Falling Into the Field: New RCPs Ahead! ! · Oct 3

The leaves may be falling, but careers are rising! Let's celebrate our new Respiratory Care Practitioners licensed in September 2025.
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Shining a light on licensed professionals making a difference.
The RCB features licensed RCPs to highlight the meaningful work being done across California. From hospitals to home care, education to leadership, RCPs make a lasting impact on patient care and the profession.
We’d love to hear your story! If you’re interested in sharing your journey as an RCP, please complete and submit the Meet an RCP Questionnaire.
In addition to individual RCPs, we hope to feature:
Please submit the completed form to: rcbsocialmedia@dca.ca.gov
Recognizing respiratory care teams across California.
The RCB highlights departments that demonstrate excellence in patient care, safety, collaboration, and innovation. These features provide a look into the work respiratory teams are doing in hospitals, clinics, and other care settings.
This series will:
If your department would like to be featured, please complete and submit the Respiratory Care Department Spotlight Questionnaire.
Please submit the completed form to: rcbsocialmedia@dca.ca.gov
Spotlighting the programs shaping future respiratory care professionals.
Education programs are the foundation of the respiratory care profession. The RCB features accredited respiratory care programs to showcase their faculty, students, facilities, and innovative approaches to training the next generation of RCPs.
This series will highlight:
If your school would like to be featured, please complete and submit the Respiratory Care Education Program Spotlight Questionnaire.
Please submit the completed form to: rcbsocialmedia@dca.ca.gov
The leaves may be falling, but careers are rising! Let's celebrate our new Respiratory Care Practitioners licensed in September 2025.
🫁 October Edition of Breathing Matters is here!
Get the latest updates, insights, and resources for respiratory care professionals, patients, and stakeholders. 📬
Myth: Lung disease doesn’t show symptoms until it’s too late.
Fact: Early symptoms can include shortness of breath and persistent cough. 🌬️
Symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue can indicate underlying issues. Recognizing these early symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly can lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and better outcomes.
Regular check-ups, lung function tests, and being mindful of changes in your breathing are essential steps to maintaining respiratory health. Don’t wait—act early to protect your lungs and improve your quality of life! 🫁💪
Meet Dr. Preeti Mehta, MD — Clinical Hospitalist with Ximed Hospitalist Inc. at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla; Chair of Medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital; and President of the San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Mehta brings her passion for patient care and advocacy for respiratory care practitioners to the Respiratory Care Board of California. She describes serving on the Board as a deeply rewarding opportunity to give back, amplify the voices of patients and respiratory therapists, and strengthen the profession.
Read the full spotlight: Board Member Spotlight
Located in the San Fernando Valley, NHMC is home to 73 RCPs who provide lifesaving care across the NICU, PICU, ICU, ED, and more. Known for their family-like culture, commitment to education, and dedication to patient-centered care, this team truly makes every breath count.
Read the feature: Featured Departments
Summer's wrapping up, but these RCPs are just getting started! Join us in recognizing those who earned their licenses in August 2025.
From his start as a Navy Hospital Corpsman to his current role as Manager of Pulmonary Services at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Gary Phelps has dedicated his career to helping patients breathe easier and mentoring the next generation of respiratory care professionals.
Full story: Featured RCPs
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Myth: You can’t manage allergies without medication.
Fact: Lifestyle changes—avoiding triggers, air purifiers, washing bedding—can help.
Michael brings research and education expertise to the Professional Qualifications Committee.
Read the full spotlight: Board Member Spotlight
From ventilator management to rapid codes and assisting with births, Alex brings passion to care.
“Never get comfortable and always stay hungry for learning.”
Full story: Featured RCPs
Myth: If you have asthma, you can’t exercise.
Fact: With proper management and an action plan, many people with asthma stay active.
55 licensed RCPs delivering expert care across the hospital, mentoring students, and leading safety initiatives.
Read the feature: Featured Departments
Place your license in retired status (practice privileges rescinded). You may return by reapplying.
Submit via BreEZe or email rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.
Details: Manage Your License
40+ years in respiratory care, Enforcement Committee Chair, and devoted dog foster.
Full spotlight: Board Member Spotlight
Senior Trial Attorney and RCB member passionate about public protection and the RCP community.
Full spotlight: Board Member Spotlight
Basics to become licensed in California: accredited program (AA), NBRC exams, Law & Ethics, and any waivers.
Requirements: Application Requirements
Myth: You can’t get asthma as an adult.
Fact: Asthma can begin at any age; early diagnosis and management matter.
Thank you to Board Members for insight, dedication, and leadership.
Pictured: Dr. Preeti Mehta, Abbie Rosenberg, President Ricardo Guzman, Vice President Ray Hernandez, and Michael Terry.
Today, we raise awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco on respiratory health and beyond. Smoking damages the lungs, increases the risk of respiratory diseases like COPD and lung cancer, and impacts overall well-being.
By choosing a smoke-free lifestyle and advocating for tobacco-free environments, we can protect ourselves and those around us from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Let’s inspire healthier choices and create a future where everyone can breathe easy. 🌬️💙
Together, we can make a difference for a smoke-free world!
Myth: Smoking is the only cause of COPD.
Fact: Secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust can also cause COPD.
The Asthma Community Linkages Project delivers home visits, personalized plans, and community support.
Read her feature: Featured RCPs
Our latest e-bulletin honors long-standing RCPs, reflects on four decades, and looks ahead.
CF affects lungs and digestion; advances in treatment are improving outcomes.
Myth: Asthma can’t be managed.
Fact: With medications, trigger avoidance, and an action plan, asthma can be controlled.
California offers expedited licensure and waiver options for service members and spouses.
Learn more: Military Resources
Celebrate Earth Day by taking care of our planet and our lungs—environmental health supports respiratory health.
Celebrate the contributions of public health and help build healthier communities.
Learn more at APHA.
Neonatal/pediatric care veteran, educator, and Dean—now PQ Committee Chair supporting RCPs statewide.
Read more: Board Member Spotlight
Myth: All breathing issues use the same medications.
Fact: Treatments are condition-specific and individualized.
Lung conditions can impact people of all ages. Early screening and smoke-free environments matter.
42 years in respiratory care—clinician, educator, advocate, and Board President.
Full spotlight: Board Member Spotlight
3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95834 · (916) 999-2190 · rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8–5 (excluding holidays). More