Respiratory care student to receive award from Southern Association of Health Professions Deans

Respiratory Care master’s student Brianna Guerin has been awarded the Southern Association of Health Professions Deans 2024 Student Leadership Award.  

Receiving the prestigious award is gratifying because it validates the effort she has put into the program and preparing for her career, Guerin said.

“When I first learned about respiratory care, I was amazed at how they are there from the beginning of life to the end of life and every day is a new adventure,” she said. “Respiratory care allows me to have that bedside interaction while also exploring the interesting things that medicine has to offer.”

“When you are doing the work and keeping your head down, it can be hard to see the end results, and this shows that hard work does pay off in the end,” she said. “It is an amazing feeling to know that the work you do is recognized and valued, and that feeling is what makes it all worthwhile.” 

The school will present Guerin with her award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship, at a later date.

Respiratory Care Program Director and Assistant Professor Megan Carreon, MA, RRT, said the award recognizes Guerin’s leadership and commitment to service and addressing health disparities.

“As an advocate for student well-being, Brianna developed and runs a student food bank on campus, ensuring that no student goes hungry,” Carreon said. 

Guerin serves as the president of the Respiratory Care Student Organization and represents the respiratory care program at the national level, having served as the student representative at the House of Delegates for the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). She also serves as co-president of the School of Health Professions Student Presidents’ Council.

“Despite the demands of being a full-time student, Brianna’s tireless dedication to reducing health disparities, supporting her peers and advancing respiratory care exemplifies the mission of UT Health San Antonio,” Carreon said. “This award is a testament to her exceptional contributions and unwavering passion for making a meaningful impact in both the academic and broader health care communities. We are very proud of her and excited to see the things she accomplishes in her future as a registered respiratory therapist.”

Senior Associate Dean David Henzi, EdD, FASAHP, nominated Guerin for the award.

“Brianna’s hard work, dedication and passion for respiratory care has led her to this incredible achievement,” he said.

Guerin tutors and mentors first-year respiratory care students and volunteers in numerous ways, including speaking to high school students and college students about respiratory care, and serving at community events and during student orientation and respiratory care graduation events.

 Working with pediatric patients during a summer extern experience proved to be a huge motivator for Guerin. 

“As a kid, it can be scary to be in a place you don't know with people constantly coming in and out, but seeing their progression and excitement [about] getting to go home never fails to give you that fuzzy feeling.”