Respiratory Care students at GateWay Community College are making a difference in the community. From earning experience while working in the HUG Clinic to the work they are doing in the community, these students are gaining valuable skills, while providing a community service through presenting at local organizations and/or medical facilities.
Recently, the Third Semester Respiratory Care Students spoke at the American Lung Association's Better Breathers Club (BBC), hosted by the AZ Center for Chest Diseases, Feb. 20. Alicia Vasquez, Jerrick Tupas and Roberto Puha presented on "Disease Management, Taking Medication Correctly and Healthy Living."
"I was impressed by the professionalism, depth of knowledge they were able to go into in the one-hour time frame, and the self-developed handouts like a trifold brochure outlining important points to remember," said Kathy Patterson, Respiratory Care faculty member. "It is always a good feeling when we see our students excelling at what they do, and patient education is at the heart of what we do."
"Our presentation goes over Asthma, COPD, how the disease processes affect lung function, how it is prevented, treated, controlled, medication management, how to use them and when, healthy lifestyle choices, nutrition, benefits of exercise, air quality, etc.," said Tupas.
The students will present again during spring break to another BBC at Mayo Clinic, March 11, at 1 pm.
If you are interested in learning more, please visit our Respiratory Care program page.