PSRC Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2016, the PSRC began awarding the PSRC Lifetime Achievement Award to honor a PSRC member annually who has best demonstrated throughout their career the qualities of excellence, compassion, collaboration, volunteerism, and extreme competence to the field of Respiratory Care. It is an honor bestowed on those that personify the dedication and spirit of those committed to the practice of respiratory care and best exemplify the mission and vision of the PSRC.

Award Nomination Criteria

In order to be eligible for nomination, the nominee must meet the following criteria:

Nominee must have maintained AARC / PSRC membership for a period of at least ten (10) years or longer.
The nominee must have a demonstrated relationship to the field of Respiratory Care for a period of at least 10 years or longer during their career.
The nominee must have demonstrated a significant contribution to the PSRC during their career. Examples of significant contribution include serving as a member of the PSRC Board of Directors and/or serving as a member or chair of one or more PSRC committees.

(Note: Members may be nominated posthumously.)

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Congratulations to Natalie Napolitano, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC

A few words from Natalie's Nominations:

A standout since her time in the BSRT program at Gannon University followed by her additional education. Natalie Napolitano has become one of the most accomplished practitioners in my career list of excellence. Her career is defined by a total immersion in her craft and an unwavering work ethic. Her reputation for compassion and professionalism is so established that it can be summed up in three words: it is known. Natalie is the epitome in the volunteerism in our professional organizations (PSRC and AARC) and of this honor, and her ongoing contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of respiratory care.

As an accomplished researcher, she has published more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, and has generated the passion for research among respiratory therapists across the country. Her passion for research became the reason for co-founding the PA Respiratory Research Council (PRRC) which has been supporting RT research across the state of PA. She has spoken at numerous conference, including the AARC Kittridge Lecture in 2024. She is currently the AARC House of Delegates Speaker Elect. As an accomplished Respiratory Therapist from PA with unmatchable research experience, volunteerism, and passion, she is an ideal candidate for the PSRC Lifetime Achievement Award.