Hector Leon Garza Award

Hector Leon Garza, MD International Achievement Award

Established in 2005, this award was both named for, and first bestowed to, Dr. Garza for his groundbreaking work in bringing the respiratory care profession to his native Mexico. The achievement award was established with grants from the ARCF and Monaghan/Trudell to recognize respiratory therapists, physicians, and other health care providers who have had a profound impact on the development of international respiratory care.

Over the past decade, Dr. Garza has successfully established training programs for RTs in his country and has also founded the Asociación Mexicana de Terapia Respiratoria AC, where he currently serves as president. Dr. Garza works closely with the AARC's International Council for Respiratory Care and received the designation of AARC Fellow (FAARC) in 2001.

The award includes a crystal sculpture, airfare, one night lodging and registration for the AARC International Respiratory Congress. The recipient will be selected by September 1, and the award presented at the AARC Awards Ceremony.

Nomination Procedure
Nominations will be invited from the International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC). To be considered, nominees must exemplify a dedication to:

1. The advancement of safe, effective and ethical practice of respiratory care in their home country and at the International level.
2. Promoting the clinical practice and educational development of high quality respiratory outcomes.
3. Using evidence based standards of respiratory care appropriate to the special needs and resources of individual nations.
4. Facilitating interdisciplinary communication regarding respiratory care between allied health professions, the medical specialities, nursing, service companies and the health care industry.
5. Encouraging the creation and growth of related respiratory care organizations in their home country and internationally.
6. Enhancing respiratory health promotion, disease prevention and rehabilitation for patients, care givers, and the general public as appropriate in their home country and internationally.

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