Fresh Air: Rady UM Welcomes New Assistant Professor in Respiratory Therapy The field of respiratory therapy is getting a breath of fresh air as Rady UM welcomes Dr. Louise Chartrand as the new assistant professor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as one of the only tenure-track academics in Canada specializing in a respiratory therapy program. Dr. Chartrand brings a wealth of experience to Rady UM, having worked extensively in the field as a respiratory therapist for over twenty years. Her previous academic experience includes co-directing the respiratory therapy program at a college in Quebec, where she also conducted research on respiratory therapy education and interprofessional collaboration. Dr. Chartrand is excited to be pioneering new developments in the field, saying, "It's exciting because it's new, and we can make it our own." She recognizes the immense potential for growth in the respiratory therapy field and hopes to play a significant role in advancing it. One area of focus for Dr. Chartrand is interprofessional education, which emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different healthcare professions in delivering patient-centered care. "There's a lot of emphasis now on collaboration and teamwork, especially with the rise of complex chronic diseases," she notes. "Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in caring for patients with respiratory diseases, but we must work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for patients."Dr. Chartrand also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, which involves using the latest research findings to inform clinical decision-making. She notes that technological advances have made it possible to collect much more data, which can be used to improve patient care. However, there is a need to integrate this data effectively into clinical practice. "We need to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills to analyze and interpret data so that they can provide the best possible care to their patients," she says.To achieve these goals, Dr. Chartrand plans to work closely with colleagues in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences to develop a cutting-edge respiratory therapy program that is both evidence-based and interprofessionally focused. She also plans to conduct research on the effectiveness of different respiratory therapy interventions and collaborate with other researchers in the field to advance knowledge in this area.Commenting on Dr. Chartrand's appointment, Dr. Reg Urbanowski, Dean of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, says, "We're thrilled to have someone of Dr. Chartrand's caliber join our faculty. Her expertise in respiratory therapy and interprofessional education will be invaluable in advancing our program and contributing to the broader field."Dr. Chartrand's appointment comes at a critical time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of respiratory therapy in supporting patients with acute respiratory distress. However, long-term respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also take a heavy toll on public health, underscoring the importance of continued investment in this field.Dr. Chartrand is poised to be at the forefront of this investment, driving innovation and collaboration in respiratory therapy education and research in Canada and beyond. Her work promises to breathe new life into this vital field, enabling respiratory therapists to provide the best possible care to their patients for years to come.
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