Achievement Awards

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Dr. Mitchell Baran was unwavering in his commitment to the necessity of basing respiratory care product development, and subsequent application, on a foundation of established scientific evidence, coupled with the clinical expertise of those using such products. As result, respiratory devices developed under his tenure have had an impact on patient’s health in the US and around the globe.

An endowment has been established with the American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) to recognize and honor individuals demonstrating clinical excellence and advocacy for evidence-based, clinically sound practices for aerosolized medication delivery and/or the application of non-pharmacologic airway clearance therapies.

In the year the award is bestowed, recipients will receive a cash prize of $2,500, an engraved crystal trophy, round-trip coach airfare, with two nights lodging and registration to the annual International Congress of The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

Eligibility and Nominating Procedure:

At the beginning of each calendar year, the ARCF Achievement Award Selection Committee will invite nominations for the Mitchell A. Baran Achievement Award (MAB Award). A call for nominations shall be periodically posted to each of the AARC’s Specialty Section Digests and shall include the date by which all completed nominations shall be received by the Achievement Award Selection Committee. The posting should also include mention of Dr Baran’s legacy (as stated in the first 2 paragraphs of this document), and the nomination criteria as set forth below.

Eligible candidates will, at a minimum, possess the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential and be an active member of the AARC for a minimum of five consecutive years, but no more than fifteen. It is anticipated that nominees will also have a record of voluntary service to the AARC and/or related professional organizations, with special emphasis given to those individuals exhibiting demonstrable clinical skills.

A completed nomination must include the following:

1. A description of the nominee’s professional background (i.e. a current curriculum vitae)
2. A detailed narrative describing the nominee’s achievements in advocating and promoting excellence in the delivery of aerosolized mediations, airway clearance therapy and the impact such activities have had on patients, their families, and other clinicians, and
3. A brief description of any in-vivo studies undertaken and published by the nominee to further strengthen the knowledge base and clinical application of evidence-driven aerosol drug delivery, and non-pharmacologic airway clearance therapy.

Completed nominations must be received by the ARCF Achievement Award Selection Committee no later than June 1st of the calendar year in which the award is to be bestowed. The Selection Committee will, in turn, review all completed nominations and make the determination of the award recipient. Nominations for prior recipients of the MAB Award shall not be considered.

Upon selection, the successful nominee’s contact information shall be forwarded to the ARCF who, in turn, will notify the award recipient and invite them to attend the Award Ceremony, held in conjunction with the AARC’s International Congress.

The ARCF will provide MMC (sponsor of the award) with an annual accounting of the MAB Achievement Award endowment, including the balance, investment income, and disbursements. The date of such accounting to be set by the ARCF to coincide with the filing of its year’s end audited financial statements.

Any changes to the criteria or process for judging/selecting MAB Award recipients, or the Award itself, must have prior written approval from MMC.

• 2025—Robert M. DiBlasi, BS, RRT-NPS, FAARC
• 2024—Hui-Ling Lin, Ph.D., RRT, RN, FAARC
• 2023—Shawna L. Strickland, PhD, CAE, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC
• 2022—Jie Li, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC
• 2021—Lung Partners Team of Crouse Hospital
• 2020—Not Awarded
• 2019—Michael McPeck, RRT, FAARC
• 2018—Arzu Ari, PhD, RRT, PT, CPFT, FAARC
• 2017—Joseph L. Rau Jr., PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 2016—Gregory Burns, RRT
• 2015—Allison Anderson
• 2014—Kari Armstrong
• 2013—John W. Newhart, RRT, RCP
• 2012—Jinxiang Xi, PhD
• 2011—Maher Mubarak AlQuaimi
• 2010—Susan A. Roark
• 2009—Robert Chatburn, RRT-NPS, FAARC
• 2008—Arzu Ari, PhD
• 2007—Ken Thigpen, BS, RRT
• 2006—Lisa Cracchiolo, RRT
• 2005—Hui-Ling Lin, MS, RRT
• 2004—Kathy Ehlers, BA, RRT
• 2003—Christopher M. Piccuito, RRT
• 2002—Robert H. Estetter, RRT and Idichandi Idicula, MS, RRT
• 2001—Jason Higgins, RRT
• 2000—Christine Dillman, BA, RRT
• 1999—Dean R. Hess, PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 1998—Robert Dickerson, MS, RRT
• 1997—James B. Fink, MS, RRT and Rick Kita, RRT
• 1996—Michael McPeck, RRT
• 1995—James B. Fink, MS, RRT, RCP
• 1994—Robert Gorman, RRT
• 1993—Dean Hess, MEd, RRT
• 1992—Signe M. Renshaw
• 1991—Becky Dukart

Send nominations to Crystal Leighton, ARCF Executive Assistant.

