A Conestoga Respiratory Therapy student was appointed student director for the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario.
Conestoga Respiratory Therapy student Ashna Anis was appointed student director for the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario.
Second-year student Ashna Anis, who also serves as a peer tutor for her program, will have a two-year term at the provincial professional association for registered respiratory therapists.
In announcing the appointment, the association described Anis as a dedicated individual with a passion for human biology.
“Ashna embarked on a journey that has since allowed her to achieve milestones in both academic and professional realms.”
Before attending Conestoga, Anis graduated from the University of Toronto with an honours bachelor’s degree in science, focused on human biology and evolutionary anthropology. She then ventured into health care, beginning as a pharmacy assistant before pursuing respiratory therapy.
“Ashna is driven by a desire to enhance her skills and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing respiratory challenges,” the association said.
Professor and program co-ordinator Gino De Pinto commended Anis’ dedication and drive to excel in the field.
“Ashna is a remarkable student and a future respiratory therapist who has excelled in both academics and in the lab setting. She is a leader and a mentor in our program, and a compassionate and dedicated professional who strives to improve in her skills in preparation of her clinical time,” De Pinto said. “Ashna is an inspiration to her peers and a joy to have in the classroom.”
Anis said she is extremely grateful for the opportunity to act as student director.
“My goal is to provide a fresh student's perspective for Respiratory Therapists in Ontario,” Anis said. “In this role, I hope to work with other respiratory therapists to promote the profession on a provincial level, empowering my fellow peers to do the same. I want to create a positive impact on the field of respiratory therapy by influencing decision making and helping to implement policies that will contribute to the professional growth of RTs.”
Anis is proud of her profession and wants to share all the good work respiratory therapists do.
“RTs are a vital part of the collaborative health-care team; therefore, they deserve to be advocated for on a provincial level. The RTSO is doing a fantastic job at doing so and incorporating a student’s perspective to help engage and support the future of the profession.”
Conestoga’s three-year Respiratory Therapy advanced diploma program is designed to meet the educational requirements for registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist based on the National Competency Framework for Respiratory Therapy. Nationally accredited by Accreditation Canada, this fully integrated program provides a diverse learning environment that utilizes classroom education, laboratory sessions, clinically immersive simulation, e-learning, and early clinical exposure with continuous role modeling of the profession.