Idaho Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) July 2009 Newsletter

Idaho Society for Respiratory Care

Mountain Air

ISRC Logo Designed by Jenny Brockett, RCP

December 2009

2010 ISRC Board of Directors	Delegate Report
AARC International Fellow (Noel Tiburcio)	Photo Gallery
2009 Annual Conference	Annual Business Meeting Minutes
National Ventilator Survey	30+ Years and Counting
Supporting Members	Board of Directors

2010 ISRC Board of Directors

Tom Gable

Congratulations and welcome to our new Officers and Directors. Justin Hansen of Twin Falls is our 2010 President elect and 2011 President. Carrie Massey of Idaho Falls was reelected to a new term as Treasurer. Ramona Sailor of Twin Falls was reelected to another term as Delegate. Tom Foster of Caldwell is our new Director at Large. They join the rest of the 2010 Board to include President Michael Allen (Meridian), Immediate Past President George Pletcher (Meridian), Vice President Mark Wood (Boise), Secretary Mendy Burns (Buhl), Director at Large Michele Andrew (Boise), Delegate Kelly Dwello (Boise), Medical Director Nirmal Charan (Boise) and Student Representative Jeff Johnson (Nampa).

The 2010 Board will be facilitating a change in the Annual Conference. President Allen wants to start having that meeting in the Spring instead of the Fall. This might make it easier for RCPs to fulfill last minute continuing education needs shortly in advance of the re-licensing deadline each June. It would also spread out CE activities since the Boise based John Butler Lung Conference has always been held in the Fall.

AARC International Fellow

Noel Tiburcio

George Pletcher

Noel Tiburcio, RRT-NPS, MBA is an AARC-ARCF International Fellow for 2009. Originally from The Philippines, he has worked in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for the last 15 years. He is the Respiratory Therapy department manager for Al Ain Hospital with 400 + beds. He visited North Carolina the week of Thanksgiving and attended the AARC 2009 Congress. In between, he spent 6 days in Boise.

Mr. Tiburcio is the first Respiratory Therapist to see Boise as part of the International Fellow program. He will soon complete his PhD in public health. He wrote his thesis on Public Health insurance policies. His country is switching from national health care to partially employer paid insurance. I did not mix him up by explaining our country's current health care debate. He enjoyed a drive to Idaho City for a lunch with a Cheeseburger and a bowl of Chili, 2 of his favorite American foods. He got a chance to see and touch real snow for the first time in his life. He was also very happy to see "a real Christmas tree" as there are no pine trees in UAE or the Philippines.

He toured the BSU RT program with Lonny Ashworth and attended a lecture and lab (and was taken to lunch at The Cottonwood Grill). He was given a presentation (and gifts) by Fred Bloomquist and Janat Arrasmith at Stevens-Henager College, and shadowed Gaithri Gopalakrishnan with students from BSU at St. Luke's Meridian. He toured the Veterans Administration with Dwaine, St. Alphonsus ICU/CCU and St. Luke's Medical Centers where he was able to attend grand rounds with the Intensivists, see computer charting, and to compare mechanical ventilators, point of care ABG analyzers and bronchoscopy equipment. He was able to see St. Luke's Boise NICU, pediatrics and PICU.

He has hired new staff to run a PFT Lab and Sleep Disorders Lab in Al Ain. He was given a tour of the PFT lab and exercise testing equipment at the VA by Margo Riggs, and at St. Luke's met Stuart Stephen and Kathy Corbin. He would have toured St. Al's PFT Lab but we were too late getting there. His daughter turned 16 years old on 12/2/09 so he needed to call her on 12/1/09 before 13:00 due to the time zone difference. Fred Grimsley gave a tour of St. Al's Sleep Center (he needed to go to the dentist but stayed long enough for the tour). Andria Thomson gave a tour of St. Luke's (and kindly filled in at the last moment).

He was given a great demonstration of Cardio - Pulmonary Rehabilitation by Carmen Totorica-Griggs and staff at St. Alphonsus (thank goodness they didn't have his guide George get on the treadmill). They were so kind to let him tour as the RN who had arranged for the date/time of his visit had quit and didn't tell anyone there of his appointment. Randall Evaro gave him a guided tour of the Complex Care Hospital of Idaho. And he received contact information for Norco Medical. Lonny Ashworth and Norco took Noel to an Idaho Steelheads hockey game on his last night here. I had already taught him how to smoke and drink like an American, so they were able to teach him how to gamble on sports, cuss and fight like an American.

I would like to thank all of you who participated in this wonderful program. Noel told me that he was honored to be here, everyone shared information, and that it was the highlight of his RT career that started as an on the job trainee in 1983. You were all so helpful, hospitable and considerate. I am proud to work in an area with such great RTs!!! I want to personally thank Andria, Carmen and Fred for going above and beyond the call of duty. And thanks to Nola at the VA for vouching for me to the Police so I didn't have to drive all the way home to get my wallet and ID.

2009 Annual Conference

Tom Gable

Our Annual Conference this year was in Twin Falls on September 3-4. President Pletcher and his Program Committee did an admirable job in facilitating the planning and execution of the event. There were 94 members and others in attendance. A wide array of speakers and topics enabled participants to earn 13 CEUs. In addition, the equipment and services exhibition had 14 vendors with the latest great stuff. Hopefully, the program included a little something for everyone. I attended part of the meeting and particularly liked hearing Senator Crapo discussing the controversies around healthcare reform legislation and other topics of interest to RCPs.

President Pletcher and the Program Committee came up with a novel inclusion for this year's meeting. They solicited brief biographies from all the respiratory therapists in the state who had practiced for 30 or more years and recognized them at the meeting. Although not all of us old-timers responded, a lot did and their remembrances are included with this newsletter as an addendum. They were also printed in the Conference program.

