesota. He is has served as the Vice President of the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care and the Chair of the Clinicians Advisory Committee for the American Thoracic Society. Bill’s educational experiences includes 10 years as a Clinical Instructor at St Paul College, 7 years as the Associate Program Director of the Mayo Clinic Respiratory Therapy Program and as a Clinical Specialist in Education in the Respiratory Therapy Department in Rochester Minnesota.

[x] Rachel Wagner, RRT Rachel Wagner is a proud graduate of Chippewa Valley Technical College who has been with Mayo Clinic Health System NWWI for 10 years. 9 of those years were spent in Eau Claire at the bedside and the past year she has been working in management as the Supervisor or Respiratory Care at Mayo Clinic Health System Osseo and Menomonie Hospitals. During Rachel’s career she has chaired many committees for various conferences to help provide continuing education credits for Respiratory Therapists throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. She became involved in conference planning and the WSRC right after graduation and has been involved ever since. Rachel finds staying involved and meeting new people in the profession to be rewarding and refreshing. Something else that keeps Rachel excited about the profession is educating and mentoring new employees and students. Aside from work Rachel loves spending time with my friends and family. She loves new adventures, travel, and raising her 2 children!

BREAK

The Downward Spiral: The Pathophysiology of Sepsis and Septic Shock
Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI Stephen became a respiratory therapist. during his service in the United States Air Force. He has worked all manner of hospitals from large academic medical centres to rural critical access hospitals. Previously he has worked as an EMS provider and supervisor, clinical educator, and volunteered as a flight respiratory therapist. Currently he is on hiatus from clinical practice for a few months while finishing work on his masters thesis. He also serves as the volunteer executive director of Kolibri Forensics, a nonprofit forensic search and recovery team that works to help close missing persons cases. He is currently pursuing a masters degree by research in forensic archaeology and anthropology to be followed by a doctorate in that field. He intends to stay working as a therapist though and will just have a really unique second job.

Closing Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

Registration
Lake Delton Boardroom

Breakfast
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Welcome Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

It's 2023: Have You Made the Case for Respiratory Therapy?
Garry Kauffman, RRT FAARC MPA FACHE
Make sure to bring a smart phone/device to this session.
Sponsored by Monaghan
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Garry Kauffman, RRT FAARC MPA FACHE On Garry's first day in RT school, he and his classmates were presented with a Mr. Barco uniform, a table full of books, an AARC student membership, and stethoscope. The uniform represented professionalism, the books would provide the knowledge to practice, the AARC membership would be the start of a journey as a professional, and the stethoscope would be an essential tool to assess patients and plan for their respiratory care. Much has changed in the following decades for Garry but was hasn't changed is his passion for people-patients, families, fellow therapists- and all those in healthcare who have pledged our careers to helping others. Garry truly believes that there is 'No Better Time to Be an RT!'

Government Affairs for Respiratory Care
Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff
Sponsored by AARC
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Miriam O'Day, AARC Staff Miriam O’Day has supported mission driven health related not-for-profit organizations for over 25 years. She serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs for the AARC a role she took on in June of 2022. She is focused on advancing the profession through favorable reimbursement recognition that will allow respiratory therapists to work outside of the hospital setting. Miriam is working with a large coalition to make a statutory change to Medicare oxygen reimbursement that will include a payment provision for respiratory therapists. She heads the state government affairs activities which work to safeguard scope of practice and licensure. Miriam previously served the AARC as Director of Federal Affairs from 2006-2015. She represents AARC with Members of Congress, federal agencies and regulators and coordinates the annual Capitol Hill lobby day known as PACT. Miriam is the former President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation an organization focused on funding research to cure the lung disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. She Streamlined scientific programs, and moved the Alpha-1 Foundation Research Registry in house, rebalanced the research grant portfolio to highlight the need for translational as well as basic science.

