A team representing BMCC’s respiratory therapy program recently won the 2007 Sputum Bowl — an academic competition that tests players’ knowledge of pulmonary function, pediatrics, neonatology, microbiology, physiology and related areas. Sweetening the victory was the fact that the field was dominated by four-year schools — LIU, SUNY-Stony Brook, and Molloy College. BMCC was one of only two community colleges in the event, which is sponsored by the Southeastern Chapter of the New York State Society for Respiratory Care.
To be sure, first-place showings are nothing new for BMCC, which has won five out of the past six years and also in 1987, 1992 and 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006. “The questions were very tough and some touched on areas that our students hadn’t yet covered,” says team coach, Neil Rodia, an associate professor. “But they weren’t fazed. They really hit the books and prepared well.” Team member James Wehrman admits to being “incredibly nervous” beforehand. “When it over, I was so overwhelmed that it didn’t hit me for at least 10 minutes,” he says. “Meanwhile, my teammates were jumping out of their chairs.”
Not really close
Although BMCC went up against some formidable competition, BMCC took an early lead and won by a healthy margin. “We couldn’t see the scoreboard from the stage, but I could tell we were winning big,” says third-semester student Paul Nguyen. Adds teammate Mohammed Laskar, “we did miss a few questions, but most we got correct.”
The team’s success reflects the quality of BMCC’s respiratory therapy program — and its students. “I’d put them up against any school any day,” says Rodia. “Our pass rate on national examinations is well above the norm, and we have a 100 percent hire rate for graduates.” Respiratory therapy figures in the treatment of virtually type of cardiopulmonary problem, from neonatal crises to life support. Upon graduation, students must pass the New York State licensing examination to become practicing respiratory therapists.
Not surprisingly, many continue their education. Now in his third semester, Wehrman hopes to pursue a medical degree at either SUNY Downstate Medical Center or the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at City College. Paul Nguyen is also considering medical school or training to be a physician’s assistant. Laskar plans to become a pulmonologist. “My mother suffered from chronic asthma which eventually caused her death,” he says. “That was a major motivation for me to go into this field.”
Demanding — but always available
Students give much of the credit for their success to the curriculum — and the teachers. “The program has been incredibly immersive — you learn a tremendous amount,” says Wehrman. “But it’s the professors who really make the difference. They demand a lot of us, but they’re never too busy to talk to us on a one-to-one basis. Their office doors are always open.”
But according to Rodia, it’s all about the students. “There’s a tendency to view community colleges with some condescension, but our graduates are second to none and better prepared than most,” he says. “That’s why there’s such high demand for them at hospitals and critical care facilities throughout metropolitan New York.” Coaching this year’s team to victory was enormously gratifying he says. “But it’s the students who deserve all the credit. They did all the work.”
