Gino De Pinto, BEd BSc (Hons) RRT FCSRT

As my term on the RTSO Board of Directors concludes, I have taken some time to reflect on the past 2 years. I have learned so much from members of the team and I am very proud of the work the RTSO has been able to accomplish. None of it would have been possible without all the work done by so many wonderful and passionate volunteers. Working with so many talented and professional respiratory therapists has led to substantial growth over the past 2 years and has ensured that the organization is on a good foundation moving forward.

I want to take this time to thank Shawna MacDonald for all her hard work and dedication to RTSO Airwaves. Shawna has ensured that the content was relevant and timely for all our members. Additionally, seeing the great work that Farzad Refahi had done over the past 2 years has also been a pleasure. Farzad has given the RTSO a strong social media presence across all platforms.

I also want to recognize the leadership and dedication of Kelly Hassall, Sue Jones, Nancy Garvey, Megan McFarlane, Paula Smith and Sue Martin – they have worked tirelessly to ensure that the RTSO would stay viable and because of their efforts, the RTSO is in position of growth and this will allow for future opportunities in professional advocacy.

A special thank you to Susan Aikenhead, who I have worked closely with over the past 2 years. Her work ethic is second to none, and because of her the RTSO has a new website and layout for RTSO Airwaves, which our association can be proud of. Because of Susan’s dedication, our email communications are timely and beautiful. Susan was also vital in transitioning the organization from a manual to an automated membership system. She wears many hats and we are lucky to have her on our team as an honorary RT!

Although my position on the Board has ended, I will continue with RTSO committee work in the role of Conestoga College Faculty Representative for the Student Affairs Committee (SAC). Greg Donde and Wendy Foote have done some tremendous work over the past year and I look forward to continuing to work with them as well as the students, at the committee level.

I would encourage any practicing members to reach out to the RTSO to see if there is a committee position that you can help fill. A committee position is a great place to start to see if a Board position may be in your future. I know for myself, I started at the committee level before transitioning to the Board and it has been extremely gratifying to see our profession move to new heights.

Finally, I would like to wish the newly formed RTSO Board of Directors (Megan McFarlane, Fatima Nathoo, Renata Rea, Mike Kampen, Paula Smith, Sue Jones, Jacqueline Wilcox, Margaret Coburn, Wendy Foote and Sylvia Mortimer) the best of luck. I know you will do great work, and I also know that the RTSO is in good hands with your leadership.

Take Care, Gino

#RTStrOng #AspireToInspire

Gino De Pinto, BEd BSc (Hons) RRT FCSRT
Professor, Respiratory Therapy Program Conestoga College ITAL
School of Health and Life Sciences
299 Doon Valley Drive
Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4
T:519-748-5220 x 3962 F:519-748-3540
gdepinto@conestogac.on.ca