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Member Testimonials

I have really relied on UPCRA and AACVPR for updates on outpatient PPS requirements, expansion of coverage diagnoses for cardiac rehab and their interpretation of how these would affect our patients and our program. They also help me stay informed about new advances and trends in cardiac rehab. In a small rural hospital without cardiologists and other cardiac pulmonary specialties this is especially important.

Jamie Hillesland, OTR/L
Northwood Deaconess Center, Northwood, ND

The reason I joined UPCRA is that when I first started our CR program, I felt I needed to learn as much as I could about Rehab and I felt this was the way to do it. Since I joined I found that it is absolutely crucial to be a member. I learned almost everything from these people and I am forever grateful for their help.

Mary Hart RRT, Cardiac Rehab
Madison Community Hospital, Madison, SD

I would just like to add that if it were not for the encouragement and confidence of Julie Fieldsend, Paula Hill and Kathy Ritter, I would have been content to remain in the shadows (I am not a person who likes to draw attention to myself), and quietly go about my business. Benefits? Yes, but the benefits of being on the Program committee and being President of UPCRA have offered so much more - meeting people close by and nationally I never would have known otherwise - learning so much more about cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and UPCRA - earning the respect from so many people I am not sure I deserve. The list goes on . . .

Thanks for the opportunity, UPCRA members!

Kathy Nehlich

When I took the challenge of becoming Director of Cardiac Rehab four years ago, I had knowledge of cardiac rehab but not an understanding of the cardiac rehab program itself. Our program operates in a small rural hospital and our cardiac rehab staff consists of one part-time RN and myself. We have very limited access to information about cardiac rehab because of budget constraints and geographic location. The main way we have overcome this is through membership in the Upper Plains Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Association or UPCRA.

I received a brochure for a workshop on the subject of cardiac rehab four years ago sponsored by UPCRA. I was impressed with the education presented and the fellowship of others who work in Cardiac rehab throughout the region. I have been a member of UPCRA for four years and currently serve on the Board of Directors. The caliber of educational topics and professionalism at the semi-annual workshops continues to be top notch and very motivating. Being able to learn about changes and discuss these changes with others in the realm of cardiac rehab has been the best thing I can offer to my program and patients. Without my membership in UPCRA, I would not be able to accomplish that.

Annie Kloos, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Deuel County Memorial Hospital, Clear Lake, SD