By Anna Horner | News & Views

During AACVPR’s 2025 Day on the Hill (DOTH) on March 4, AACVPR President-Elect Stacey Greenway, MA, MPH, MAACVPR, ACSM-CEP (pictured third from left), joined Amy Birling, MHA, ACSM CEP, CCRP (first from left), and Audrey Hammond, BSN, RN, CCRP (second from left), in meetings with congressional staffers representing their state of North Carolina. Their mission: to advocate for legislation that would help ensure cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs are available to all patients who need them. In this Q&A, learn the value of participating in DOTH, the benefits of AACVPR leadership advocating side by side with members, and tips to help make your future DOTH experience a rewarding one.

Stacey, can you tell us more about the AACVPR Board of Directors’ leadership style? 

Greenway: Our hands-on approach sets an example for cardiopulmonary rehab professionals about the importance of involvement and the difference we can all make when we are involved.

How do you use your position on the Board to encourage participation in DOTH?

Greenway: This is my eleventh year participating in DOTH — my position on the Board of Directors has only strengthened my passion around the need to advocate for our patients and our programs.

What makes you want to put “boots on the ground” at DOTH? 

Greenway: DOTH allows us to put our passion for our profession into action.  It allows us to raise awareness about the importance of our services and our ability to positively impact the health of the communities we serve.

Birling: I have dedicated over twenty years to cardiac rehabilitation and am a passionate advocate for its benefits. My commitment stems from personal experience — both my father and grandfather were affected by cardiovascular disease. My grandfather passed away from a heart attack, which inspired me to help others. Later, my father underwent bypass surgery and participated in cardiac rehab, where I witnessed firsthand its incredible impact. I firmly believe everyone should have access to this life-changing program. To make that a reality, I am committed to advocating for increased access at the highest level — by reaching out to our lawmakers!

Hammond: In one word: curiosity. I heard about the DOTH event and wondered if it would feel worthwhile. I’m happy to say it exceeded my expectations. I enjoy seeing the big picture and understanding how all the pieces of a complex system fit together. This experience is a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions made in Washington, D.C., impact my patients and my career.

What is your favorite thing about DOTH? 

Greenway: Being surrounded by colleagues who are just as excited about our advocacy efforts as I am.  There is nothing like the positive boost after DOTH, when you feel that you are making a difference.

Birling: My favorite thing is being surrounded by incredible, passionate advocates of cardiac and pulmonary rehab — those with years of experience and those just beginning their journey. It’s inspiring to witness their dedication and leadership, and there’s nothing more exciting than feeling the energy and enthusiasm they bring!

Hammond: It sounds kind of cheesy, but it felt surprisingly patriotic. Access to our elected officials is vital, and I was reassured to be part of that process all day long. We are healthcare workers meeting with the staff of senators and representatives to discuss what their voters need. I’m pretty sure our founders would be proud of us!

Audrey, how did having a member of leadership on your team add to your DOTH experience?

Hammond: Having Stacey there to “show me the ropes” was invaluable to my first DOTH experience. I felt at ease knowing she was experienced and was there to guide me through the process.

What did you learn from attending meetings with Stacey that you can apply to your next DOTH experience?

Birling: Stacey is an outstanding advocate for cardiac and pulmonary rehab. Her deep knowledge shines through in her conversations with staffers, as she navigates the process with professionalism and confidence. She effortlessly engages in discussions and seamlessly brings us into the conversation, ensuring our stories are heard and make an impact. I have such admiration and respect for what she has done for cardiac and pulmonary rehab, and what she continues to do on a daily basis.

Hammond: I was nervous at first! After listening to Stacey lead the first couple of meetings, I quickly realized that all you really need to do is talk about your patients and your program. It’s not complicated. Walk into the meeting confident that what you have to discuss is important, and you are good to go.

How do you prepare in advance for DOTH? 

Greenway: I educate myself about the bills that are being discussed, schedule meetings with the offices we will visit, prep any new DOTH participants, and answer their questions.

Birling: I collect and prepare patient stories to share, highlighting their powerful impact. I review the DOTH information documents, marking key points for discussion. Additionally, I research the legislators we will meet with, identifying their priorities and connecting them to the importance of cardiac and pulmonary rehab.

Hammond: We started making calls to the congressional and senate offices about three weeks prior to DOTH to book the appointments. Usually, it takes more than one call, with a couple of follow-up emails. I also reviewed the DOTH information on the AACVPR website, so I was up to date on the issues we would be addressing with our representatives.  

Why do you think other members should attend DOTH?

Birling: I think members should attend DOTH to see the advocacy efforts of AACVPR and its members and become empowered to be a part of the process of increasing access to cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab!

Hammond: As healthcare workers, it can feel as though we are at the mercy of large establishments and systems that either don’t understand or care what we do. Participating in DOTH is a great reminder that we are not powerless. The items you will address in D.C. will have a direct benefit to your patients, your program, and your profession.  

What are some tips that you would give to a first-time DOTH attendee?

Greenway:

• Seek out the assistance of seasoned DOTH attendees — there is lots of support, you just need to ask.
• Remember that you are the expert — bring your stories about the difference your program made in a patient’s life and your passion about the impact cardiopulmonary rehab has on the healthcare system.
• Bring your curiosity about how our government works and how you can influence it.

Birling:

• Don't be nervous — YOU are the expert in cardiac and pulmonary rehab. Share your personal experiences — no one can tell your story better than you!
• Prepare patient stories to share with staffers. Real-life experiences make a powerful impact.
• Lean on previous attendees for guidance. They are incredibly knowledgeable, always willing to help, and so encouraging!
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be on your feet more than you think!

Hammond:

• You’ll hear it from others, but I’ll say it again: Wear comfortable shoes! It’s a full day on your feet.
• You don’t have to understand all the technicalities of passing a House resolution! The staff you meet with know how that works. They just need to know why it is important. You provide the why. You get to brag about your patients and your cardiac rehab program. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explain how much we help people and stand up for why our work matters.
• Don’t let politics hold you back from participating in DOTH. Dare I say it’s a bit of a crazy world in government currently? Few things feel like bipartisan efforts when reading the news. Despite our differences, we must work together. My experiences on the Hill were all positive. I left with a sense that all the staff are committed to listening to our requests and truly want to help the people in their district.

For more information about DOTH, visit the AACVPR website. We hope to see you there in 2026!