ISRC Web Site
www.idasrc.org

Education - Resources - Employment - Meetings/Events - Scholarships

National Ventilator Survey

George Pletcher

The US Department of Health and Human Services asked that the AARC conduct a National Ventilator Survey in 2009 to assist with planning a response to mass casualty scenarios such as a H1N1 pandemic or earthquake. The results will provide a baseline for all future surveys and studies. There were more than 5,500 hospitals nationwide in the survey.

Idaho had 44 Hospitals, Surgery and or Medical Centers listed initially, and St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center was added to the list. All Respiratory Therapy department managers were contacted by the AARC and were given instructions on how to complete the survey on-line. The ventilators were broken down into different categories. Thanks to the efforts of all the RT Departments, Idaho was able to provide data for 100% of our list. Only Vermont, with 15 Hospitals/Centers, was able to match this achievement. More than 20 states obtained results for greater than 90%.

The initial goal set by the AARC was a 75% response rate and it was met nationwide. Thank you to all of the R.T. managers who took the time to complete the survey!!

Supporting Members

Tom Gable

In the spirit of President Pletcher's commendation of Idaho RCPs who have practiced 30 or more years, I searched the ISRC membership list for those who have been members continuously for 30 years or more. Here are the results.

Member	Location	Since
Forrest Bird	Sandpoint	1956
Richard “Bernard” Boler	Pocatello	1970
Connie Leavitt	Boise	1970
Mel Borchman	Eagle	1971
Tom Gable	Boise	1972
Terrell Hale	Idaho Falls	1972
Paul Smith	Idaho Falls	1972
Rhonda Covelli	Post Falls	1973
John Serpa	Pocatello	1973
Conrad Colby	Boise	1975
Eve Wilson	Idaho Falls	1975
Lonny Ashworth	Boise	1976
Gary Aiman	Rexburg	1977
Bruce Hayton	Hauser	1977
Jeanne O'Hara	Payette	1978
Mike Ford	Idaho Falls	1979
Gordon Roberts	Boise	1979

Note: The AARC indicated in a recent publication that Dr. Bird is the longest tenured of all AARC members.

Need Respiratory Care Professionals?

Place an Employment Ad
on the ISRC Employment Page
http://www.idasrc.org/employment_opportunities.htm

Contact: ISRC President Michael Allen
allenm@slrmc.org

Delegate Report

Kelly Dwello

The 2009 Summer HOD meeting was held July 20-21 in Marco Island FL. The following is a summation of the discussions during that meeting which was of interest to this delegate and the Idaho Affiliate.

CoArc has separated from CAHEP and is preparing to be an independent accrediting body for Respiratory Care/Therapy Programs this fall.

Affiliate Presidents are encouraged to contact their state regulating boards and ask/receive answers to the three polysomography questions that were sent to them earlier in the year. It is important to know where your state regulatory boards stand with respect to credentialed respiratory therapists needing additional credentials to practice sleep medicine. It is the AARC position that additional credentials by a separate body (AASM) is not necessary and is in opposition to any legislation that supports or requires same.

Reminder that World COPD Day is Nov. 18 and AARC has PR kits to assist in communication to public.

Affiliates encouraged to get their constituents and patient customers to write congress in support of HR 3220, HR 1077 and S343.

AARC has been commissioned by the federal government to provide a ventilator inventory survey. The AARC is shooting for a 90% response rate. Good Luck!

Vision 2015 Progress: manuscript coming out in October 2009, with the 3rd meeting next spring to address educational needs for the profession.

Asthma Educators Certification Prep Course is now online. If Idaho has signed the revenue sharing agreement then 10% of the revenue for therapists registered from this state taking the course will be given to the state affiliate as part of the revenue sharing plan.

A new COPD Educator Prep Course will be made available on-line later this year.

HOD asked the state affiliates to consider providing in their budgets donations for AARC Disaster Relief, International Fellowship Scholarships (ARCF) and Bill Bitzel Memorial Scholarship (ARCF) (once this scholarship is endowed affiliates may apply to get funds to begin a student meeting)

Received presentations on affiliate best practices which included: on-line elections, annual strategic planning retreats, joint state educational conferences, engaging high school counselors, and student poster presentations at state meetings.

And of course, the ever present challenge to increase your affiliate membership.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your senior delegate.

Photo Gallery

Photos by Mendy Burns (first 10) and Brandi Johnson (last 4)


ISRC President George Pletcher, RRT, RPFT	AARC Neonatal-Pediatric Section Chair Brian Walsh, RRT-NPS	BSU Professor Emeritus Conrad Colby and ISRC Past President Brandi Johnson, RRT

Respironics Chief Medical Officer Adam Seiver, MD	Phoenix Transplant Surgeon Rajat Walia, MD	ISRC Medical Director Nirmal Charan, MD

Twin Falls Allergist Gary Wickern, MD	Pulmonary Technologist and “Disaster Guy” Lande Lambert, RT	ISRC Board Member Michele Andrew, MHS

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo	What is that Carrie – a rolling paper?	Past President Brandi Johnson makes Brian Walsh feel “right at home”

BSU Student Jimmy Matsuura and Professor TJ Wing are really happy about something		BSU Junior RT Students: Dawn Alverson, Andrea Young, Candice McClain, Barbara Coleman, Kady May, Elsbeth Warren, Grant Drake, Ryan Wells, Ben Memmott, Professor TJ Wing

Board Meeting Minutes

September 3, 2009
Twin Falls

Members Present: Kelly Dwello, George Pletcher, Ramona Sailor, Brandi Johnson, Michelle Andrew, Carrie Massey, Mark Wood, Rob Delmayre, John Morgan, Nirmal Charan, David Blakeman, Jeff Johnson.

Meeting minutes from 05/08/09 were approved.

Treasurer's Report: Carrie gave the Second Quarter Report, Annual Expense Report, and 2010 Budget Report (see attachment). A recommendation was made to e-mail AARC members the election announcement with an attached ballot to mail in.