This award consists of a plaque and $2000 cash, plus coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration to AARC Congress.

Nomination Procedure Nominations will be invited from the AARC Board of Medical Advisors, the Board of Directors of the American Association for Respiratory Care, the Trustees of the American Respiratory Care Foundation, National Board for Respiratory Care and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Nominees must have authored (or co-authored) at least 25 peer reviewed publications listed on Pubmed.gov that: a) clearly demonstrate the important contributions that the nominee has made to the science of respiratory care; b) provide evidence that the nominee was a principal investigator/author on the work; and c) shows a commitment to scientific process. Previous award recipients have generally been established investigators at either teaching institutions or non-profit organizations and usually have in excess of 150 PubMed citations.

The nominating group is responsible for submitting the following: A complete and current biographical report on their nominee (curriculum vitae). Only one nominee (who is not a past recipient of the award) is allowed from each group.

A statement, including data, which indicates the basis for the nomination, keeping the principle criterion of “outstanding scientific contributions” in mind. They should illustrate the nominee’s impact on respiratory care through the training of physicians and therapists, noting their accomplishments, and through publications and lectures.

A brief personal comment on their candidate’s interests and activities outside of medicine (i.e. civic, family, hobby).

All nominations must be received by the ARCF Executive Office no later than June 1, and the award will be presented by the American Respiratory Care Foundation during the AARC Awards Ceremony.

• 2025—Robert M. DiBlasi, BS, RRT-NPS, FAARC
• 2024—Arzu Ari, Ph.D., RRT, PT, CPFT, FAARC, FCCP
• 2023—Jie Li, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, FAARC
• 2022—Teresa A. Volsko, MBA, MHHS, RRT, LSSBB, FAARC
• 2021—Gary F. Nieman
• 2020—Craig D. Smallwood
• 2019—Jerry A. Krishnan, MD, PhD
• 2018—Richard H. Kallet, MS, RRT, FAARC, FCCM
• 2017—Jim Fink, PhD, RRT, FAARC, FCCP
• 2016—Marin H. Kollef, MD
• 2015—John B. Downs, MD
• 2014—John J. Marini, MD
• 2013—Michael T. Newhouse, MD, MSc, FRCP(C), FACP
• 2012—Patrick Dunne, MEd, RRT, FAARC
• 2011—Brian Carlin, MD, FAARC
• 2010—Ira M. Cheifetz, MD, FAARC
• 2009—James K. Stoller, MD, MS
• 2008—Bruce K. Rubin, MD, FAARC
• 2007—Robert L. Chatburn, RRT-NPS, FAARC
• 2006—Robert M. Kacmarek, PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 2005—Richard D. Branson, MS, RRT, FAARC
• 2004—Joseph L. Rau, Jr., PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 2003—Robert Kirby, MD
• 2002—Charlie G. Durbin, Jr., MD, FAARC
• 2001—Neil R. MacIntyre, MD, FAARC
• 2000—Martin J. Tobin, MD
• 1999—Dean Hess, PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 1998—Walter O’Donohue, Jr., MD
• 1997—Alan H. Morris, MD
• 1996—David J. Pierson, MD,FAARC
• 1995—Leonard D. Hudson, MD
• 1994—John F. Murray, MD
• 1993—Peter Safar, MD
• 1992—George A. Gregory, MD
• 1991—Edward A. Gaensler, MD
• 1990—John W. Severinghaus, MD
• 1989—Roger C. Bone, MD
• 1988—William F. Miller, MD, FAARC
• 1987—H. Fredrick Helmholz, Jr., MD
• 1986—Thomas L. Petty, MD
• 1985—Claude Lenfant, MD
• 1984—C. Everett Koop, MD, Surgeon General

Send nominations to Crystal Leighton, ARCF Executive Assistant.

