As a respiratory therapist licensed in the U.S. and a previous ENT doctor, I have witnessed the profound impact respiratory ailments can have when early intervention is inaccessible. From healthcare facilities in Moscow to respiratory departments in Florida, one consistent observation is that marginalized communities—whether due to location or socioeconomic status—bear the greatest burden. Throughout the nation, millions of individuals suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses such as COPD and asthma lack regular access to qualified respiratory therapies. As the demographic shifts and healthcare expenses escalate, we must re-evaluate our care delivery methods. I am convinced that remote robotics and AI-driven tools present a feasible way forward.

The challenge of respiratory access in the U.S.

Chronic respiratory conditions rank among the top contributors to mortality and disability in the U.S. The CDC reports that roughly 16 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD, with millions more potentially undiagnosed. These statistics are troublingly higher in rural and impoverished areas. According to a report from the American Thoracic Society, numerous counties across the U.S. lack any registered respiratory therapists. For individuals living in these regions, the closest hospital or clinic could be hours away—and even then, they may not have daily access to respiratory therapy.

This lack of access leads to repeated hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and long-lasting complications—all of which could largely be avoided with prompt outpatient care and pulmonary rehabilitation. These preventable expenses also exert substantial strain on public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which serve the majority of those impacted by chronic respiratory ailments.

A technology-based remedy: Remote robotic respiratory therapy

To tackle this pressing issue, I created a remote, at-home respiratory therapy platform. This groundbreaking method integrates wearable sensors, AI-informed treatment plans, and robotic delivery of therapy. The objective is straightforward yet impactful: To make high-quality respiratory therapy accessible to patients who cannot receive it regularly due to geographical, mobility, or resource limitations.

With this system, patients are able to obtain customized therapy protocols from the comfort of their homes while their respiratory health is monitored continuously through wearable technology. The platform can identify early indicators of exacerbation, suggest interventions, and notify healthcare providers when clinical evaluation is warranted. This model not only enhances patient adherence and outcomes but also minimizes avoidable hospitalizations—particularly for those with COPD, asthma, or post-COVID complications.

This technology aims to enhance, not substitute, human care. It equips respiratory therapists with the necessary tools to amplify their expertise across different regions, lessen travel challenges, and concentrate their efforts on the most urgent cases.

In line with national priorities

The U.S. healthcare framework is on the brink of change. Federal entities such as CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) are emphasizing home-centric care, digital health equity, and innovations aimed at lowering systemic costs. Telehealth adoption has skyrocketed, and the 2022 National Strategy on Chronic Disease explicitly advocates for scalable, technology-oriented strategies to address and prevent illness among underserved communities.

This remote model is in direct alignment with such objectives. It empowers patients to manage their health conditions with respect in their own homes, supports the nationwide shift towards value-based healthcare, and employs data-driven tools to enhance health outcomes. Amidst increasing demands and workforce shortages, adaptable solutions such as this can bridge the gap—particularly in areas lacking sufficient licensed respiratory professionals.

A dedication to national impact

I came to the United States motivated by the potential for technology to address genuine health challenges. I have sought licensing, training, and now innovation to contribute to a system I respect. Through my role as a respiratory therapist and my continuous efforts to develop and improve this platform, I am dedicated to bettering lives—not just in one hospital, but across communities that are frequently overlooked.

I believe that the future of respiratory care will be remote, adaptive, and robotic. By uniting clinical knowledge with advanced technology, we can extend the reach of compassionate, high-quality care far beyond conventional hospital settings.

*Evgeny Ignatov* is a respiratory therapist and former otolaryngologist.