Tori Vollema

Responsibilities

During my internship, I assisted with Phase II cardiac rehab operations. This involved taking blood pressures, heart rates, and oxygen saturation levels; hooking up patients to ECG monitors and monitoring rhythm and heart rate during exercises; and assisting with daily reports of exercise sessions, patient data information, and billing. I also assisted with operations of Ornish Lifestyle Medicine cohorts. I helped with exercise sessions. I also set up rooms for group support, yoga, and lecture sessions. I was able to help with the administrative side of the Ornish program as well: creating folders, typing letters, and other tasks. I was able to observe the Phase I education and discharge of cardiac patients. I had the opportunity to watch a cardiac catheterization and a coronary bypass surgery.

Accomplishments

I was able to build relationships and trust with the patients at the clinic. Most of the patients knew my name and felt comfortable asking me questions. I got to see the direct effect exercise and healthy living has on people, and I was able to be a small part of it.

What advice would you give?

Take every opportunity you can to experience your passions. Take ownership of your internship, job, or class. You will get out what you put in to whatever you do. There is so much to learn in every opportunity.