Committee Reports:

House of Delegates: July HOD meeting high points were given by Kelly (see below). Ramona reported on PACT relief from the HOD meeting. Ramona also reported that Boise is to have an international fellow in the area.
Elections: motion was made to use e-mail system for ballot delivery. This would save money and still be efficient. This system would require members to return their ballots by mail in a single sealed envelope with the AARC number and member name on the ballot. Motion passed. Bylaws were reviewed to ensure that this was permissible. There was no conflicting information in the bylaws. Ballots will be going out late this year.
Misc: Discussion was held on new ways to enhance meeting attendance, such as having an online meeting available to those outside of Boise. There is an online meeting program called Skype we may be able to use.

Old Business:

International Fellow--we are prepared to host the international fellow.
Grievance Procedure--a couple changes were made to grievance policy.
Policy & Procedures for ISRC--currently looking for a policy and procedure committee.

New Business:

Jeff gave a proposal for ISRC to fund the cost associated with six students attending the 55th Annual International Congress in San Antonio. These six students were directly involved with three original student led research projects. The ISRC board members motioned to contribute five hundred dollars to this fund, motion passed.
National Ventilator Survey – Carrie and George are going to contact the various hospitals that haven't yet participated in the ventilator survey to remind them to participate.
World COPD Day – The AARC would like a COPD information display and screening PFTs done at all of the state capitol to raise awareness. Since the Idaho Capitol building is under repairs and the legislators are out of session screening PFTs may be done in St. Luke's Meridian, NORCO will donate filters.
ISBOM Temporary license for traveling RTs – Temporary licenses for traveling RTs are needed. There is also a period of time between the time when the student exemption is no longer valid and the BOM issues an Idaho license for which we need a temporary license. Carrie is following up for these issues with ISBOM.

Open for Discussion:

Conrad Colby is now on the BOD for the Idaho Lung Association as reported in the AARC Times. Congratulations!
Suggestions have been made to have ISRC conference earlier in the year, closer to April or May.
Congratulations to George Pletcher for heading up the conference, which was a great success. Thank you for all of his hard work.
Motion passed to put conference proceeds in an annual CD in order to earn higher interest.

Respectfully Submitted, Mendy Burns, RRT, ISRC Secretary

30+ Years and Counting

Jeff Anderson - Boise State University, Boise	Marilyn Miller - Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
Michele Andrew - 'Retired' - Boise State University	John Morgan - McCall Memorial & SW Idaho Advance Care Hospitals
Lonny Ashworth - Boise State University	Leonard Nolt - VA Medical Center, Boise
Michelle Butler - McCall Memorial Hospital	Ramona Sailor - St. Luke's Magic Valley, Twin Falls
Dan Fonnesbeck - St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Boise	Steven Schaal - Minidoka Memorial Hospital, Rupert
Tom Gable - St. Luke's, Boise	John Serpa - St. Anthony Community Hospital, Pocatello
Cathy Henderson - St. Luke's, Boise	Carmen Totorica-Griggs - St Alphonsus RMC, Boise
Robert D. Hiatt - EIRMC, Pulmonary Function Lab, Idaho Falls	Ann Van Egmond - Mercy Medical Center, Nampa
Mary M. Hurlburt - Mercy Medical Center, Nampa	Rodney A. Weir - St. Luke's Magic Valley, Twin Falls
Scott T. Lewis - St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise	Nancy Whitewater - Mercy Medical Center, Nampa
Bonnie Martin - Benewah Community Hospital, St. Maries	Thank you all for sharing your lives and experiences with us.

The above members have been in the respiratory field for 30 years or more. Click on their name for their bios. If you have a hard copy of the newsletter, go to http://www.idasrc.org/December_2009_newsletter.html#30_Years_Bios.

2009 ISRC Board of Directors
Contact Us!

George Pletcher (Meridian), President
Michael Allen (Meridian), President elect
Brandi Johnson (Boise), Past President
Mark Wood (Boise), Vice President
Mendy Burns (Buhl), Secretary
Carrie Massey (Idaho Falls), Treasurer

Ramona Sailor (Twin Falls), Delegate
Kelly Dwello (Boise), Delegate
Michele Andrew (Boise), Director at Large
Dr. Nirmal Charan (Boise), Medical Director
Jeff Johnson (Nampa), Student Representative

Visit http://www.idasrc.org/contact_us.htm to contact a Board Member.

The Mountain Air newsletter editor is Tom Gable. If you would like to contribute information/articles,
please contact Tom by e-mail:gablet@slrmc.org, or fax (208) 381-3498.

30+ Years

Jeff Anderson - Boise State University, Boise

Jeff Anderson is a 1974 graduate of Madison Area Technical College Respiratory Therapy program. After graduation he worked at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics for 6 years, in the Trauma and Life Support Center (TLC), burn unit, cardiac surgery and medicine ICU, peds ICU, and pulmonary, hematology, pediatrics, and oncology wards. He also briefly was the clinical director for the department, before transferring to the pulmonary function lab. In that role he developed the pulmonary exercise testing lab, and initiated a sleep lab (performing the first sleep study in the State of Wisconsin in 1978). He enjoyed working with students from the technical college, and with the support of his wife Jill, attended the University of Wisconsin to complete a baccalaureate degree in exercise physiology. After graduation he and his family moved to Panama City Florida where he taught Respiratory care at Gulf Coast Community College for 3 years, before moving to Idaho to join the Boise State University faculty. Jeff is beginning his 23rd year on the faculty and works with the best colleagues there are.

Jeff has received two awards in the College of Health Sciences, one for clinical teaching, and one for service. Jeff's wife Jill is an advance practice RN who specializes in congestive heart failure management, and their daughters Sara and Trisha have both completed masters degrees in accounting and speech language pathology respectively. Jeff and Jill have two granddaughters (Stella, a Brittany, and Bella, a Chihuahua). In his spare time Jeff enjoys fly tying and fishing in the beauty of Idaho.

