2026 CRCS Award Categories
Practitioner of the Year: This Respiratory Care Practitioner has had an outstanding contribution to the field of Respiratory Care in their clinical practice. The nominee must be an AARC member to be considered for this award.
Leadership Practitioner of the Year: This Respiratory Care Practitioner has had an outstanding contribution to the field of Respiratory Care in a Leadership Role. The nominee must be an AARC member to be considered for this award.
Jason Goodman, Provider of the Year: This Physician or Advanced Practice Provider (APP) has made an outstanding contribution to and promoted our profession of Respiratory Care. About Jason: He was an RT that went on to become a Physician Assistant (PA). Jason promoted the field of respiratory therapy throughout both his RT and PA careers. Jason passed away in 2018 from cancer.
John Wolfe Memorial Award: This award recognizes a patient, respiratory therapist, healthcare professional, or other individual who has made a meaningful contribution to our community's awareness and prevention of respiratory diseases. The nominee does not need to be an AARC member. About John: He was a prominent Colorado respiratory therapist, clinical specialist at Poudre Valley Hospital and North Colorado Medical Center, and a passionate health advocate who fought for a smoke-free Colorado before passing away from acute myelogenous leukemia in December 2006.
Industry Ambassador Award: This Respiratory Care industry member has supported Respiratory Care and the CRCS outstandingly. The nominee must be an AARC member to be considered for this award.
Robert L. Gentile Memorial Clinical RT Preceptor/Instructor of the Year Award: This is awarded to a deserving practitioner that promotes excellence in training, education, mentoring, and advancement of others in the field of respiratory care. A respiratory therapist may be nominated for this award if they are an active educator, preceptor, mentor, or instructor related to respiratory therapy. About Robert: He was a 2013 graduate of PIMA Medical Institute in Denver. He worked at UCHealth Anschutz Medical Center and was an amazing RT. Robert passed away from Covid-19 during the pandemic.
Amanda Lutz Memorial Mental Health Impact of the Year Award: This award recognizes a significant contribution to the recognition, promotion, and enhancement of mental health within respiratory care. Examples may include efforts to prevent RT burnout, improve workplace well-being, promote mental health awareness, or support the emotional well-being of respiratory care professionals. About Amanda: She was a well-respected respiratory therapist in the Denver area. She spent more than 20 years working at Children’s Hospitals in Denver. Amanda passed away in 2022.