Jerome Sullivan, PhD, RRT, FAARC

The last several years have witnessed the growth and development of Respiratory Care (RC) related activities and educational seminars and programs around the world. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Mainland China. One indicator of this activity is the dozens of Chinese RC related seminars that have applied to the International Education Recognition System (IERS) for program approval. This Issue of International Respiratory News, the electronic newsletter of the International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC) features a number of articles which highlight some of these activities and related programs. The topics range from the establishment of an internet RC communication platform for China, a month-long respiratory therapist training program, a medical school sponsorship of a mechanical ventilation forum, a health care company sponsored seminar, to an RC educational exchange program between the US and China.

Across the Provinces of China, RC educational programs designed to promote safe, effective care for patients afflicted with respiratory disorders have experienced increases in attendance and in quality indicators. In the last five years multiple seminars and programs have been held in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Changsha, Xi’an, Beijing, Wuhan, Tianjin, Zhengzhou, Chengdu and Xiamen, among others.

I hope you enjoy reading about the positive developments for RC in China. I also would invite all to attend the Annual ICRC Business Meeting to be held in conjunction with the AARC 61st International Respiratory Convention & Exhibition, November 7–10, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.