The Department of Respiratory Care has received a MedGraphics complete pulmonary function testing system from Saltzer Medical.
Alumnus Carl Rizzo, a pulmonary function technologist at Saltzer Medical in Nampa and clinical preceptor for the Boise State Respiratory Care program, notified faculty that Saltzer’s system was being replaced and inquired about donating the older system to the university’s program.
The MedGraphics system from MGC Diagnostics can perform complete pulmonary function studies that measure spirometry (flow rates and volumes), lung volumes and capacities, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, airway resistance and conductance. Cost to purchase a similar new system would be $55,000. In addition, Adam Galloway from MGC Diagnostics arranged for installation and instruction in the use of the system at a reduced cost.
This system provides students with the opportunity to practice with equipment that is similar, if not identical, to that used in area pulmonary function testing labs. These labs are staffed by respiratory care practitioners, many of whom are graduates of the Boise State program.
Pulmonary function studies are commonly performed in hospitals and pulmonary physicians’ laboratories, and are used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions affecting lung function. This equipment also can be used for research activities. Jody Lester, chair of the Department of Respiratory Care, said, “This donation will dramatically increase our students’ knowledge and prepare them to step into a professional role in a pulmonary function lab.”
The field of Respiratory Care provides therapeutic and diagnostic procedures for patients from premature newborns through the elderly, in critical care units, general wards, extended care facilities and patient homes. The program recently completed an on-site accreditation visit and was described by the site visitors as “one of the top respiratory care programs in the nation.”
Dean Tim Dunnagan added his thanks for the donation, and invites all friends of the College of Health Sciences to keep this kind of donation in mind if they are replacing state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, if your organization is purchasing new equipment, it may be possible to include an item for Boise State at a reduced price as part of the package. For more information on how to make a donation to Health Sciences programs, contact development director Sunny Wallace at 426-2124.