Over the past decade, Dr. Garza has successfully established training programs for RTs in his country and has also founded the Asociación Mexicana de Terapia Respiratoria AC, where he currently serves as president. Dr. Garza works closely with the AARC’s International Council for Respiratory Care and received the designation of AARC Fellow (FAARC) in 2001.

The award includes a crystal sculpture, coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration for the AARC Congress. The recipient will be selected by Sept. 1, and the award presented at the AARC Awards Ceremony.

Nomination Procedure
Nominations will be invited from the International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC). To be considered, nominees must exemplify a dedication to:

1. The advancement of safe, effective and ethical practice of respiratory care in their home country and at the International level.
2. Promoting the clinical practice and educational development of high quality respiratory outcomes.
3. Using evidence based standards of respiratory care appropriate to the special needs and resources of individual nations.
4. Facilitating interdisciplinary communication regarding respiratory care between allied health professions, the medical specialities, nursing, service companies and the health care industry.
5. Encouraging the creation and growth of related respiratory care organizations in their home country and internationally.
6. Enhancing respiratory health promotion, disease prevention and rehabilitation for patients, care givers, and the general public as appropriate in their home country and internationally.

• 2025—Daniel D. Rowley, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, RPFT, FAARC
• 2024—Dr. Bibi Waleema Bacchus-Ali, BSc., MD, PGDip, MSc, MBA
• 2023—Ruben Restrepo, MD, RRT, FAARC, FCCP
• 2022—Arzu Ari, PhD, RRT, CPFT, FCCP, FAARC
• 2021—Bruce Rubin, MEngr, MD, MBA, FAARC
• 2020—Lluis Blanch, MD, PhD
• 2019—Michael T. Amato, MBA
• 2018—Robert M. Kacmarek, PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 2017—Neil R. MacIntyre, MD, FAARC
• 2016—Alberto Juan Lopez Bascope, MD
• 2015— Jerome M. Sullivan, PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 2014— Dean R. Hess, PhD, RRT, FAARC
• 2013—David J. Pierson, MD, FAARC
• 2012—Saverio P. Giordano, MBA, RRT, FAARC
• 2011—Kook Hyun Lee
• 2010—Stefano Nava
• 2009—Kazunao Watanabe, MD
• 2008—Gustavo Olguin
• 2007—Sergio Zuffo, PT
• 2006—Hassan L. Alorainy, BSRT, RRT
• 2005—Hector Leon Garza, MD

Send nominations to Crystal Leighton, ARCF Executive Assistant.

The award is funded by an endowment from Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc., formerly Hudson Oxygen Therapy Sales Company, and was established in 1986 in honor of the company’s founder, Charles H. Hudson, DDS.

This award consists of a plaque and $500 cash, plus coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration to AARC Congress.

Nomination Procedure
Submit a typed letter of 1,000 words or less that answers each of the following questions as appropriate for the nominee. Nominees may include individuals, groups, or organizations whose primary effort has promoted cardiopulmonary health and wellness.

1. How has the nominee promoted cardiopulmonary health and wellness? Outline and describe major activities, events, research, or public policy the nominee has affected.
2. Describe how public cardiopulmonary health and awareness have been influenced through the efforts of the nominee.
3. Why is the nominee a role model for others in terms of public health?
4. How has the nominee promoted the objectives relative to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “Healthy People 2000,” the federal agenda for a healthier America?
5. Please include any supporting documentation and, in the case of an individual, a curriculum vitae, if available.

Nominations will be accepted at any time; however, the deadline for receiving nominations in the ARCF office is June 1. The award will be presented at the AARC Awards Ceremony.

