Philippines, 12 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Dr. Robert Kacmarek, RRT, PhD: A titan in the respiratory care profession crosses over


PhilBoxing.com




Dr. Robert Michael Kacmarek PhD, RRT, FCCM, FCCP, FAARC, age 72 of Littleton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 1, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Reference:
http://hosting-6588.tributes.com/obituary/show/Robert-Michael-Kacmarek-108514172

In our lifetime, it is likely that we (or someone we love) will be on mechanical ventilation---the most critical form of life support or its gentler sibling NPPV---non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.

It was Dr. Robert Kacmarek who first developed a quick-guide mechanical ventilator reference for RT's, RCP’s and physicians on the how to set modes, pressures, volumes and flows to achieve the best patient outcomes.



"Every ventilator at Mass Gen and Harvard Med has one of these. I am glad you have your version," he once told me after one of the many AARC International Congress---American Association for Respiratory Care---conventions I’ve attended.

I finally got to give him our home-grown version of Lung Protective Ventilation we fondly call “The Blue Sheet” and a PDF version of my presentation on LPV and synchrony ---in line with his maxim that every ventilator breath (delivered by way of an artificial airway or with a mask) should match and be in synchrony with the patient's needs and efforts. Likewise, the tidal volume (i.e. amount of air per breath) should be kept in the range of 4-8 milliliters per kilogram of predicted body weight.





The goal is to utilize best evidence-based practice in guiding our respiratory decisions and enhance the patient's chances for survival by minimizing and mitigating the risks associated with artificial airways and continuous positive pressure mechanical ventilation.


We, as respiratory therapists, who work alongside pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, cardio-thoracic surgeons, cardio-pulmonary specialists and the multidisciplinary team, owe Mr. Robert Kacmarek a debt of gratitude.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy as researcher, innovator, educator, leader by example and mentor to many in and beyond the world of respiratory therapy.

"You are the expert on respiratory care, and you will be expected to share your expertise. If no one asks for your opinion then you are not necessary," he once challenged his fellow respiratory therapists.

https://youtu.be/0r4nT6JTc4M (VIDEO)

Dr. Robert Michael Kacmarek---the former orderly-oxygen technician-respiratory care practitioner, who along the way became a doctor of psychology and then professor of anesthesiolgy at Harvard Medical School will be missed.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 5, 1949, Robert (Bob) was the son of the late George Sr. and Irene (Horkavy) Kacmarek. Raised and educated in Chicago, Illinois Bob attended Saint Lawrence High School and graduated in 1967. He went on to attend Albert Lea College, University of Chicago, and earned his PhD in Psychology from Northwestern University where he also began his career as a registered respiratory therapist in 1973.

In 1984 at the age of 35, Bob was recruited to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) as Director of Respiratory Care. Under his leadership the Respiratory Care Services grew from an initial dozen therapists to the nearly hundred in the department today.

Bob's academic interest was centered on mechanical ventilation and respiratory physiology. He was among the first to test unconventional ventilation methods including liquid ventilation, high frequency oscillation, tracheal gas insufflation, and ECMO, and he helped to define the role of inhaler drugs including bronchodilators and pulmonary vasodilators (i.e., nitric oxide). Most recently he designed ventilators to optimize and automate controlled ventilation and ventilator weaning that were successfully used at MGH during the COVID-19 pandemic. He directed an active laboratory at MGH and trained more than 50 international fellows, many of whom are now leaders in respiratory medicine in their respective countries. He published more than 300 papers in peer reviewed literature, in addition to over 50 book chapters, and edited or co-edited 20 books.

In 2002, Bob became Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. Bob was a great and resolute educator, spending time to teach at any level - on a 1:1 basis, in a small classroom, or in large international auditoriums. He loved academic discussions and teaching. Bob was passionate about the respiratory care department at MGH and shaped the development of hundreds of respiratory therapists, many of whom are now leading respiratory care in academic institutions as well as industry. Bob was a true leader and respected by everyone at MGH. He always led by example and challenged others around him to be the best they can be.

In an interview discussing the careers of respiratory therapists, he kindly and humbly, but decisively invites future respiratory therapists to follow his example.

"Do not be afraid to take risks, to extend yourself beyond your perceived limits. Nothing will be achieved without a willingness to take that risk. If you are willing to work hard you do not have to be the smartest in the room. I am not, and for my entire career I have not been the brightest in the room, but I have worked harder than anyone else in the room!" (The Coalition Chronicle August 2017).

He was the recipient of numerous awards and just recently was awarded a Lifetime Membership to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California State Society of Respiratory Care, as well as a statute from the California Senate.

