Member Program: Apex Tips and Insights From Past Recipients

By AARC Perspectives

March 2, 2026 | 1 min read

In this episode of the AARC Perspectives podcast, recorded live at Congress 2025, we talk with past APEX designees Felix Khusid, BS, RRT‑ACCS, RRT‑NPS, RPFT, FAARC, FCCM, FCCP, ATSF (New York–Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital), Emilee Lamorena, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC (CHOC Children’s), and Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP (Rush University). They explore the transformative impact of the APEX designation on respiratory departments, emphasizing its role in elevating standards, attracting top talent, and enhancing departmental recognition. In addition, they share tips for overcoming challenges in documentation collection and for fostering employee engagement throughout the Apex process. This episode is a must-listen for respiratory leaders seeking the APEX designation and elevating their departments to national prominence.

Learn more about Apex and how to apply.

Guests

Emilee Lamorena, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC

Emilee is the Director of Respiratory, Pulmonary, & Asthma Program at CHOC Children’s Hospital in California. She is also the AARC Chair of Neonatal/Pediatric Section.

Felix Khusid, BS, RRT‑ACCS, RRT‑NPS, RPFT, FAARC, FCCM, FCCP, ATSF

Felx is the Director of Respiratory Therapy and the Pulmonary Physiology Center at New York–Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he has served as Director for 35 years. A nationally recognized expert in mechanical ventilation and advanced respiratory care, he also leads as President of the New York Downstate Association for Respiratory Therapists (NYDART) and Co‑Chair of the NYSSRC Academic Advancement Committee. Mr. Khusid is a frequent national and international lecturer and contributor to the practice of critical care and respiratory therapy.

Andrew Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP

Andrew is an adult clinical education coordinator and assistant professor with the College of Health Sciences at Rush University in Chicago, Illinois.

AARC Perspectives

AARC Perspectives podcast discusses trending respiratory care news and topics that impact RT leaders, clinicians, educators, researchers, and the industry. Bookmark the podcast in your listening app today to hear inspiring member stories, industry news, career tips, and more.

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