• 2025—Ann D. Cuccia, MPH, RT, RRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT, AE-C, FAARC, FNAP
• 2024—Jessica Fino, EdD, RRT
• 2023—Gabrielle Davis, MPH, MA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, TTS, CHES, LPC, NCC
• 2022—Sam P. Giordano, MBA, RRT, FAARC
• 2021—J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC, FCCP
• 2020—Anthony S. Fauci, MD
• 2019—Tonya A. Winders, MBA
• 2018—Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT
• 2017—Congressman Gregg  Harper
• 2016—John R. Garrison, MPA
• 2015—William N. Rom, MD, MPH
• 2014—Stanton A. Glantz, PhD
• 2013—COPD Foundation
• 2012—Melaine Giordano, MSc, RN, CPFT
• 2011—Congressman Mike Ross
• 2010—Not awarded
• 2009—John Kattwinkel, MD
• 2008—Ted and Grace Anne Koppel
• 2007—Senator Michael Crapo
• 2006—John W. Walsh
• 2005—Christopher Reeve Foundation
• 2004—Thomas L. Petty, MD, FCCP, FAARC
• 2003—Barbara Rogers
• 2002—National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP)
• 2001—David Satcher, MD, PhD
• 2000—Stephen F. Wehrman, RRT, RPFT
• 1999—Mike Moore, Attorney General, State of Mississippi
• 1998—Jackie Joyner Kersee
• 1997—William W. Burgin, Jr., MD
• 1996—Respiratory Care Department of Toledo Hospital
• 1995—American Lung Association
• 1994—Allergy & Asthma Network – Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc.
• 1993—Lansing Area Respiratory Care Practitioners (LARCP)
• 1992—Debra Koehl, RRT
• 1991—Louise M Nett, RN, RRT
• 1990—Dr. Louis Sullivan
• 1989—Senator Frank Lautenberg
• 1988—Congressman Richard Durbin
• 1987—Terry H. DuPont, CRTT
• 1986—New York Society for Respiratory Care

Send nominations to Crystal Leighton, ARCF Executive Assistant.

This award consists of a plaque and $500 cash, plus coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration to AARC Congress.

Nomination Procedure Submit a one page, typed description of how the nominee embodies excellence in home respiratory care relative to the following criteria:

1. Must currently be working in home respiratory care;
2. Must be a respiratory care practitioner;
3. May not be employed by a manufacturer;
4. May be involved in education, as well as the management and organization of patient care;
5. Should serve as an active patient advocate in home respiratory care with specific achievements that demonstrate leadership;
6. Preference will be given to individuals who have participated in volunteer community efforts related to home respiratory care, in addition to meeting the medical needs of their patients;
7. A curriculum vitae is required and supporting documentation should be included, if available.

Nominations will be accepted at any time; however, the deadline for receiving nominations in the ARCF office is June 1. The award will be presented at the AARC Awards Ceremony.

• 2025—Guadalupe Laura Martinez BSRC, RCP
• 2024—John Tamasitis, RRT, NPS
• 2023—Sherry L. Barnhart, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC
• 2022—Charity Clark MS-OHRD, BS, RRT
• 2021—Zachary S. Gantt, RRT
• 2020—Patrice Johnson, MBA, RRT, RRT-NPS
• 2019—Barry J. Make, MD
• 2018—Brooke Yeager McSwain, MSc, RRT
• 2017—Kimberly S. Wiles, BS, RRT, CPFT
• 2016—Nicholas J. Macmillan, BGS, RRT, FAARC
• 2015—Kent L. Christopher, MD, RRT, FAARC
• 2014—Angela King, RPFT, RRT-NPS
• 2013—Patricia Blakely, RRT, FAARC
• 2012—Linda A. Smith, BS, RRT, FAARC
• 2011—Brian P. Wilson
• 2010—Louise Nett
• 2009—John Loyer, RRT
• 2008—Nancy T. Martin, BS, RRT
• 2007—Claude Dockter, BS, RRT
• 2006—Robert M. McCoy, RRT, FAARC
• 2005—Vernon Pertelle, MBA, RRT
• 2004—Timothy W. Buckley, RRT, FAARC
• 2003—Gene Andrews, BS, RRT, RCP
• 2002—Robert S. Fary, RT
• 2001—Joseph Lewarski, RRT
• 2000—David A. Gourley, BS, RRT
• 1999—Patrick J. Dunne, MEd, RRT, FAARC
• 1998—Regina Marshall, BS, RRT
• 1997—Robert F. Jasensky, BA, RRT
• 1996—Linda Ann Farren, RRT
• 1995—Scott Bartow, MS, RRT
• 1994—Susan Lynn McInturff, RRT
• 1993—Linda Chapman Maxwell, RRT
• 1992—Suzanne Yost, CRTT

Send nominations to Crystal Leighton, ARCF Executive Assistant.

