The American Association of Respiratory Care recently announced that Chair of the Department of Respiratory Care Megan Koster has received the 2024 Specialty Practitioner of the Year Award for her work in education.
Each year, the association recognizes a member of each of the eight specialty sections through a peer-nomination system. This award is given as recognition to those who have made significant contributions to their specialty and profession.
Koster said she is incredibly humbled to be recognized, as well as sincerely grateful for all of the people who have invested in her, given her grace, and lifted her up along the way. She noted that finding a community within the AARC organization, like the education specialty section, has helped elevate her practice.
“As an educator, I have found helping students push themselves farther than they could have imagined to be exceptionally rewarding,” Koster said. “There are so many talented therapists in the world, most of them just need a little help to take the next few steps forward. Being a member of the education section has been incredibly helpful. Nowhere else can you find a group of such talented and helpful individuals who are all thinking about going through the same things you are.”
“[Megan] has fostered an environment that encourages professional growth, empowering respiratory care professionals to take on leadership roles, engage in meaningful research, fill much needed teaching positions, and contribute to the advancement of best practices,” Lutana Haan, senior associate dean of the College of Health Sciences said. “The program elevates the visibility and influence of the respiratory care community, ensuring that its voice is heard and its contributions are recognized on a broader scale. Her efforts give me great pride for the future of respiratory care, positioning the profession for continued success and impact. This award is well deserved and recognizes the impact the Boise State program and its people have had on the profession of Respiratory Care.”
Boise State has three respiratory care programs: On Campus Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Program, Registered Respiratory Therapy-Bachelor of Science Degree Advancement Online Program and Master of Science in Respiratory Care.