The premium award recognizes a respiratory therapist in the province who has made a unique contribution to the profession, advancing it through vision, commitment and dedication. De Pinto was presented the award on October 18 at the RTSO’s Inspire Conference in The Blue Mountains.
Respiratory Therapy program coordinator and professor Gino De Pinto received the RTSO Pinnacle Award for contributions to the profession.
As chair of RTSO’s Student Affairs Committee from 2018 to 2021, De Pinto laid a foundation for student engagement and grew membership from 100 to over 500 members. His efforts not only revitalized student involvement with the society but also ensured the committee’s continued success, with student engagement reaching unprecedented levels with initiatives like the Student RT Week Challenges.
De Pinto also served as RTSO Director at Large from 2019 to 2021, where he played a pivotal role in organizing and modernizing the Inspire Conference, bringing together professionals and students to share knowledge and foster community.
The event also formally recognized recipients of the 2025 RTSO Student Achievement Award, who were announced in the summer. The award is presented to a graduating student from each of the accredited respiratory therapy programs in Ontario who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism during their clinical training. Ashna Anis, who is a 2024 graduate of Conestoga’s Respiratory Therapy program, was honoured for her passion for patient care and commitment to professional growth. In 2024, Anis was appointed to a two-year term as student director for the RTSO.
The RTSO is a non-profit organization of professionals devoted to advancing the role of respiratory therapists, fostering education and research, promoting respiratory health, and advocating for the profession with a unified voice across Ontario.
Conestoga’s three-year Respiratory Therapy advanced diploma program is designed to meet the educational requirements for registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist based on the National Competency Framework for Respiratory Therapy. Nationally accredited by Accreditation Canada, this fully integrated program provides a diverse learning environment that utilizes classroom education, laboratory sessions, clinically immersive simulation, e-learning, and early clinical exposure with continuous role modeling of the profession.
