Radford University Carilion- Respiratory Therapy - Class of 2021

This week, the Respiratory Therapy Class of 2021 sponsored a Holiday Project for the Respiratory Therapy Program. We received many donations and were able to exceed our goal. We were able to send off two shoeboxes in honor of our program. We hope our Holiday Project Tradition will continue for many classes to come. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this worthy cause.

It’s exam week for RUC. The RT class of 2021 did presentations yesterday along with wrapping up clinical work. Today we took our first exam. We have two more exams to go! We can do it!

Happy Respiratory Care Week!

MEET US MONDAYS!

Hello! My name is Trisha Vergara and I am a senior respiratory therapy student at Radford University Carilion. I am also the Program Peer Tutor this year and I tutor junior RT students with first and second semester courses of the program.

I am originally from Davao City, Philippines and moved to America when I was 12 years old. I grew up partly in the Philippines and predominantly in the USA. However, I do understand and speak Tagalog fluently and can understand a little bit of Bisaya, which is the regional dialect of my hometown. I have always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field so after graduating from Lord Fairfax Community College, I applied to the respiratory therapy program at Radford University Carilion. A year and a half later, this is where I am now! I am excited to see growth in myself and in all my skills as I pursue this career so I may be able to work in cardiac surgery ICU following graduation.

Respiratory therapy has been beneficial in shaping me as a future healthcare provider. Although it is not a popular career choice among other fields such as nursing, I have learned that RTs are just as important! Throughout my time in the program, I have developed patient rapport, compassionate care, and critical thinking skills which are vital in emergency situations. In light of this, I plan to pursue further studies to obtain my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. With this degree, I ultimately plan to work in emergency medicine and provide care for all patient populations. I am thrilled to have come this far and consider myself to be extremely lucky with all the opportunities given to me.

Thank you to my wonderful mom and dad, who have endlessly supported me and continuously reminded me of how proud they are of me. I love you both! To my siblings, thank you for your constant positive energy throughout this time. To Rehmar, thank you, for everything, especially for all the inspiration, encouragement and all the many times you've said “bawi tayo next time” to me throughout this journey and for everything else in between. I love you!

Over the past few weeks, your students have completed their lab skills/competencies. We practice intubations and extubations, setting up ventilators and determining the correct modes based upon the patients, suctioning, and trach care.
In addition, we have started to complete specialty clinical rotations. Some of us have been to the OR and PFTs. In the coming weeks, PICU rotations will begin as well.

MEET US MONDAYS!

Clarissa Lewis!

The journey has been a long and challenging one, but here I am. As a first generation of my family, I am honored to acknowledge how far I have come. As most know, I am Crissy, but for those who really know me or know me professionally I am Clarissa. I am an Iowa native, that wound up in southwest Virginia to pursue part of my medical career. Prior to this, I was at Iowa State University where I achieved my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health. I was able to transition well into the respiratory therapy program. Although it is not my end goal, I have developed great passion and interest in the program. From becoming President of my class, to working in the ICU's at Roanoke Memorial, it has all been a tremendous experience so far. I know once May 2021 rolls around, I will miss all the friends and memories I have made here in Roanoke.

Post-graduation plans can really be arbitrary, plans always seem to have a way of changing. Luckily, respiratory therapists can grow within the medical field. Once I graduate, I will be moving to Houston, Texas to begin my RT career, where I can hopefully transition into a traveling RT. Volunteering is also on my radar. I have a lot of experience in volunteering in other countries and setting up free health clinics. I know RT's are needed everywhere right now, especially with the pandemic STILL active. Although the rates are slowly declining here in the United States, other countries desperately still need help. I hope I can be a part of the fight! Then eventually, I hope to find myself back in school for a third degree pursuing my masters. Honestly, the goals are endless, I am just taking it one step at a time.

Thank you to my Dad, Mom, and Te'Rae for being my backbone through it all, love you guys.

MEET US MONDAYS!

Hello everyone, my name is Casey Tharpe.
I grew up in Drakes Branch, Virginia. I am an Alumni of Fuqua School (2018) and southside Virginia community college (2019). I am a National Registered EMT, PCA, and a Nationally Registered Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NRCPT).
In my free time, I enjoy volunteering on Charlotte Court House Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire and Rescue as a firefighter and EMT.
After graduation, I hope to receive my masters in Healthcare Administration and also become a national registered paramedic.
I would like to work Emergency department or Medical Flight team with my respiratory therapy license.

MEET US MONDAYS!

Hi everyone! My name is Morgan. I am the RT class Secretary and Treasurer. Originally, I’m from Charlotte, NC but went to Virginia Tech where I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Biology as well as a minor in Business. I intend to stay in Roanoke (at least for the time being) and hopefully stay with Carilion after graduation. The PICU/NICU is where my heart lies. I have previous work history in OB/GYN and absolutely love working with moms, babies, and children. In the future, I hope to further my education with a masters or doctorate degree.

In my free time, I love to play with my miniature dachshund puppy, Hazel, or craft decorations for my house. I am currently a Barista at Starbucks and I absolutely love my job (and coffee)! My goal in life is to move to Charleston, SC, own many dogs, and work as a barista forever. Also to visit the happiest place on Earth as much as humanly possible!

I’m thankful for the women in my class as they’ve helped me through these especially rough times. Only two more semesters to go girls! We got this!

This week has been hectic but fun! Take a look at what our first week getting back into lab and clinical were like.
Lab consisted of learning how to successfully draw blood gases and aterial line sampling! We also had a moment to look over CXRs (chest x-rays) and begin interpreting what we see!
Clinical doesn’t allow for us to take pictures! BUT atleast we look cool in our scrubs and PPE!

4/5 senior class of 2021 (Trisha not pictured)! Although this pandemic has dealt us a handful of challenges, we are ready to take on our final year💪🏽 We plan to work as a team as we take on anything this year may throw at us. Let’s get to work!!
Also thank you Morgan for our awesome RT shirts!

We cannot wait to start our senior year next week!

It’s almost time for the fall semester at Radford University Carilion and we’re committed to keeping all Highlanders safe as we reopen! View the campus reopening website for all the details, including visitor registration, cleaning protocols and face covering requirements. https://www.radford.edu/reopening