The 39th Annual Northwest AHEC Respiratory Care Conference, held February 19-20, 2025, brought together 127 respiratory care professionals from six states (CA, FL, NC, SC, TN, TX) and 46 North Carolina counties for two days of education and professional development.

This year’s conference featured expert-led sessions on critical and emerging topics in respiratory care, including AI Use in Respiratory Care, Advancing Respiratory Therapy Practice and Professional Advocacy, Conundrums in PFT Interpretation, Pharmacology Updates for RTs, Pediatrics for RTs, ECMO Perspectives from Patient and Provider, HFNC, Long COVID and Pulmonary Fibrosis, Update in Advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy, From Primary Care to Sleep Medicine: The Expanding Role of Respiratory Therapists, and GOLD 2025 Updates.

With a strong emphasis on advancements in technology, clinical practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, the conference provided respiratory therapists with valuable insights and practical applications to enhance patient care.

The event continues to be a resource for professional development, offering respiratory therapists opportunities to expand their knowledge and stay at the forefront of the evolving field.

We can't wait until next year!

Special thanks to our planning committee members and NWAHEC staff who work to make this conference a success!