Aside from his career, Bob enjoyed traveling, experiencing new cultures, watching football and cooking. A beloved father and grandfather, Bob's greatest joy in life was his family. He was a dear friend and colleague and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is arguably the best-known and most respected respiratory therapist in the world.

In addition to his fiancé Cristina, Bob is survived by his children: Julia Kacmarek and fiance David Lombardo of Canton, Katie (Kacmarek) Johnson and husband James of Lowell, and Callie Kacmarek of Littleton, his siblings; George Kacmarek and wife Marykay of Chicago, IL, Mark Kacmarek and wife Celine of St. Louis, MO, Jeff Kacmarek and wife Kerstin of Ann Arbor, MI, and Deborah Kacmarek of Santa Rosa, CA. Bob is also survived by his two grandchildren, Avery and Adrienne. In addition to his parents, Bob is sadly predeceased in life by his son Robert Scott.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Bob for a period of visitation on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 10:30 am until 1:00 pm in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton.

A graveside service will be held following the visitation at 1:30 pm at Westlawn Cemetery, 7 New Estate Road, Littleton.

The graveside service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend beginning at 1:30 pm EST.

To attend Robert's service remotely please use the link below: 

https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/541147

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's memory to https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/robertkacmare

Source and reference:
http://hosting-6588.tributes.com/obituary/show/Robert-Michael-Kacmarek-108514172

___________________________________________________________________________
Author’s notes:
Our condolences to the Kacmarek family. His wonderful words of wisdom will always ring true. The last time we talked on November 9, 2019 at the wee hours of the morn in New Orleans, Louisiana, I recited his quote from way back, “If no one asks for your opinion then you are not necessary.” I will treasure the “Please, don’t smoke” video message for those who smoke and the ones thinking of starting the use of tobacco.
The signed boxing gloves are from the Philippine boxing community I humbly write for. It tickled me when I found out he once visited the Philippines as a lecturer and a tourist. He also enjoyed watching the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ live via satellite and that he was a fan of Manny Pacquiao.
Keep on punchin’, Doc! See you again sometime…



(L-R) Emmanuel Rivera, BS, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS and the late Dr. Robert Kacmarek, PhD, FCCM, FCCP, FAARC

All photos and videos in this article are from the author.
No copyright is intended.




Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Taylor vs. Serrano Trilogy: Can Amanda Get The Nod?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • BERLANGA-SHEERAZ, STEVENSON-CEPEDA, MORELL-KHATAEV MAKE WEIGHT IN NEW YORK
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • Johnny Spell Takes on Chancellor Batttenberg on Saturday, July 19th at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
    , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Make Weight for Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Under-12 Girls Team Shines Bright, Clinches Multiple Medals at 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Kenneth “Llover Boy” Takes on “El Nica” Concepcion Aug 17 on Gerry Peñalosa’s Show @ the Winford Resort and Casino Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez won’t be Boxing’s best kept secret in 2026
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated Gabriela Tellez Returns July 18 at “Night of Champions” Live on DAZN
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Dushanbe hosts stacked fight card with Bakhodur Usmonov and Christopher Mouafo headlining IBA.Pro 8
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Shakur vs Zepeda & Morrell vs Khataev Fight Analysis
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Peñalosa To Test "Lover Boy" Llover Versus Accomplished Panamanian Veteran Concepcion
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Begins Brandenburg Cup Prep Camp
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Dream Fight: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Puma” Martinez on the Horizon
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Perez vs Vivas Headlines All Star Boxing's Prueba de Fuego Card on July 25
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin Promotions & Ringside Ticket Inc. Present ‘Lopez Vs. Vargas’ Welterweight Battle
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Vegas Fight Experience Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TONY HARRISON
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • FIGHT EMPIRE! TUAZON, ADOR, DE BARBO, JOMAR, AND MORE ARE READY FOR ACTION IN BRICO SANTIG'S EXCITING SHOW JULY 12 IN THAILAND
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Shakur Stevenson and David Morrell Face "Crossroad Fights" This Saturday in Queens
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin’s “Mayhem in Music City 2” to Feature Undefeated Vic Hernandez Facing Jayvon Garnett for NABA & Jr. NABF Featherweight Championships
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • James Perkins & Anthony Andreozzi Headlines “Oceanside Prize Fights”
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • GORST PURSUES GOLDEN GLORY IN JEDDAH, DEFENDING WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN SAUDI ARABIA, 21–26 JULY
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Hovhannisyan and Barrientes Set for High-Stakes Showdowns July 18 on DAZN
    , Tue, 08 Jul 2025
  • UNBEATEN PROSPECT KENNETH LLOVER TO FACE FORMER TWO-DIVISION CHAMPION LUIS CONCEPCION IN MANILA
    , Mon, 07 Jul 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.