Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care
🌟 The Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC)
2025 Awards 🌟
2025 Award Recipients
The Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) is proud to recognize outstanding individuals who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and dedication to the respiratory care profession.
Practitioner of the Year – 2025
Stephanie Edwards, RRT
North Sunflower Medical Center
Stephanie Edwards exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding respiratory care practitioner. With more than 20 years of experience, she consistently provides compassionate, high-quality patient care while maintaining a positive and supportive environment for both patients and colleagues. Stephanie is recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and willingness to share her knowledge with others while remaining humble and approachable. Her dedication to excellence and continuous learning makes her a deserving recipient of this award.
Preceptor of the Year – 2025
Christian Juarez, MHA, BSRT, CRT
Memorial Hospital Gulfport
Christian Juarez is recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentoring respiratory therapy students. She provides clear guidance during clinical experiences and ensures that students feel comfortable learning new procedures. Her supportive approach, positive attitude, and commitment to patient care make her an exceptional preceptor and role model for future respiratory therapists.
RT Manager/Director of the Year – 2025
Jessica Clifford, BSHA-Ed, RRT
Singing River Health Systems
Jessica Clifford is recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to her respiratory therapy department. She advocates strongly for her staff by supporting adequate staffing, improved equipment, and professional growth opportunities. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated her commitment to both her patients and her team, making her a respected and admired manager.
RT Educator of the Year – 2025
Jennifer Patrick, MBA, RRT
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Jennifer Patrick is recognized for her dedication to respiratory care education and her commitment to preparing students for success in the profession. As Program Director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, she works closely with clinical partners to provide meaningful learning experiences for students and maintains strong program outcomes and accreditation standards. Her passion for teaching and advancing the respiratory care profession makes her an outstanding educator.
RT Student of the Year – 2025
Kylie Smith
Pearl River Community College
Kylie Smith has demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic achievement throughout her respiratory therapy education. As a student leader and clinical respiratory therapist technician, she consistently shows dedication to patient care, professional growth, and service to the respiratory care community.
2026 Magnolia Sputum Bowl Champions
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Respiratory Care Technology Program
Team Members:
Braleigh Delaney
Kelsea Hempstead
Crystal Ladner
Parrish Jones (Alternate)
These students won the Magnolia Sputum Bowl competition held March 5, 2026, during the MSRC State Conference. The team competed against four other respiratory therapy program teams from across Mississippi and earned first place in the championship round.
As the state champions, the team will represent Mississippi at the national Sputum Bowl competition during the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Congress 2026.
