EASTON, MD
UM Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) recently received the 2025-2026 American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Award for their exemplary demonstration of best practices in respiratory care and education in the Acute Care Hospital category. UM SRH is a member hospital of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). The University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s flagship academic hospital in Baltimore, also received this recognition.
“As one of only 28 hospitals to receive the 2025-2026 Apex Award, this speaks volumes about our Respiratory Care Services team and our commitment to high-quality patient care,” said Lu Ann Brady, MSPH, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UM SRH. “This designation is a testament to UMMS and our journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization, which prioritizes maintaining the safety of patients and team members in all areas of patient care.”
AARC is the leading the advancement of the respiratory care profession around the world. The Apex Award distinguishes organizations for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care and quality improvement. The Apex Award includes six recognition categories: Acute care hospitals, international acute care, long-term care facilities, education programs, home medical equipment companies and dedicated transport teams. The AARC Apex Recognition Award was developed in 2017 to recognize respiratory care departments and programs that demonstrate high-quality care and outstanding higher education.
UM SRH is among an elite group of hospitals who provide high-quality respiratory care and educational programs from across the U.S. who have met the stringent quality, clinical practice or educational program criteria of the award.
“The Apex Acute Care Hospital recognition is a direct reflection of the skill of our team members, their dedication to patient-centered care and the high-quality care they deliver to patients every day,” said Steve Eisemann BS, RRT, LSSGB, Director of Respiratory Care Services, UM SRH. “It highlights our Respiratory Care Services team’s commitment to adhering to evidence-based protocols that ensure safe and effective patient care delivery. I could not be prouder of our respiratory therapy team, who are the cornerstone of receiving this designation and are vital to providing life-saving respiratory support to patients.”
“Apex programs and departments dedicate themselves to ensuring superb care for patients everywhere. These clinical departments are a vital component to a patient’s healthcare team, making a positive impact for the hospital, families and patients. In addition, our accredited education programs consistently prepare RT students to meet the ever-expanding scope of the specialty,” said AARC President Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC. “Earning the Apex Award illustrates how these teams maintain high standards and bring their specialized skills to their colleagues.”