The Lawrence Respiratory Foundation was created to award an educational scholarship to a senior student in the Respiratory Therapy program at National Park College in Hot Springs, AR.  The Professional Achievement in Respiratory Care (PARC) scholarship was the brainchild of Gretchen Lawrence, BA, RRT, FAARC, who had a diverse and rewarding career in respiratory care.   It is her desire to support and mentor aspiring respiratory therapists in our community.   

Respiratory therapists (also called respiratory care practitioners) are important members of the health care team. They work under the medical direction of doctors to treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They provide care to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency and intensive care to patients with a wide range of serious health issues.

Respiratory care is a professionally and personally rewarding career with a balanced blend of technology and patient interaction.

Characteristics of Successful Respiratory Therapists

  • Compassion: Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients who are undergoing treatments for serious and often life-threatening diseases.
  •  Critical thinking skills: Respiratory therapists must be able to quickly solve problems, particularly in trauma or emergency situations. The ability to think critically to provide the medical team with rapid and accurate assessments, and provide patients with the appropriate treatment is crucial.
  • Excellent communication skills: Because respiratory therapists spend much of their time communicating with members of the medical team, patients and/or their families, the ability to communicate well is important.

  • Organized and meticulous: Respiratory therapists must maintain, use, and manage many types of equipment and administer many types of medications; therefore, successful respiratory therapists are detail-oriented, organized, meticulous, and thorough, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate treatments at all times.

The Lawrence Respiratory Foundation is an all-volunteer organization with 100% of all donations going directly into the PARC scholarship.  

dd

April  17, 2025:   As posted here a few months ago, Paul Lowe,  the Program Director for the Respiratory Therapy Program at National Park College (NPC) passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2025,   He made an indelible impact on the Resporatory Therapy program and on the future of all students he mentored.   At the Health Sciences Honors award ceremony the Foundation announced that in memory of Paul, we will  award five $2000 scholarships to members of the 2026 graduating class.    A similar award by the National Board of Respiratory Care means that all 10 students of the 2026 graduating class have a financial boost for their future as Respiratory Therapists.  We congratulate them all and wish them a great future.    

Gretchen Lawrence, President: Lawrence Respiratory Foundation