My time as an intern at The Miriam Hospital’s Center for Cardiac Fitness has been a wonderful and educational experience.  My responsibilities during a typical day allowed me to not just observe the care given to the people who participated in classes and programs throughout the day, but also to be involved with their care in conjunction with the staff.  I have learned how to help people recover from cardiac events and become healthier after being diagnosed with heart conditions or pulmonary disease.  I have also gained hands on skills while working with patients during stress tests and intake sessions, as well as in rehabilitation classes.  While working with people during their rehabilitation, the knowledge I have gained regarding both cardiac disease and pulmonary disease will be valuable as I move forward pursuing a career in medicine.

     Included in this section is the progress I have made in regards to accomplishing the professional objectives I set out to meet at the begining of my internship.  These objectives include information about heart rhythms, the challenges of being diagnosed with a new condition, the benefits of exercise, and risk stratification methods.   

     A special thanks is due to all the patients who shared their stories with me, allowing me to learn from them and build relationships with them.  I also couldn’t thank the staff enough for the guidance they provided during my learning experience.  Working alongside these professionals gave me an opportunity to learn and grow as a young professional myself, something I am extremely grateful for.  My overall experience as an intern has been a positive one, thank you to all who have given me this opportunity.