Get to Know HFC: Kim Najarian enjoys mentoring others and serving patients

HFC Respiratory Therapist Program Director Kim Najarian has been a respiratory therapist since 1982.

“Respiratory therapy is a fulfilling career, allowing you to work in all the different areas of a hospital – from premature babies to geriatric individuals,” said Najarian. “You often find yourself helping in life-and-death situations. It’s very rewarding to make a difference in someone’s health.”

Intrigued by the prospect of giving back to patients

Born in Detroit, Najarian is the middle of three and the eldest daughter. She resides in White Lake with David, her husband of 24 years, who is a weld design engineer. They have two children, ages 23 and 21.

Najarian graduated from West Bloomfield High School. She earned both her associate degree in respiratory therapy and her bachelor’s degree in allied health from Mercy College of Detroit (now the University of Detroit Mercy). She later earned her master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University and is a licensed respiratory therapist through the state of Michigan. Najarian is fluent in English and conversational in Armenian and Spanish.

During her early college days, a friend informed Najarian about respiratory therapy, which piqued her interest.

“I was intrigued by the prospect of giving back to patients and helping them in whatever way I could,” recalled Najarian.

From mentoring to college-level teaching

In her 40+ years as a respiratory therapist, Najarian has worked at several hospitals:

• Pontiac General Hospital
• Crittenton Hospital (now Henry Ford Rochester Hospital)
• William Beaumont Hospital (now Corewell Health Royal Oak)
• Providence Park Hospital (now Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital)

Teaching became a natural extension for Najarian.

“I was always assigned students to mentor and then became an educator in a hospital setting,” she said. “From there, I gravitated toward college-level teaching.”

For several years, she taught at Oakland Community College. She has been at HFC since 2012.

“Two of my old college classmates learned about the teaching position at HFC. Both of them recommended that I apply for it, telling me I’d be a perfect fit,” recalled Najarian.

“Kim is dedicated to equipping students with a solid foundation in science and applied science concepts, emphasizing the critical importance of respiratory therapy as a fundamental allied health discipline,” said HFC Director of Health, Education, and Human Services Dr. Cristina Bailey. “Her unwavering commitment is evident daily, as she's often the first person in the School of Health and Human Services offices, diligently preparing for classes, refining curriculum, and leading her program with passion.”

Best prepared graduates in the state

HFC's Respiratory Therapist program is highly respected and its graduates are recruited across the state. The program has received eight Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success awards from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and has achieved an overall job placement of 100%.

“We expect the best from our students. We strive to make them the best prepared students when entering this field. We often get feedback from employers that HFC students are the best-prepared when they go to their clinical rotations,” said Najarian.

For Najarian, the best part of her job is the people – her students and her colleagues.

“I really enjoy seeing the students shine and do well. I’m happy when they return and tell me how prepared they were for their jobs, thanks to this program. It’s even more rewarding when I see past students moving up into leadership roles," she said. “I also love all my colleagues. It’s fun bouncing new ideas off them. I am blessed to be working alongside (HFC Director of Clinical Education of the Respiratory Therapy Program) Teena Culhane to make our program the best it can be.”

Culhane has worked with Najarian since 2021.

“From the time I first met her, Kim was and continues to be an amazing mentor,” said Culhane. “She offered her expertise, knowledge, guidance, and always assured me that she was there to support me. As Program Director, she always includes me in the decision-making process pertaining to the RT program and values my opinions, suggestions, and ideas to enhance and to grow our program. We have a wonderful partnership based on mutual respect, communication, and shared goals.”