News
Martens assumes cardiac rehabilitation & stress testing duties at CPMC
Teresa Martens, registered respiratory therapist at Colorado Plains Medical Center, has recently assumed the management responsibilities of the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and stress tests. The reorganization came after the departure of Danielle Kammermeier, exercise physiologist, who took a position in Minnesota.
“We feel that Teresa’s experience and expertise in this area will allow for a smooth transition with little disruption of services,” notes Michael Anaya, Chief Executive Officer at CPMC.
Martens has worked at CPMC for nine years and in September of 2005 was appointed the manager of the hospital’s respiratory care department. She has 22 years of experience as a respiratory therapist and has worked in several areas of healthcare, including acute and critical care, home health, and the durable medical supply equipment industry. Prior to her employment at CPMC, Martens worked in larger healthcare facilities including Rose, Mercy Medical, St. Joseph’s and University Hospitals.
Respiratory therapy includes management of airways, promotion of lung health and education and taking care of the breathing and respiratory functions of patient populations ranging from neonatal to geriatric in age.
“It is very common in many other hospitals to combine these services under a cardio-pulmonary department. The heart and lungs work hand-in-hand and combining these services allows for optimal care. I am excited to work not only with Dr. Khalid Ismail, pulmonologist, but also to work more closely with Dr. Ahmad Shihabi, cardiologist at CPMC, with the patient’s plan of care,” states Martens.
The cardiac rehabilitation services were previously housed under the direction of the Center of Rehabilitation and Wellness at CPMC. The Center continues to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
The hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation services encompass Holter and event monitor management; cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation classes; and stress tests including exercise and pharmalogical induced testing with and without nuclear scans.
Ken Tapia, RN and 28-year nurse veteran, is completing specialized cardiac rehabilitation training and will soon be teaching and supervising cardiac rehabilitation therapy classes. CPMC plans to re-establish the daily cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation classes as soon as his training is complete. The rehabilitation classes typically comprise a 12- week program that includes medical evaluation, prescribed exercise, nutritional counseling, and education. Upon graduation from the program, an individual may continue in the elective adult fitness program. The adult fitness classes have and will continue to be offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the hospital.
Tapia has spent half of his professional career as a nurse at CPMC and has taken care of patients in ICU, Med/Surg, and Acute Rehabilitation.
For scheduling of stress tests or questions regarding cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, contact Martens at 542-3385 or Tapia at 542-3381.