Michele Andrew ‘Retired' - Boise State University

Michele started in respiratory care in 1971 at the Boise VA. At that time there was no respiratory care (inhalation therapy) department there. Michele did PFTs, EKGs and assorted lab work. In about 1972, Larry Mitchell, Ruby O'Keeffe and Cris Ruffing fled St. Alphonsus to start the inhalation therapy service at the VA. Michele was transferred from the lab to the new department.

Michele's initial training was on-the-job and individual tutelage by Larry Mitchell. She achieved the RPFT credential in 1981. Michele went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Idaho State University in Corporate Training. That track gave significant credit for experiential development that Michele gained from years of PF testing and respiratory care. In 1995, Michele added a master's degree in exercise physiology from Boise State University.

Michele has practiced respiratory care and pulmonary technology in Boise, Idaho Falls and Fort Collins, Colorado. Her crowning achievement in the field, however, is in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. In 1990 she established a pulmonary rehab program at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. She added cardiac rehab to the program a short time later. We all know how useful and important those programs are. Because of pioneering work in that arena by Michele and the late Shirley Gossi Thimsen (at Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital) in our state, and many others nationally, government recognition of the important modality is on the brink of acceptance.

Michele has held most ISRC offices and committee posts over the years. Most recently she was our 2007 President.

Michele is not completely retired. She has accepted a position at Boise State University Respiratory Care Program. There she will teach an on-line class for the bachelor's degree program. Her portion of RC Theory 5 will delineate pulmonary rehabilitation.

Michele has other interests of course. Now with her expanded leisure time she can have a little fun. She greatly enjoys motorcycle touring with husband Ron and plans on taking the Harley to Sturgis later this summer. She also enjoys fishing and playing with my younger granddaughters who are 2 and 6.

Lonny Ashworth - Boise State University

He began his career in Respiratory Care in 1973 as an on-the-job-trained technician (OJT) in Inhalation Therapy at Bannock Memorial Hospital, in Pocatello, Idaho. In 1974, he moved to Boise, and began working at Saint Alphonsus Hospital as a Respiratory Therapy Technician while enrolled in Respiratory Therapy at Boise State University. In 1975, he started working at St. Luke's Hospital as a Respiratory Therapy Technician and later that year graduated from Boise State University with an Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy and continued working at St. Luke's Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist.

In 1977, he graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor in Psychology. In 1980, he graduated from College of Idaho with a Master's of Education. In 1977, he was hired as an Instructor in Respiratory Therapy at Boise State University. He has remained at Boise State University as an Instructor, Assistant Professor, associate Professor and now Professor of Respiratory Care for 32 years. He continues to love his job even more now than the day he started. His favorite part of the job is working with students.

He has been very fortunate to work with amazing students, faculty and staff. He says he has the best job in the world because of the students and fellow employees with whom he is fortunate to work. His love for teaching students, when combined with his passion for research and international teaching in Japan has made his career more than he ever could of imagined. He said, “Thank you to all the students who have made this a wonderful career and I hope to continue for another 10 years.”

Michelle Butler - McCall Memorial Hospital

I graduated with honors from Corbett High School in Corbett, Oregon 1977. Went to Portland Paramedical School directly out of high school and became a Medical Assistant. Worked as a Medical Assistant in Portland for a short time. Spent a summer driving wheat truck in Grass Valley, Oregon. Moved to Washington in 1978 where I started working three jobs; Unit Coordinator at Skyline Hospital, Medical Assistant at Mid-Columbia Family Health Clinic (both in White Salmon, Washington), and Medical Assistant in Hood River, Oregon. Did OJT in Respiratory Care at Skyline Hospital and graduated from California Collage of Respiratory Therapy in 1983. Also became certified as an EMT, IV, and Airway technician at that time and worked on the ambulance.

I was accepted to cardiopulmonary Director position at Skyline Hospital in 1981 while I was still finishing my training. Passed the NBRC exam in 1984. During my almost 20 years working in this capacity I was able to develop and implement several programs such as; Pulmonary rehab (Phase I, II, and III), Cardiac Rehab (Phase I), Better Breathers, & Smoking Cessation. Before leaving White Salmon I was spending most of my time in administration as Skyline Hospital representative on the Columbia Gorge Network's Community Council (this was a joint effort of all 4 Gorge hospitals).

I moved to McCall in August 2000 with my 3 children and took a position that was flex in Cardiopulmonary and mostly Community Services teaching; CPR & First Aid (Community and Schools), Babysitter clinics, & Disaster Blasters. Soon started Better Breathers and Freedom from Smoking classes also. In October 2004 became AE-C and, with the help of CDHD received a grant for MMH that allowed us to provide an amazing amount of Asthma education for our hospital district in 2005. (All the schools and medical facilities, as well as most daycares, many businesses, and community classes in each town).

Three years ago I accepted the Cardiopulmonary Director position at MMH. I still facilitate Better Breathers and Freedom from Smoking classes for our community and do spirometry and other education at local fairs. I have been ACLS, PALS, NALS certified since the beginning of time – it feels like.

Personal data: My husband and I have 5 children between us; 1 – Airforce pilot, 1 – Teacher, 2 – in College, 1 – in High School. I enjoy all outdoor activities and all seasons.

Dan Fonnesbeck - St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Boise

I grew up on a small farm near American Falls, Idaho, and graduated from AFHS in 1971. I graduated from ISU in 1976 with BS in Zoology. Married in 1977 to Janet Warren who had just received BS in Nursing at ISU. I then graduated from BSU in 1978 with an AS in Respiratory Therapy and began work as RT at St. Luke's RMC in 1978 starting on Adult Med. Surg. Floors. I then became RT Night Supervisor at the end of 1978, working Adult ICU, Peds, and ER. I transferred to NICU at the end of 1979 training as staff and transport RT. I became a parent with Janet of two children: Joel in 1980, and Sarah in 1982.

