That's Why We're Here - Amber Miller, Cardiac Rehab

What is your role and department?
I am a clinical exercise physiologist in the Cardiac Rehab department.

What does a typical day look like in your position?
On our cardiac rehab days, we have 6 classes of patients. Patients participate in medically supervised and EKG monitored exercise focused on increasing their cardiovascular endurance and heart health after a heart event or heart surgery. We also provide lifestyle modification education on decreasing heart and vascular risk factors. Each patient is different, and requires an individualized plan to help them reach their goals. We also spend time doing education with heart and vascular inpatients, and scheduling new patients.

How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been at WRMC for 4 years, and I have been in the same position the whole time.

Why did you choose your profession? Have you always wanted to do it?
I chose my profession because I always knew I wanted to go into the healthcare field and be in a position where I could help people get back to doing the things they love after some type of event. In college, I had the opportunity to shadow in a cardiac rehab facility and I knew pretty quickly that pursuing this profession was a good fit for me.

How do you and your department help our patients get/stay healthier?
Our department is focused on helping our patients increase their cardiovascular endurance and heart health after a heart event or surgery. We always provide lifestyle modification education on decreasing heart and vascular risk factors, as well as education on their diagnosis and how to manage their chronic diseases.

What motivates you to come back to work every day?
It's simple. My patients! I enjoy helping them to live a healthier lifestyle, reach their goals and get them back to the things they love!

What’s new in your department? Are there any new technologies being utilized?
We utilize our fitness facilities Technogym system for prescribing exercise programs for our cardiac rehab patients.

If you weren’t in cardiac rehab, what would you want to do/be?
If I wasn't a clinical exercise physiologist in cardiac rehab, I would want to be a nurse. I wouldn't want to be doing anything other than helping patients.

What are some of your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing and bowling, crafting, and spending time with my 2 dogs and husband.

What is your favorite local gem in the Watertown area? (Example: Restaurant, park, activity)
I have lived in Watertown for the last few years and my favorite local gem is Berres Brothers Coffee! One of the things I love most is coffee, and nothing beats all the different flavors of coffee this hometown coffee shop has!