Six respiratory product manufacturers were awarded the American Association for Respiratory Care’s annual Zenith Award for 2015. This year’s recipients were: Aerogen, CareFusion, Dräger, Fisher & Paykel, Monaghan Medical Corp, and Philips.
Established in 1989, the AARC Zenith Award is given to the top corporations in the respiratory care industry and is widely considered the “people’s choice” award of the respiratory care profession.
Each year, AARC asks its membership of 52,000 respiratory therapists and allied health practitioners to vote for those manufacturers, service organizations and supply companies that provide the respiratory care community with exemplary service based on the following criteria: Quality of equipment and supplies; Accessibility and helpfulness of sales personnel; Responsiveness; Service record; Truth in advertising; and Support of the respiratory care profession.
The awards were announced at the AARC’s 61st International Respiratory Congress and Exhibition in Tampa, Fla.
Aerogen
This is the second time the award has been given to Aerogen, whose patented palladium vibrating mesh technology is used by over 60% of the Top 100 hospitals in the US to deliver aerosol medication in the acute care setting.
“We are honored to receive the 2015 Zenith Award, and delighted to be held in such high regard by respiratory care therapists and healthcare practitioners who work every day to improve patient’s lives. I must also pay immense tribute to our great team and the support they offer our valued customers,” said John Power, Aerogen CEO. “Aerogen strives for excellence in everything we do. We work hand in hand with respiratory care professionals at all levels and I wish to thank them not only for this award, but for their continued support to deliver the best possible patient care.”
CareFusion
CareFusion, a BD company for the second year in a row from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) . This marks the eighth time that CareFusion has received this award, according to the company.
“We have been dedicated to the respiratory care profession since 1955 when Dr. Forrest Bird developed the first mechanical ventilator, and we strive to continue his tradition of innovation, quality, support and service to the respiratory care community,” said Ruth Lundstrom, vice president and general manager of Ventilation at CareFusion. “On behalf of more than 100 respiratory care professionals at CareFusion that support our customers and their patients, it is an honor to receive the Zenith award and serve this profession.”
CareFusion is highlighting its respiratory solutions in booth 401 at the AARC Congress including ventilators, respiratory diagnostics and AirLife® respiratory products.
Dräger
2015 marks the seventh straight year that AARC members selected Dräger, whose respiratory care devices span the spectrum of critical care, neonatal care, acute care, noninvasive therapy and emergency/transport ventilation.
“The AARC is honored to again recognize Dräger as one of the 2015 Zenith awardees,” said AARC Executive Director and CEO Thomas Kallstrom, MBA, RRT, FAARC. “Dräger is a strong partner and we are most appreciative of their long standing commitment to our respiratory therapists and profession.”
Lothar Thielen, president Region North America, Dräger, added: “Respiratory therapists play a vital role in delivering patient care so it is a tremendous honor that they have once again chosen Dräger as a valued partner in their efforts. We are committed to providing best in class support and customer service and this award is a testament to our efforts.”
Monaghan
This is the eighth time Monaghan Medical Corp has received the Zenith Award since 1989. “On behalf of the American Association for Respiratory Care, we congratulate Monaghan Medical Corporation, who represents the qualities represented in the Zenith Award. We salute your company and your employees,” said Thomas Kallstrom, CEO and executive director of the AARC.
Monaghan is a leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of respiratory devices, including the AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu VHC, AeroEclipse II Breath Actuated Nebulizer, and more.
“Congratulations to every Monaghan employee who contributed to this prestigious award,” said William Seitz, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Monaghan Medical Corp. “The Zenith Award is truly a positive reflection on our entire organization, from the pride our manufacturing team takes in assembling products, our responsive customer service department, to our highly trained sales personnel. Every employee at Monaghan Medical Corporation earned this award.”