I was promoted to RT/NICU Supervisor in 1982. Transitioned back to staff and transport RT after reorganization of RT Dept. in 1991. I received recognition as St. Luke's RT of the year in 2003.

I received my MS in Adult Organizational Learning from U. of I in 2005. My wifeand I went with a small church group on two-week medical mission to West Africa in 2007. Janet and I plan to go back with a similar group in 2010.

I remain challenged splitting my time between NICU and Air St. Luke's Maternal/Baby Transport Team as we continue improving care for our patients. Received recognition as BSU RT Alumni of the Year, and SLRMC President's Award Recipient in 2008.

Janet has worked for 27 years as office RN with Ada Pediatrics. In our spare time, we share interests that include reading, music, camping, and traveling (mostly to see our kids). Joel and his wife, Adriel are working as missionaries in England. They had a baby girl in December 2008 (our first grandchild). Sarah is going to college and also works as a Child Care Provider in Seattle. I am considering some sort of medical missionary work after retirement and have been taking some correspondence nursing courses in preparation.

Tom Gable - St. Luke's, Boise

My formal education consists of a Bachelor's of Arts degree in zoology from UCLA in 1970.

I started in pulmonary diagnostics at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan in Los Angeles in 1970. I subsequently did pulmonary diagnostics at Caldwell in 1971-1973, then moved to St. Luke's Boise from 1973 to present. In 1984, St. Luke's pulmonary lab started doing sleep diagnostics in a joint effort with the neurodiagnostics (EEG) department. After several years the sleep lab became a separate department, however I continue to be involved in sleep diagnostics in a consultative capacity. The pulmonary lab also branched out into gastrointestinal diagnostics in 1975. Specifically, a service was developed to perform GI motility tests as well as ambulatory pH monitoring for the diagnosis of GERD, which I currently head.

In 1971, the RC educational program that presently is at Boise State University, was started in Caldwell by David Neuerenberg, RRT. I was asked to teach a course on pulmonary pathophysiology that year. Subsequently, a lecture and laboratory course was developed in pulmonary diagnostics. I have taught that class yearly since 1972.

My other notable achievement in respiratory care was as a member of the ISRC Sputum Bowl team. Teri Norell, Keith Hopper and myself won the first national Sputum Bowl championship in Las Vegas in 1978. We also won in 1979 and 1980 before retiring and becoming part of the Bowl management for several years.

Cathy Henderson - St. Luke's, Boise

I received my education at BSU, started working for St. Luke's after my first year of training, June 1974, and stayed, now at 35 years. We joke that I was born at St. Luke's,, worked here all my life and will most likely die at St. Luke's.

Respiratory Care has been such a great career and St. Luke's a wonderful place to work. I have worked with so many fabulous people. I started out as the only RT on nights and moved up through the ranks. I have been in RT management the last 31 years. I recently calculated that I have prepared over 325 staffing schedules. I served as secretary for the ISRC many, many years ago. I had an article that I co-authored with Dr. Kenneth Torrington published in the Respiratory Care Journal in about 1985. It was on Peri-Operative Respiratory Therapy, one of the first therapist driven protocols ion the country.

I credit my longevity to great mentoring by George Burger and superb colleagues throughout the years. I hope that I have helped to facilitate other great RT careers and as a result improved the lives of our respiratory patients! Thank you for asking.

Robert D. Hiatt - Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Pulmonary Function Lab, Idaho Falls

In the beginning…

I started my RT career in 1976 (on the job) at Idaho Falls Hospital. Since then it changed to the Idaho Falls Consolidated Hospitals with 2 facilities: Riverview and Parkview Hospitals. In 1985 EIRMC was built and is now a major trauma center. In those days we did IPPB treatments, cool croup tents, adult oxygen tents and carbogen treatments. We even did IPPB txs on babies with croup. The night shift was in charge of cleaning the ventilator and IPPB circuits. I remember pulling the long tubes out of the Pasturematic and flinging the water out. The ceiling tiles were always water streaked from flinging the water around. We had MA1s with the external PEEP valves and Baby Birds for the babies. I'm glad things have changed.

In the fall of ’77 I went to Boise State and worked at both St. Luke's and St. A's while attending R.T. school. I was surprised to see Lonnie Ashworth; we played trumpets together at I.F. High School. I enjoyed school till I ran out of money and finished through CCRT in 1981. I worked in both the Cardiac ICU and NICU at St. Luke's. We had to change the vent tubing every day in NICU; you got good at swapping those thousands of different color/size tubes on the Baby Bird. I still haven fond memories of my friends in Boise.

Afterward…

Back in I.F. I became the 3-11 supervisor for about 4 years. After getting my feet wet in PFT, I moved to the Snake River Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Lab in 1985. Still working at then hospital on weekends. I worked at the C.P. lab for 16 years doing PFT, ABG's, treadmills, Echo and heart monitors. It was great experience.

Almost famous…

1995 brought the TV show Emergency 911 narrated by William Shatner to EIRMC. It happened to be my weekend…so…the cameras were everywhere; every physician had a new hair cut and tie, and my close-up. An unfortunate bicycle/car accident brought a young girl to the ER. I showed the world how to resuscitate correctly, not how they do it in Hollywood.

Enduring to the end…

In 2001 I came back to the hospital doing “floor” work for a couple of years until the PFT lab opened up. I'll be here until I die (probably). I have done 5 research studies for Eli Lilley and Pfizer and have become friends with Drs. Jensen and Crapo from SLC. It looks like we will be starting up another research study soon, this time with metabolic studies. I have also been hooking people up for sleep studies at a private sleep lab for 12+ years in my spare time.

About me…

I have been married to Michele for 31 years. I have two daughters. Heather lives in Shelley, ID and has 3 girls and 1 boy. Becky lives in southwest Missouri and has 2 girls and 1 boy. I enjoy 4 wheeling, kayaking, camping and riding my motorcycle wherever and whenever I can. And I am still short and bald.

