Craig Respiratory Therapist Wins AARC National Patient Advocacy Award

Brigitte Trace, RRT, has been an outstanding patient advocate since joining Craig Hospital’s Respiratory Care team in 2007. In her current role as Craig’s patient education and discharge coordinator, she shows enduring commitment to her patients and community service and embodies Craig’s innovative approach to systematic challenges. 

For those qualities and many more, Brigitte received the 2024 National Respiratory Patient Advocacy Award from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) at a recent AARC conference. The award recognizes innovation and best practices and is given to individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication in advocating for the rights and needs of patients. 

“Brigitte’s attention to detail and unwavering advocacy are evident in every aspect of her work,” says Diane Reinhard, DNP, MBA, MSCIS, RN, Craig’s vice president of hospital services and community impact. “As a respiratory therapy case manager and educator, she approaches each case with a unique blend of empathy, expertise and tenacity, ensuring everyone receives the comprehensive care and support they need to navigate the challenges of their condition.” 

Brigitte was presented the award during the annual AARC International Congress held November 20-23 in Orlando, Florida. She joined an attendance of more than 6,000 respiratory specialists along with members of her department at Craig. 

“The award means so much,” Brigitte says. “This started with a small desire and wish for a better patient experience. My boss and coworkers believed in me and my mission, so we created a respiratory patient education and discharge coordinator position. This award demonstrates how a simple idea can vastly impact patient outcomes.” 

In conceptualizing her current role at Craig about 10 years ago, Brigitte showed innovative thinking and a passion for improving processes. She worked with leadership to create a new position within Respiratory Care for streamlining the patient discharge process and empowering professional development and education within the department. 

This project began with Brigitte becoming patient education and discharge coordinator but has since grown to include two additional roles at Craig. It has also led other hospitals to create similar positions. 

“Brigitte is an immense source of pride for our department,” says Justin Walter, BSRT, RT, director of Respiratory Care Services. “Seeing her be rewarded for her efforts and her work was an amazing feeling. In her time at Craig, she has really highlighted the need for more facilities to have a position like Brigitte’s.” 

Since becoming its own department at Craig in 1994, Respiratory Care Services has cared for patients from approximately 34 states and four countries outside the U.S. The department is on track to safely discharge more than 160 patients this year without any negative outcomes. 

Brigitte envisions a bright future for respiratory care worldwide.

“My dream is for respiratory care practitioners to elicit the same recognition, respect, earning potential and marketability as other health care fields,” Brigitte says. “Respiratory care is a fascinating and vital part of the hospital setting, and the recent years have surely proved this. I think the sky’s the limit if people are willing to get out there and advocate for new ideas.”