Because of the efforts of Mr. Smith and his colleagues, the respiratory care profession is served by one of today’s most integrated test development and delivery systems in healthcare. Mr. Smith is also the editor of the book Respiratory Care—Evolution of a Profession.

This endowment has been established to recognize innovative educational methods in formal respiratory care education programs, clinical education training programs, and patient education programs that address current challenges in respiratory care education. The innovative educational method will be creative, utilize critical thinking skills, improve student outcomes, and focus on the advancement of the Respiratory Care profession.

The award for the individual awarded includes $2500, a plaque, coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration for AARC Congress.

Nomination procedure

Nominations may be submitted for either an individual or a respiratory therapy program faculty. The nomination package includes:

• Brief nomination letter (Limited to 750 words)
• Curriculum vitae for each nominee
• Essay detailing: (Limited to 5 double-spaced pages with 10–12 point font)
  • Description of the motivator for the educational intervention
  • Description of the intervention
  • Expected and realized outcomes
  • Future goals and directions

Nominations will be accepted at any time; however, the deadline for receiving nominations in the ARCF office is June 1. The award will be presented at the AARC Awards Ceremony.

• 2024—Kristen McHenry, EdD, RRT, RRT-ACCS and Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS
• 2023—Consejo Latinoamericano para la Certificación Profesional en Terapia Respiratoria
• 2022—Not Awarded
• 2021—Not Awarded
• 2020—Not Awarded
• 2019—Not Awarded
• 2018—Samantha Davis, MS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, CHSE
• 2017—Not Awarded
• 2016—Karen S. Schell, DHSc, RRT-NPS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, RPSGT, AE-C, CTTS

Send nominations to Crystal Leighton, ARCF Executive Assistant.

Mike West made it his quest throughout his career to ensure that patients, caregivers, and industry had the highest understanding of respiratory disease and the best solutions for treating these diseases.

An endowment has been established to recognize excellence in patient education by, American Respiratory Care Foundation’s Trustees (ARCF), with a grant from Phillips Healthcare, to recognize a Respiratory Therapist who has had a profound impact on patients as established by measurable outcomes as a result of patient education.

This award consists of a plaque and $1200 cash, plus coach airfare, one night’s lodging, and registration to AARC Congress.

Nomination Procedure
Nominations will be invited from the AARC Board of Medical Advisors, the Board of Directors of the AARC, the Trustees of the ARCF, National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The nominating group is responsible for submitting the following:

1. A complete and current biographical report on their nominee (curriculum vitae). Only one nominee (who is not a past recipient of the award) is allowed from each group.
2. A statement, including data which indicates the basis for the nomination, keeping the principle criterion of “promoting patient education” in mind. They should illustrate the nominee’s impact on patient education through novel training and education programs, adherence programs for patients, and improved outcomes of patients gained through education and feedback.
3.  A brief personal comment on their candidate’s interests and activities outside of medicine (i.e. civic, family, hobby).

All nominations must be received by the ARCF Executive Office no later than June 1, and the award will be presented by the ARCF during the Awards Ceremony at the AARC Congress.

• 2024—Linda Nozart-Frierson, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C
• 2023—Dawn Selhorst, BS, RRT-NPS, RPFT
• 2022—James Garrett, RRT, RCP
• 2021—Mary Kay Hart, MS, RRT, RCP, FAARC, FCCP
• 2020—Donna S. Brown, RRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT, AE-C
• 2019—Joyce Baker, MBA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C
• 2018—DeDe Gardner, DrPh, RRT, FAARC, FCCP
• 2017—David L. Vines, MHS, RRT
• 2016—Krystal Craddock, RRT-NPS, CCM
• 2015—Trina M. Limberg, BS, RRT, FAARC, MAACVPR
• 2014—Timothy Op’t Holt, RRT, AE-C, FAARC
• 2013—Bill F. Galvin, MSEd, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC
• 2012—Mike West, MBA, RRT

Note: This fellowship will not be awarded in 2026 due to the modernization of the ARCF.