Mary M. Hurlburt - Mercy Medical Center, Nampa

It is almost embarrassing how long I have been in Respiratory Care. I was of course very young when I entered Respiratory Care. It was in Antigo, Wisconsin, just dropped out of college. I was looking for work. My mother was working at the local hospital. She told me to come talk to this guy who was in charge of Inhalation Therapy. I said to my Mom, “I won't have to deal with blood and death, will I?” She said no. The Inhalation Therapy Department was run by an Oxygen Service, a contract service. They hired me immediately. Boy was my Mom wrong.

I worked there for six months, this was in 1969. I traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota. I got a job at Abbot Northwestern hospital. This was a teaching and for profit hospital. They sent me to three month school taught by Dave Neuerenberg. I worked there a year. I was registry eligible at that time, but you had to do the oral exam, and I wasn't up to that.

In 1972, I moved to Wausau, Wisconsin as assistance department head. It was and still is a big open heart center. We used the old Draegers with the horrible black tubing, they were old and ugly. We finally got an MA-1. No one there had ever seen it, but I had used them at Abbot Northwestern. I had to teach them including my department head, who was registered at the time. Next on tour of hospitals was a44 bed hospital in New London, Wisconsin. I took and passed my Certification exam. Back then you had to work a year, before you could take it.

Off to California to work at a VA hospital. That was not a fun time. I came back to Wisconsin to my roots. I worked at Antigo again for the same company as before. I got married somewhere in between all these travels. Then, Idaho came up, this was in 1973, Mercy medical center. I took some time off between 1976-1982. My husband was ill, also I had a child in 76, and he was ill also. Hospitals frowned on taking time off for family, so I had to quit. I sold real estate for 5 years. Holy Rosary had a job opening and I wanted back into RT. I worked there for about 6 months, when Dr, McCabe told me about an opening at Mercy. Since I lived in Nampa and with his help, Mercy hired me again. I have very deep roots here. During my stint here at Mercy I went back to school and acquired by RRT. I have taught clinical for the old Kaley and BSU, was published sometime in 1972. I can't even remember what I wrote about. It was in the Respiratory Care Magazine.

I have always loved working in Respiratory Care, it is a different life style. I have seen a great deal of changes in Respiratory Care, some good some bad. I wouldn't change anything for the world. It is a very noble profession. My husband passed on, my two boys are grown. I spend my days at Mercy or walking the green belt with my dog. Oh, yes and I remember the coughalator.

Scott T. Lewis - St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise

I started my Respiratory Therapy career in August of 1979 after attending Butte Junior College in Oroville CA from 1977-1979. I attended California State University, Chico, receiving my Bachelors degree in Business Management, but always wanted to go into a medical career.

I was planning on becoming an R.N. and then I heard of Respiratory Therapy from a friend and it sounded interesting. And 30 years later here I am an R.R.T. since 1982. I worked at Chico Community Hospital/Enloe Hospital for 24 years. Before moving to Boise in October, 2003. I started working at St. Al's in December, 2003.

I live alone in Boise with my Minature Long-haired Doxie (Reba). I like to bike ride the Greenbelt, go dancing, go to movies and have fun with friends. I do volunteer work with the I.S.G.C.B.I. by doing Fundraisers for organizations including Mountain States Tumor Institute, Women's and Children's Alliance, Boise Rescue Mission, Idaho Food Bank, and the Jerry Swett & Jimmy Moore Funds through the HIV Services Clinic.

I have enjoyed being an RRT for the last 30 years. It has not seemed that long and when I look back it amazes me at how the field has changed and is constantly changing. I appreciate especially being able to ease all those patient's breathing problems over the last 30 years.

I also congratulate all those other Respiratory Therapists for your long careers.

Bonnie Martin - Benewah Community Hospital, St. Maries

I have been a Respiratory Therapist for 31 years. I started as an On the Job Trainee for Inhalation Therapy Services at Benewah Community Hospital in 1978. I got my C.R.T. through correspondence in 1983. I have always worked at B.C.H.

I enjoy riding our Harley, Quilting and spending time with my kids and grandkids.

Marilyn Miller - Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center

My career in Respiratory Therapy began in 1969 in a small little German town in Missouri. Since we didn't have certification then I was trained on the job. IPPB treatments with Mucomyst and Alevaire were the big thing. We didn't have piped in oxygen so we pushed an IPPB machine with an H tank to each patients room. We used nasal catheters taped on the face for stability taking them out every other day to wash them & switch nostrils. Glad those days are gone. If patients were incoherent we strapped on a mask for treatments while going to the next room for another patient. Think about that in today's world. We have come along way Baby! I was also cross trained in Cardiology & was able to get my registry.

In 1977 my husband & family moved to Blackfoot, Id. I was fortunate to get a job at Riverview Hospital in Idaho Falls as the Coordinator of the EKG department. In 1983 there was an opening in the Pulmonary Rehab Department & I applied. Pulmonary Rehab was a new field & I was excited for the opportunity. Well I am now in my 33rd year here at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center & still wake up every morning anxious to go to work. I have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. I love to travel especially enjoyed a trip to Israel & a trip to Germany to visit my granddaughter.

John Morgan - McCall Memorial & Southwest Idaho Advance Care Hospitals

I first began my career in Respiratory Care on June 22, 1976 in South Carolina. After graduating from Erskine College with a B.S. in Physical Education, I was hired to work as an on the job trainee at Self Memorial Hospital in Greenwood. Not having any prior experience in Respiratory Therapy, I was trained several days a week for a month at the hospital. After training I was sent out on the hospital floors to do: mostly ten minute IPPB treatments with NS, sometimes with Bronkosol or Isuprel, O2 rounds, and occasionally draw an ABG in a heparin glass syringe.

In February 1978, after sending out handwritten resumes to several hospitals in Boise, I moved to Idaho and worked for Boise Anesthesia who operated the Saint Alphonsus Respiratory Therapy Department. I worked there part time as an OJT and also enrolled in the Boise State's Respiratory Therapy Program. In 1981 I graduated from BSU with an A.S. in Respiratory Therapy.

