The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) has voted to award the 2013 Hector Leon Garza, M.D. International Achievement Award to David J. Pierson, MD. The Garza Award will be formally presented at the AARC International Congress Opening Ceremony scheduled for November 16, 2013 in Anaheim, California.

To be considered nominees must exemplify a dedication to the advancement of safe, effective and ethical practice of respiratory care in their home country and at the international level. This year’s recipient is:

David J. Pierson, MD, FAARC
Professor Emeritus, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
University of Washington
Noted Educator, Clinician & Author
Researcher–199 Published Articles
Journal Editor
Member, AARC International Committee
Supporter of Globalization of RC

The International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC) has voted to award the 2013 Dr. Toshihiko Koga International Medal to Hector Leon Garza, MD. The Koga Medal will be formally presented during the AARC International Congress International Reception scheduled for November 18, 2013 in Anaheim, California.

The recipient will have demonstrated, by example, a commitment to promoting quality care for patients suffering from respiratory disease and establishing systems and organizational structures to improve the level of care. This year’s recipient is:

Hector Leon Garza, MD
AARC Member Since 1982
President, Latin American Consejo for Professional Certification for Respiratory Therapy
Executive Director, Mexican Association for Respiratory Therapy
Past President, Mexican Consejo for Respiratory Therapy
Executive Committee member, ICRC
Governor for Mexico, ICRC
Supporter of RC Profession and Globalization of RC for over 3 decades