BREAK

Respiratory Therapists and Pediatric ECMO Programs
Teka Siebenaler, MPH, RRT
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Teka Siebenaler, MPH, RRT Teka is a registered respiratory therapist with over 21 years of ECMO experience. In addition to being clinically skilled in respiratory care, ECMO, transport, Paracorporeal and durable VAD coordinator and CRRT, her skills also include education and clinical research, as well as programmatic design and development. Teka is the former co-chair of the Pediatric VAD taskforce for ICCAC and former AARC Liaison to the NRP Steering Committee.

Therapist-Driven Protocols in a Complex Pediatric Post-op Spinal and Orthopedic Surgical Population
Sharon Ritter, MS, RRT
Isabella Nadeau, BS, RRT
Sponsored by Gillette Children's
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Sharon Ritter, MS, RRT Sharon Ritter is currently the Respiratory Care Supervisor at Gillette Children's in St. Paul MN and continues in a casual role as an ECMO Specialist with Fairview M Health in Minneapolis. She has worked primarily in a management position since 2007 and previously worked to implement protocols for the Fairview Health system beginning in 2002. In addition, she has worked with developing pediatric asthma and RSV order sets and treatment protocols.

[x] Isabella Nadeau, BS, RRT My name is Isabella Nadeau and I am from a small town in Wisconsin. I went to college at St. Catherine University, graduated in 2019 with my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care. After graduation, I began working at gillette Children's as an RRT. In the fall of 2019 I presented my senior research project at the poster presentations at the AARC Conference in New Orleans with my research partner. I continue to work at gillette Children's in a clinical role and also focus on helping the department develop research projects.

LUNCH
Wilderness Ballroom 3 and 6

Newborn Management of Congenital Heart Disease: Case-Based Review
Raymond Stetson, MD, MS
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Raymond Stetson, MD, MS Dr. Stetson is a clinical neonatologist. He has an active interest in quality improvement, clinical research, trainee education, and clinical care. His research work includes strategies to improve on-time vaccination in infants born at low birth weight or prematurely. He is the medical director for Mayo Clinic Rochester Mary Brigh NICU. He is board certified in both Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. He completed his residency in Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine in 2017 and his fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine in 2020, both at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. During his fellowship, Dr. Stetson completed a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with a focus in Clinical and Translational Medicine. Dr. Stetson holds the rank of Assistant Professor of Pediatrics with over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Stetson received his Medical Doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Medical Center and a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Common (and Uncommon) Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies
Meghan Cain, MD
Wilderness Ballroom 1 and 4

[x] Meghan Cain, MD Dr. Cain is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric emergency medicine physician. She completed her Pediatric Residency at the Mayo Clinic and her Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Children’s Minnesota. She is currently a consultant in the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester where she is the chair of the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Dr. Cain is active in medical student and resident teaching, procedural training and advising. She serves on the pediatric trauma committee among other institutional roles. Clinical interests include acute care of pediatric patients, imaging of children in the emergency department and innovating medical delivery beyond the traditional hospital walls. When not at work she keeps busy chasing her kids and trying not to lose any of the family pets.

BREAK

The Downward Spiral: The Pathophysiology of Sepsis and Septic Shock
Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5

[x] Stephen Richey, BA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, FRAI Stephen became a respiratory therapist. during his service in the United States Air Force. He has worked all manner of hospitals from large academic medical centres to rural critical access hospitals. Previously he has worked as an EMS provider and supervisor, clinical educator, and volunteered as a flight respiratory therapist. Currently he is on hiatus from clinical practice for a few months while finishing work on his masters thesis. He also serves as the volunteer executive director of Kolibri Forensics, a nonprofit forensic search and recovery team that works to help close missing persons cases. He is currently pursuing a masters degree by research in forensic archaeology and anthropology to be followed by a doctorate in that field. He intends to stay working as a therapist though and will just have a really unique second job.

Closing Remarks
Wilderness Ballroom 2 and 5