Shortly after graduation from BSU, I took the position of Clinical Coordinator Respiratory Therapy at VAMC in Boise. One of my favorite roles at the VA was to serve as clinical instructor to BSU Respiratory students and Career Educational students. I continued there for almost three years. In January of 1983 I returned to work at Saint Al's RT department part time while still employed at the VA. Later that same year I resigned my position at the VA.

From January 1983 until August 2008, I worked at Saint Al's Regional Medical Center in Respiratory Care. I held many positions during my tenure there: Shift supervisor, ICU supervisor, BSU clinical instructor, ER therapist, and floor therapist. After twenty five years of service I retired from Saint Al's, and took an extended vacation.

In January of this year, I accepted a position at Southwest Idaho Advance Care Hospital in Boise. In March, I accepted a position at McCall Memorial Hospital working in the Cardiopulmonary Department. Both jobs are part time, I try to remind myself I'm retired, so I can take time off to enjoy life. I still love to work in Respiratory Care and plan to continue to work, maybe another thirty years with supplemental O2 and wheelchair.

Currently you can find me in McCall the majority of the time, where my wife (Karol) and I own a home. Karol is also a nurse at the McCall hospital. I still go down to Boise a few days a month to work at Southwest Idaho Hospital. We love living in McCall and all the outdoor experiences it has to offer. We have a new addition to our family, a rescued golden Labrador retriever from McPaws, and life is good.

Leonard Nolt - VA Medical Center, Boise

I started working in Respiratory Therapy in January of 1971 at Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, Texas. After two weeks of on-the-job training with another therapist I was considered “qualified” to be on my own working nights, the only therapist in 350 bed full service general hospital. I also doubled as the orderly setting up traction, doing all the male catheterizations, and helping with moving and lifting patients. I worked there for three years.

Karen and I got married in 1973 and moved to Pennsylvania in 1974. There I worked for nearly two years at Ephrata Community Hospital as an employee of Inhalation Therapy Services. I also worked for nearly a year at a printing press operating a copying camera.

In 1976 Karen and I and our new three-month-old daughter moved to Boise and I started taking classes at Boise State University studying to complete the Respiratory Therapy program. I also started working at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. I completed the program at BSU and got registered. I worked at St. Alphonsus for 30 years before leaving in 2006 as a result of an on-the-job injury. I'm now working at the VA medical Center. I've worked a total of 38 years in respiratory care and I've worked the night shift for all but one or two of those years.

Karen and I have four adult daughters and two grandchildren. Our six-year-old grandson lives with us. I've been active in other areas of interest including church, photography, and writing. I'm a charter member of the Snake River Alliance, The Log Cabin Literary Center, and Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship. I'm currently a member of the leadership team at our church. I served for eight years as the chairperson of a committee for the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference, and have also served on worship, peace and justice, and other committees for church organizations. A few years ago I was a part of a Christian Peacemaker Team delegation to Chiapas, Mexico. I also do some photography and have had photographs published in several publications.

I recently spent a year writing film reviews for the Boise Weekly. I've also written numerous book reviews and currently write an occasional film review for Third way Media. I've also had poetry and magazine articles published. Some of my writings and photography can be found on my blog "The Cambium Level" at www.leonardnolt.blogspot.com. In addition to health care, writing, movies, and photography, my interests include travel, reading, political issues, peacemaking, the environment, spending time with family, and safety issues in the workplace.

Ramona Sailor - St. Luke's Magic Valley, Twin Falls

I was born and raised in the Magic Valley. I graduated from Valley High School in 1974. I graduated from the College of Southern Idaho in 1976 with an Associates degree. I graduated from Boise State University in 1978 with an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy. I married my husband Melvin that June. After several moves to find a good location to live and a job, I began working at the then Twin Falls Memorial Hospital in May of 1979. I had my oldest daughter in 1981 and took a year off to be a mom.

I returned to work at the then Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. I had my youngest daughter in 1986 and was out of the acute care setting for 5 years. During that time I worked for Idaho Home Health and Hospice for 4 years. I enjoyed the home care setting but returned to my first love, acute care in 1991 at the same hospital. I am currently a day shift charge therapist. We are now known as St. Luke's Magic Valley. Our new hospital will be finished in 2011.

I am looking forward to being in the profession for many more years. I learn something new every day. I have been active in the ISRC for many years. I have been vice president, secretary and currently delegate. In my “spare” time, I stay busy with church, family, yard and garden in the summer, swing and crocheting in the winter.

Steven Schaal - Minidoka Memorial Hospital, Rupert

I began a respiratory career at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, ID March of 1976 training on the job as a Respiratory assistant. I took my Respiratory credentials education at Bio-Systems Institute in Tempe, AZ. Graduated with honors in 1981.

I worked at EIRMC for 20 years as a staff therapist, shift supervisor and assistant director of Respiratory Services. In 1996 I moved to Gooding, ID and worked at Gooding County Memorial Hospital as the Director of Respiratory Services and in due course Directory of Ancillary Services to include leadership and direction for Lab, Physical Therapy, Medical Imaging, Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy, Performance Improvement, Risk Management and Policy/Forms committee.

In March of 2007 I moved to Rupert to assume the position of Directory of Respiratory Services at Minidoka Memorial Hospital. I have served as Director at Large and Delegate to the ISRC BOD as well as Director on the Idaho State Respiratory Licensure Board. I enjoy the outdoors, fishing, boating woodworking, singing and guitar.

John Serpa - St. Anthony Community Hospital, Pocatello

I graduated from Lane Community College in 1974. I was hired by Bernard Boler to be a staff therapist June 10, 1974 at St. Anthony Community Hospital. I have worked my entire career for Bernard, completing 35 years of continuous employment under his direction. I am both certified and registered with a Registry number of #3706 for those of you who need details.

