In this episode, we’re joined by my former supervisor in the Asthma Program, the smart and warm-hearted Desire LaTempa for a thoughtful conversation on how AI tools can change the game for asthma self-management — and how you, yes YOU, as a healthcare professional, could play a meaningful role in shaping the future of care.

We unpack:
🤖 How AI can support patients in better managing their asthma
🩺 Ways healthcare professionals can contribute to AI development
💼 The surprising career and collaboration opportunities emerging in the AI space
💡 Ethical and practical considerations when tech meets human care

This is more than a tech chat — it’s about imagining a future where compassion and innovation walk hand-in-hand. You'll leave this episode feeling informed, inspired, and maybe even a little fuzzy inside knowing your role as a healthcare pro could reach beyond the bedside.

✨ Follow us on IG @theeasthmaladyrt for more behind-the-scenes gems and community convos.
💬 Question of the day: Could you see yourself working with or building AI tools in the healthcare space? Tell us in the comments!

🫶 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — your support keeps our tea hot and our lungs happy.

Healthcare professionals — are your patients struggling to afford their asthma medications? In this episode, Dr. Damien Fisher, PharmD, explains the impact of Medicaid cuts, the truth about PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) reform, and what healthcare providers can do to help patients access affordable prescriptions.

We cover:

✔️ What PBMs are and why PBM reform affects medication access

✔️ The connection between Medicaid cuts and prescription affordability

✔️ How to help asthma patients when they say “I can’t afford my meds”

✔️ Strategies to guide patients through medication assistance programs

Whether you’re a Respiratory Therapist, pharmacist, nurse, or provider, you’ll gain actionable insights to better serve patients facing cost barriers.

👉 Subscribe for more episodes on asthma care, healthcare advocacy, and respiratory therapy education.

📲 Follow on IG: @theeasthmaladyrt

While the guest co-host and host mentioned some medications in this episode, this is not an endorsement of any specific brands or treatments. We're just keeping it real for educational purposes! Always advise your patients to consult with their healthcare team or pharmacist for personalized medical advice and treatment options that are right for them.

🗨️ QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you help your patients when they can’t afford their medications? Share your tips in the comments!

#PBMReform #MedicaidCuts #AsthmaCare #PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #RespiratoryTherapy #PharmacyInsights #RTsShareTea

Thirdhand smoke? Yes, it’s a real thing—and it’s silently impacting your asthma patients more than you think.

In this episode of the RTs Share Tea podcast, we’re breaking down the often-overlooked topic of thirdhand smoke exposure—what it is, why it matters in asthma care, and how respiratory therapists, asthma educators, and healthcare professionals can talk about without losing patient engagement.

💡 You’ll learn:

✅What thirdhand smoke really is (spoiler: it lingers for months or even years!)

✅How it affects asthma symptoms and triggers

✅How to bring it up with patients without shame or judgment

✅Empowering, non-blaming ways to educate families about smoke exposure

✅Why staying informed helps you become a more impactful asthma educator

Whether you're a seasoned RT, CHW, nurse, or new grad, this episode gives you the tools to educate with empathy and protect your patients in a whole new way.

🌬️ Let’s talk lungs, leadership, and leveling up your asthma education game.

📍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with those with asthma or work with those with asthma.