AAE Meeting: Where Are the RTs?
Hello, all. I have been gone for a while, attending the Association of Asthma Educators conference and taking a much-needed vacation, but now I'm back. One of the things I noticed was the lack of respiratory therapists at the meeting. Many of the attendees were either nurses or doctors. The respiratory field was not well-represented at all.
We have talked before about how this profession can get respect. First and foremost, I think we have to get involved. Our lack of involvement speaks volumes to other disciplines that seem to be more concerned about our patients than we are. I'm not suggesting that everyone become a member, although that would be nice, or even become asthma educators, but we do need to be involved.
In my opinion, if you want to boost your own credibility and respiratory care's morale and validity, do something. Whether it's writing a politician, attending conferences, or preparing your big thesis on everything respiratory, just do it. If you've already wasted your summer, fall is coming. It's still not too late.
All my best,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C, RCP