Respiratory Therapy students attend state conference, earn scholarships

Students in the Respiratory Therapy program at the WVU School of Medicine were given the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge respiratory therapy advancements, expand their network and learn outside of the classroom by participating in the West Virginia Society of Respiratory Care Winter Conference in Davis, West Virginia.

During the conference, students attended educational lectures on new respiratory therapy topics including research, equipment and patient case study discussions. They also met with regional employers to network and discuss future opportunities. 

Olivia Bushee, a junior in the WVU Respiratory Therapy program said the experience allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the field of respiratory therapy.

“My favorite part was interacting with the different lectures and meeting professionals in respiratory therapy,” said Bushee. “It was such an invaluable experience as a student. Networking with experienced respiratory therapists and being part of the first group of respiratory therapy students at WVU has been an amazing experience.

“My major takeaway from this experience was how inviting and knowledgeable others are within this field. Building relationships with others and learning beyond the classroom was very impactful and a true growth experience.”

Bushee, along with fellow respiratory therapy students Sara Gruber and Aquinnah Fleischer were presented with WVU Breathe Scholarships. These scholarships are funded by a generous donation from the National Board of Respiratory Care. Winners are selected by a scholarship committee consisting of WVU Health Sciences faculty members. 

Bushee and Gruber received the Breathe Scholarship, a $1000 award given to students who show academic merit and dedication to the respiratory therapy program and profession.

Fleischer received the Breathe Blue and Gold Scholarship, a $2000 award given to one student who displays high academic excellence, community involvement and displays a willingness to go above and beyond normal student expectations.

The students were accompanied to the conference by Mike Mehall, M.Ed., RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, the founding director of the WVU Respiratory Therapy program.

As the RT program director, it is incredibly important to me to provide a comprehensive experience for my students, which includes inside and outside classroom experiences,” Mehall said. “We challenge them every day in the classroom and clinical environment, but it is equally important for students to enjoy learning and have fun in the process. The RT program platform allows students to achieve maximum academic and professional success while integrating numerous fun activities outside the classroom. This philosophy enables students to develop tremendous pride in our RT program and in their future profession.”

This trip was made possible by funding through the Respiratory Therapy Mountaineer Club, a student organization that provides educational, recreational and community-based events to support the enhancement of respiratory/pulmonary knowledge for all students, members and the public.

The West Virginia Society of Respiratory Care (WVSRC) Winter Conference is the largest respiratory therapy conference held in the state of West Virginia. The WVSRC is an affiliate of the American Association for Respiratory Care and is the professional organization for respiratory therapists practicing in West Virginia.

To learn more about the WVU Respiratory Therapy program, visit medicine.wvu.edu/respiratory-therapy/.