Dr. Jithin Sreedharan
New respiratory therapy head brings global vision
The new head of the respiratory therapy (RT) department at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences comes with a unique distinction – he’s been recognized by the American Association for Respiratory Care as the first person in the world to hold three degrees in RT, including a PhD.
Dr. Jithin Sreedharan started his five-year term as department head on Nov. 24. He received the PhD from the Srinivas University in Mangalore, India.
Before joining UM, he served as assistant professor and head of the RT department at the University of Doha for Science and Technology in Qatar for two years. He spent over a decade at the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences in Saudi Arabia, serving in multiple leadership and academic roles.
He also has extensive clinical experience in Singapore and in his home country, India.
Sreedharan is considered an RT pioneer in India and was a founding member of the Indian Association of Respiratory Care, where he helped launch the Indian Journal of Respiratory Care. He also served as governor representing India on the International Council for Respiratory Care from 2020 to 2023.
He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications, 14 book chapters, and is currently editor and co-editor of two forthcoming books focused on allied health education and respiratory care.
We recently spoke with Sreedharan about his vision for the RT department.
How did you get started in your career?
Respiratory therapy was fairly unknown in India in 2004, when I started my bachelor’s degree. The first training programs were established in 1995, so it was still a new stream. Many people did not know what it was. I was posted in one of the emergency departments and that gave me a lot of opportunities and hands-on experience. I met with researchers that gave me a real interest to go further in the profession. Gradually, I started realizing that there was a real need for progression of the career.
What attracted you to come to UM for this next chapter?
I decided to join the university because of the uniqueness of the RT program, its strong legacy spanning many decades, and the opportunities it offers for the future. This is the only university in Canada offering an English-language bachelor’s degree in RT, making it an ideal foundation for developing advanced programs such as a master’s or PhD, with significant visibility and impact.
Respiratory therapists are in extremely high demand in the region, with an expanding scope of practice and significant research potential. There is tremendous opportunity to develop degree advancement options, micro-credentialing and specialty tracks. When the dean, Dr. Reg Urbanowski, shared his vision for the program, I was immediately inspired, and this was further reinforced through my interactions with the broader leadership team and the exceptional faculty.
What vision do you have for the department?
My vision is to enhance our global visibility, increase research output and elevate the program as a referral centre for excellence in respiratory care.
I aim to empower our faculty, providing guidance and inspiration for research at all levels – from foundational studies to high-impact projects. By doing so, we will bring recognition to our faculty, attract collaborations with internationally renowned universities and position our department as a hub for innovation in respiratory care.
Increasing awareness of RT as a career is also a key priority. Many people outside the health-care system are unfamiliar with the profession, and I want to highlight the opportunities it offers, particularly among Indigenous communities, demonstrating the potential for fulfilling and impactful careers.
Collaboration will be central to achieving this vision. I plan to work closely with Manitoba’s clinical community, leveraging their expertise to support clinician-led research and community-based initiatives. This will also open avenues for research grants, funding opportunities and resource development, directly benefiting clinicians, students and communities.