I just got back from one of the best professional development experiences I’ve had in years – the 2023 AARC Congress in Nashville. The American Association for Respiratory Care holds their annual Congress every Fall to bring together respiratory therapists from all over the world. This wasn’t my first time attending, but I was still blown away by all the learning opportunities and the great networking.

I flew into Nashville on Saturday afternoon, so I had time to settle in a bit before the main events started on Sunday. The weather was gorgeous – mid 70s and sunny. After checking into the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, it was time to explore. The hotel is both massive and beautiful with a multitude of eateries. I was able to enjoy the evening with Stacey Cutts, BS, RRT, VA-BC, who would be speaking on lung ultrasound.

Sunday started off the three packed days of education at the AARC Congress. There are four days available, but I had to cut my trip short. There were dozens of general sessions and breakout courses to choose from. I was impressed by the wide variety of topics, from ventilation concepts to pulmonary rehab to sleep studies. I sat in on sessions about smoking cessation programs, current research into preventing VAP, case studies, sleep technologies, and many more. It was like respiratory therapy college all over again but even more in-depth, and it is way more fun being surrounded by like-minded professionals from all over.

One highlight was the exhibit hall, where every respiratory company you can think of had a booth set up. It was fascinating to check out all the latest equipment like ventilators, aerosol delivery devices, diagnostics tools, you name it. I spent many hours exploring the latest technologies – the coolest things I have seen in a while. Several of our sponsors and speakers also were exhibitors: David Grooms, MSHS, RRT with Hamilton Medical, LoriAnn Kettler, BS, RRT with Concorde Career Colleges, and Groman Medical. I also enjoyed talking shop with the sales reps and getting the insider scoop on what’s coming down the pipeline over the next year or two.

In addition to the educational sessions, there were plenty of chances to network during meals, moderated discussions, and evening receptions. The festivities kicked off Sunday evening with a cocktail party sponsored by Corvent Medical at Kid Rock’s Honky-tonk on the strip. It was great meeting new people from all over the world as well as spending some time with our newest speaker Rebecca Hudgins, BSRC, RRT. We then went back to the Gaylord for the AARC Welcome Party – a must attend event.

Monday started early with a 7 AM breakfast discussion panel on mechanical ventilation hosted by Corvent Medical and moderated by the famous Joe Lewis, MSRC, RRT, Respiratory Coach.

I was able to enjoy lunch with our newest sleep educator Peter Allen, BSRC, RRT, NPS, SDS, RST, RPSGT, FAAST, and to attend the lecture he was presenting. After a day of learning it was off to the Aerogen party at the Wildhorse Saloon with my friends from Origin Medical Devices, makers of Panther ventilators. Aerogen really knows how to throw a party, but you must have a ticket. If you should find yourself at the AARC Congress next year, be sure to stop by their booth to check out their latest technologies and get an invite.

Tuesday again started early with a 7 AM breakfast meeting hosted by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, makers of the biologic Dupixent. Dupixent is a targeted biologic for moderate-to-severe asthma. Then I was off for more lectures and still trying to get to all the vendor booths, there were so many! I bumped into Rena Laliberte, BS, RRT, another of our speakers, who was absolutely thrilled with all the new information she can include in her lectures. As the afternoon ended, it was time to say goodbye and head to the airport. Stepping outside I ran into Gareth Morgan, Ph.D., President of Morgan Scientific, who invited me to jump into his Uber to the airport. We had a very nice conversation and discovered we had a mutual friend, Dennis Keene, President of Sleep Labs of Texas, who sadly has since passed away. Dennis taught sleep lectures for us and was genuinely a great guy.

I met RTs who have been in the field for 30+ years and others just starting out. Exchange of experiences was invaluable. By the end of it I had a big stack of business cards from folks I want to stay connected with. You just can’t beat face-to-face interaction for genuinely getting to know your colleagues.

All in all, it was a spectacular event that left me re-energized in my career and proud to be part of such a talented professional community. The takeaways from lectures, conversations, and time connecting with others will no doubt make me a better practitioner for years to come. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Congress in Orlando! If you’re an RT who’s never been, trust me when I say it is well worth taking time to attend.