Healthcare professionals — are your patients struggling to afford their asthma medications? In this episode, Dr. Damien Fisher, PharmD, explains the impact of Medicaid cuts, the truth about PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) reform, and what healthcare providers can do to help patients access affordable prescriptions.

We cover:

✔️ What PBMs are and why PBM reform affects medication access

✔️ The connection between Medicaid cuts and prescription affordability

✔️ How to help asthma patients when they say “I can’t afford my meds”

✔️ Strategies to guide patients through medication assistance programs

Whether you’re a Respiratory Therapist, pharmacist, nurse, or provider, you’ll gain actionable insights to better serve patients facing cost barriers.

👉 Subscribe for more episodes on asthma care, healthcare advocacy, and respiratory therapy education.

📲 Follow on IG: @theeasthmaladyrt

🗨️ QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you help your patients when they can’t afford their medications? Share your tips in the comments!

#PBMReform #MedicaidCuts #AsthmaCare #PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #RespiratoryTherapy #PharmacyInsights #RTsShareTea

Thirdhand smoke? Yes, it’s a real thing—and it’s silently impacting your asthma patients more than you think.

In this episode of the RTs Share Tea podcast, we’re breaking down the often-overlooked topic of thirdhand smoke exposure—what it is, why it matters in asthma care, and how respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and healthcare professionals can talk about without losing patient engagement.

💡 You’ll learn:

✅What thirdhand smoke really is (spoiler: it lingers for months or even years!)

✅How it affects asthma symptoms and triggers

✅How to bring it up with patients without shame or judgment

✅Empowering, non-blaming ways to educate families about smoke exposure

✅Why staying informed helps you become a more impactful asthma educator

Whether you're a seasoned RT, CHW, nurse, or new grad, this episode gives you the tools to educate with empathy and protect your patients in a whole new way.

🌬️ Let’s talk lungs, leadership, and leveling up your asthma education game.

📍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with those with asthma or work with those with asthma.

What’s the real secret to leveling up your career as a Respiratory Therapist? It’s more than just hard work—it’s having the right people in your corner.

In this inspiring episode of RTs Share Tea, we’re joined by my brilliant confidant Dr. Ellen Becker to unpack one of the most game-changing (yet often misunderstood) career tools: Sponsorship—and how it differs from mentorship.

Together, we spill the tea on:
🤝 The key differences between mentorship and sponsorship—and why you need both
🗣️ How to ask for a mentor or sponsor without feeling awkward or “too early” in your career
🕵🏽‍♀️ Where to find potential mentors and sponsors (they’re closer than you think!)
🌱 How to nurture these relationships so they blossom and open doors
🚀 Real talk on how sponsorship can help you break ceilings, not just climb ladders

Whether you're a new grad, a mid-career RT, or dreaming of leadership, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take action.

So grab your tea, pull up a chair, and let’s talk about building the relationships that build your future. ☕🌟

Connect with Linda on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-nozart-thee-asthma-lady-2a1bb9122Connect with Dr. Becker on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-becker-35449b23 For more information on the AARC Emerging Leaders Program https://www.aarc.org/events-and-programs/emerging-leaders-program/

For link to the AARC Officiary: bottom of home pagehttps://www.aarc.org/