Respiratory Care Student Government Association (RCSGA)

Mission

The Respiratory Care Student Government Association, RCSGA, is a student-led organization that promotes community engagement and the development of future leaders in the field of respiratory care. As a democratic group of individuals, we provide an accurate representation of what is required to further the professional practice of respiratory therapists. This organization at Rush University provides the students an opportunity to voice their opinions and influence the goals of the respiratory care program.

Our contributions are not only limited to Rush University and its’ affiliates, but to the surrounding community as well. We coordinate asthma education and tobacco cessation services to underserved populations in greater Chicago areas. Promoting awareness to a diverse number of individuals is part of the RCSGA initiative to enhance the quality of life and depth of knowledge in these communities. We also support the Kathleen Mai Research Fund that helps promote respiratory care research and is a scholarship fund for graduate level respiratory care students.

As a formal organization of future respiratory care practitioners, we incorporate evidence-based practices and strive to deliver high-quality care to the population in need. Our extensive education and certification in several advanced life support programs provides our students with the necessary tools to carry out this mission. The student government will strive to provide students with information regarding research and best-practice, influential voices in respiratory care, and continued education of the advancements in this field.

Goals

1. Act as representative of the Rush MS in Respiratory Care program and advocate on behalf of the student’s needs
2. Work with other student leadership organizations to better the experience of all Rush University students

Purpose

1. Function as a student-led organization
2. To encourage participation in activities sponsored by Rush University as well as professional societies
3. To create educational activities to further knowledge
4. To provide an accurate representation of opinions and decision-making goals, as expressed by the governed

Events

We have organized many events, such as:

• Facing Forward
• MLK day at Women’s Shelter
• Asthma Camp at local high schools
• Miles to Go Charity Walk and Run

Moreover, we help organize and participate in many Rush conducted events. We also volunteer for state or national organization events such as, Lung Force Expo, COPD Conferences, ISRC Conferences, etc. We are active advocates for smoking cessation, asthma education, and disease management.

Contact Information

Current President: Ernest Yu
President-in-Waiting: Mayra Trujillo
Advisor: David Vines, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Division of Respiratory Care, College of Health Sciences