I have been involved in almost all types of respiratory therapy other than infant and newborn care. The past few years I have tried to move more towards the diagnostic end of respiratory therapy where I have been involved with cardiac stress testing, tilt table testing and Pulmonary Function testing. I enjoy this aspect of clinical practice as opposed to floor and critical care work. The energy level needed to excel in those areas just isn't there anymore. I have enjoyed the past 35 years without a doubt, I am also looking forward to retirement.

I am married with four grown children. I enjoy spending as much time on the golf course as I can and look forward to spending even more in the near future.

Carmen Totorica - Griggs St. Alphonsus RMC, Boise

Since I am such an exciting person, my bio-sketch should be quite short!! I have decided I am not your average person as far as work and home goes.

I started my education at BSU (first year it was BSU) in the fall of 1974. I graduated with an AS in 1977. I began working at SARMC in February of 1977 as a student. I worked on the floors my first 2 years and then transitioned mostly to the ICU. I was evening supervisor for several years. I started working part day/evenings for many years and then to day shift. I received my registry in November of 1981 after they got rid of the oral examination, because I did NOT want to take the test orally. In 1992 I began working part time doing pulmonary function testing. We had not had a dedicated person working in PFT for a few years so I was offered the position and kept at it. I got my CPFT in June of 1992. I have worked full time in the Pulmonary Function Lab at St. Al's since 1993, and still am. I am a creature of habit I guess. I also started taking classes at BSU for my bachelors and received it in May of 1994.

I have been secretary for ISRC, a board member and did the "Adopt-a-Highway" program for public awareness. I was the recipient of the goodness of ISRC a couple of years ago. It is a great organization and the glue that keeps it together, Tom Gable, has always been one to be admired and respected by anyone in our occupation.

I have always enjoyed my work in respiratory care. I like the patients who are all different and add the variety to the job that keeps it fun. I loved the ICU/ER for the excitement and fast pace. I have loved PFT for the work schedule, patients and the opportunity to teach them some things about their lung disease. There have been many other RTs that I have worked with that were great mentors and teachers.

I have been married to the same person for 32 years (Charlie) and have a 31 year old son Charlie and a 29 year old daughter Miren (had to get the Basque into my kids somehow). I have 2 grandchildren and 1 on the way. We lived in the same house for 29 years and took the big plunge and moved 2 years ago! (Like I said, I'm a creature of habit). I love the outdoors and like to hike, bike and garden. I am the happiest outside. Life is good.

Ann Van Egmond - Mercy Medical Center, Nampa

I have worked 30 years in RT. I graduated from a year program at the California College for Respiratory Therapy in 1979 and did my training in San Diego,. My first ventilator was the MA-1 and we had no oximeters. We at one time used the large glass bottle taped to the floor with water in it and would put the exhalation tube in it, watching the gauge for peep on the MA1. I was taught to never trust a machine that did not have a gauge. We did ABGs with glass syringes and they were cleaned and reused.

I worked at Palomar Memorial Hospital in Escondido California for 10 years and then moved to Idaho and was hired at Mercy Medical Center. I have been there for 20 years. I work full time day shift. I went back to school on-line and became Registry Eligible. I helped in the Cystic Fibrosis clinic in Boise for three years and do the ordering for the department equipment and supplies. I have been married almost 30 years and have three daughters. Sarah, my youngest is a RN at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise. I work with a lot of good friends at MMC and still enjoy working in RT.

Rodney A. Weir - St. Luke's Magic Valley, Twin Falls

I was born 11/14/47 in St. Paul Minnesota, the 2nd of 9 children. I served in Viet Nam 1968-1969. In 1974, I graduated with A.A. degree from Normandale CC in Bloomington, MN. In 1976 I graduated with C.R.T.T. degree from Anoka Voc. Tech (same class as my good friend Tom Kallstrom, Chief Operating Officer of the AARC). Continued my education to become RRT eligible at Utah Valley CC in Orem, Utah.

I've worked University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, Payson and Mountain View Hospitals in Payson, Utah, Castleview Hospital in Price and American Fork Hospital in American Fork, UT. I've worked at St. Luke's Magic Valley R.M.C. for the past 14 years. I'm a member of the RT Critical Care Core Team.

In 1985, I was given a Citizen of the Year award from the Payson Lions Club for saving a man's life in a spook alley (long story). In 1986, I was Employee of the summer quarter at Mountain View Hospital.

I have 5 sons, and my wife Gloria has 2 sons and a daughter…yes that’s 8! We have 8 grandsons and 3 granddaughters so far. I enjoy road trips with Gloria (actually any time with my wife) and fishing and camping with friends from work or family. I have been to the Utah Shakespearean Festival for 28 of the last 30 years. And I have just started restoration on a 1969 AMC Javelin.

Nancy Whitewater - Mercy Medical Center, Nampa

In 1971 I relocated to the Treasure Valley from Northern California and began work at Mercy in the front office. In 1973 I knew I needed to upgrade my job skills and was accepted to the Technician Program at Kaley Med. Ctr. in Caldwell. Peggy Cox was my instructor. I understand that she is now the Dean of Vo-Rehab at Boise State University, Say hello for me.

When I started the RT program I was very pregnant and had my baby the night before Thanksgiving of that year. Since I was still a Mercy employee I transferred into the RT dept as a Trainee. Peggy worked there prn also. Upon graduation from the program in 1974 I worked for a year then took my certification exam, continuing to work at Mercy. I eventually moved to Northern Idaho then to Wash/Oregon coast and worked at several different hospitals until I relocated to Montana where I worked for 7 years at Hamilton in the Bitterroot Valley. As much as I loved Montana I moved back to Nampa in 1995 to be close to my elderly mother. I've never regretted the move. I've been employed at Mercy since 1995.

During my years of practicing Respiratory Therapy, I've seen many changes, most for the good of the profession. I hope to keep working for a few more years, God willing and the economy. I hope to see our profession grow as it should.