AARC Congress 2018 is filled with informative and innovative sessions to help you brush up on your skills and knowledge of the respiratory care profession. But did you know there’s more? From the Welcome Party to the Sputum Bowl, Congress is packed with great events and activities. Here are 12 event highlights you can experience by attending Congress this December!
1 Day Before Congress Kickoff
1. Pre-Courses
Maximize your attendance by registering for a Congress pre-course. All pre-courses will be held on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018. Courses offer an additional opportunity to earn continuing education credits. Course options include:
- Challenges in Mechanical Ventilation: An Interactive Approach
- Women in Leadership
- Ultrasound-Guided and Emergent Vascular Access Simulation Workshop (Sponsored by Teleflex)
2. AARC Respiratory Patient Advocacy Summit
Patients and respiratory therapists are invited to take part in the annual AARC Respiratory Patient Advocacy Summit, which is held Dec. 3 in Las Vegas, NV. The Summit strengthens the partnership between chronic respiratory disease patients, advocates, respiratory therapists and physicians. It also provides a strong forum for aligning their common goals and visions toward advancing the quality of care, equipment, and services in health care.
The AARC, along with representatives of the FACES Foundation (Family & Caregiver Education & Support), will also present the National Respiratory Patient Advocacy Award during the Summit.
3. ARCF Fundraiser ‘Night with the Mob’
We’ll be spending a ‘Night with the Mob’ on Dec. 3 for the annual ARCF fundraiser gala. Held at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas, NV, the proceeds from the event benefit respiratory therapists worldwide through grants and scholarships, as well as the International Fellowship Program. The ARCF builds funding and support for respiratory research, education and patient-focused philanthropic activities in respiratory care, and fundraiser donors play a vital role in achieving this mission. Spots are filling up, so get your tickets today!
Congress Events
4. Sessions
We have more than 200 sessions and presentations lined up for Congress attendees. Our presenters bring the latest knowledge in research, management, education, and clinical practice to RTs throughout the profession.
5. Keynote Address with ZDoggMD
Zubin Damania, MD, aka ZDoggMD, will kick off the AARC Congress 2018 experience with song, humor, and creative storytelling in his “Healthcare Remixed” talk. He plans to examine the challenges of delivering compassionate care and how medical professionals might work individually and collectively to ensure that the future of medicine is a bright one.
6. OPEN FORUM
The OPEN FORUM is one of the most anticipated events at Congress. This event offers respiratory therapists the chance to hear about original research conducted by and for members of their profession.
With three ways to present — a posters-only session, poster discussion session, and an Editors’ Choice session featuring the top abstracts submitted that year — everyone from seasoned investigators to first-time researchers can find a place to showcase their work.
7. First Timers
For our first-time attendees, there is a special orientation and session just for you on Tuesday, Dec. 4. This session will help you get acquainted with who to see, where to go, and what to expect from your first AARC Congress. Attendees will receive an overview of the entire AARC Congress and suggestions on how to maximize your time, not only at the educational sessions but also at the exhibits and peripheral activities as well.
8. Student Symposium
Students, this symposium is a rare opportunity for you to get ahead and learn how to become a rising star in the profession even before you graduate! On Thursday, Dec. 6, join the symposium designed just for you – the new professional. Presentations include:
- Message from Your AARC President
- What it Means to be a Professional
- Getting That Dream Job
- Success on the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination
- Success on the Clinical Simulation Examination
- Finding Your WHY
9. Welcome Party
As our first day of Congress sessions come to a close, attendees will have the chance to wind down at the annual Congress Welcome Party on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
10. Sputum Bowl
Closing out Congress will be the annual Sputum Bowl, a knowledge contest that is similar to the game show “Jeopardy.” Nowhere else will you find therapists cheering on student teams from across the country as they race to answer questions on everything from aerosol delivery to arcane gas laws.
11. Flag Folding Ceremony
A special tradition at AARC Congress is the annual Flag Folding Ceremony. Taking place Thursday, Dec. 6, this special event celebrates the rich tradition of the U.S. Military and Armed Forces.
12. Exhibitors
And finally, AARC Congress offers the largest respiratory care Exhibit Hall in the world. We have exhibitors lined up to showcase the latest technology to attendees. In fact, most exhibitors will have clinical specialists on hand to answer questions on products, services and technology. The Exhibit Hall will open just after our opening keynote speaker presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 4 and will close Thursday afternoon.
