Welcome to Gustavus Adolphus College’s Student Stories Series!
Intern at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic & Live Well Fitness Center
Major: Exercise Physiology
What was/is your career opportunity/experience (i.e. internship, shadowing experience, research)?
In this internship, I will be working within the cardiac rehabilitation department at River’s Edge Hospital, following the treatment plans prescribed to the individuals who come into the clinic. I will be under the supervision of the employees, aiding them in whatever way they see fit. As well, I will be helping with their “Rock Steady Boxing” classes and other exercise classes that are offered by the clinic.
How did you get the opportunity/experience? What steps did you take to achieve this?
I was shown this experience from my advisor, Stephanie Otto. I was interested in completing an internship related to the field of Exercise Physiology, but was unable to find an internship to apply to. I applied, and then was selected to participate in this internship. While at River’s Edge, I had the opportunity to be an active part of the patients Cardiac Rehabilitation cycle. This included reading EKG strips, recording blood pressure, and providing patients with education on Heart Health and Nutrition.
Tell us more about your accomplishment.
This experience will allow me to obtain patient care hours and shadowing hours for my application to Physical Therapy schools. I plan on attending a Doctor of Physical Therapy program after my time at Gustavus. This internship will help me grow in my patient interaction skills, develop professional relationships with employees, as well as help me grow in my knowledge of the general Therapy field. I will become more aware of how I see myself fitting into the healthcare field at the conclusion of my time at Gustavus and in schooling.
Who were some of the people who helped you most at Gustavus to get this opportunity? What did you learn from them?
I was shown this opportunity by Stephanie Otto. She encouraged me to apply, due to past Gusties completing this internship as well as Gustie Alumni working in this clinic.
How did the Engaged Learning Funds help you be able to complete this experience?
The Engaged Learning Fund allowed me to travel to and from this experience! This experience was 25 minutes each way from my house, so having the ability to travel to this experience each day was much appreciated.
How have you applied things you’ve learned here at Gustavus to this opportunity? (i.e., Career & Self Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology)
I was able to apply skills such as professionalism, through my patient interactions, critical thinking, teamwork, and become a more effective communicator in the healthcare field.
