CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A Parkland College student is featured on the world’s first-ever respiratory therapy reality competition, hosted by internationally-known respiratory coach Joe Lewis.
“The Shift” follows six respiratory therapy students across four states competing in real-world clinical challenges from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., otherwise known as the “night shift”. Monticello Native and current student Brandon Macak was recently selected to compete in the show.
“I participated in the competition because I wanted to take what I learned at Parkland and put it in a real-world setting,” said Macak, who’s in his second year in respiratory therapy. “This show shines a light on respiratory therapy, and I want to help promote the field as much as I can.”
As a delegate for the Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC), Parkland Respiratory Care Program director Molly Martin serves as one of two delegate liaisons representing the voice of the state’s membership to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Executive Board. Last fall, Macak applied for and was selected to serve as a student delegate at the AARC House of Delegates meeting in Orlando.
It was at this meeting that he learned Lewis was organizing the respiratory therapy challenge, and Macak eagerly signed up. Competition began almost immediately once Macak and five other students arrived in Dallas-Fort Worth.
The all-night event tested the competitors’ knowledge, clinical judgment, and teamwork under pressure in a series of solo and group challenges.
“Brandon’s enthusiasm, professionalism, and perseverance truly stood out,” Martin said. “As program director, I fully support any recognition that highlights his achievements and showcases the opportunities available to students who choose to get involved in professional respiratory care organizations. His experience demonstrates the importance of engagement, leadership, and lifelong learning in our field.”
Macak, Martin and members of the Parkland campus community recently joined together in celebration to watch the show’s first episode. During the viewing party, Macak shared insights from his experience on the show.
Following his education at Parkland College, Macak aspires to complete the needed respiratory care exams and work in a trauma facility or in critical care.
Multiple episodes of the show will air in the coming weeks on YouTube. The winner will be crowned “The Shift” champion and win a $5,000 prize.