Tonja Bell, MS, CCRP, FAACVPR

 Daniel Forman, MD

Debbie Koehl, MS, RRT, AE-C, FAARC

Professional background

• More than 30 years in cardiac and pulmonary rehab

• Cardiology and Geriatrics (double-boarded)
• Specializing in Geriatric Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation
• 30+ years in practice

• Registered respiratory therapist, in the field for 45 years

I knew I wanted to work in CR/PR when...

• I was asked to develop a new CR and PR program building from the ground up. What a rewarding experience that was both a challenge and educational!

• I saw that cardiac rehabilitation could not only help adults benefit from reduced cardiac events and cardiac mortality, but also with improved confidence, independence, and quality of life. 

• The position for program coordinator for pulmonary rehab was posted in our respiratory care department. I have always loved patient education and I wanted to get back to a role that included more involvement in patient care. This new position included developing the program from the start. It was a great opportunity and a good fit for my skill set. Since then, I have not looked back!

I wanted to serve on the AACVPR Board of Directors because...

• AACVPR is an exceptionally strong organization with numerous amazing people who think outside the box

• I wanted to help cardiopulmonary rehabilitation evolve to better serve an aging and increasingly complex patient population

• I have a strong belief that you should be involved in your professional organization(s). I had a great mentor in Trina Limberg, who introduced me to committee work, and I have been able to grow within the organization.

I am passionate about...

• Doing what is right and fighting for the needs of our patients

• Helping older adults adults live better (increasing healthspan), not simply longer, using exercise, rehabilitation, lifestyle, person-centered cardiovascular care, and novel pharmaceutical options (gerotherapeutics)

• Encouraging students and professionals to engage in their professional organizations no matter which organization it is. I believe it is a way to learn and grow. You also can gain many professional friends and colleagues, who can be great resources and allow you to share experiences.

I have a reputation for being...

• Inquisitive. I'm always asking questions!

• Persistent, collaborative, and unwilling to accept that age or frailty should limit someone’s potential for recovery

• A person who volunteers for committees and activities at the hospital and beyond!

My proudest professional moment was...

• About 20 years ago, when we had a 38-year-old marathon runner who cardiac arrested with two miles to go in his race. Six months later he, his wife, another co-worker, and I crossed the finish line together in his first post cardiac event half marathon. The challenge was more mental than physical to bounce back, but it was an exceptional journey! And yes, he is still running today!

• From seeing older adults who initially doubted that they could exercise regain enough strength and confidence to reclaim parts of their lives they had assumed were lost 

• From coordinating an asthma camp for kids for 39 years, one of the most satisfying volunteer activities I have ever done. I was able to recruit students to help, and many became yearly volunteers. Each year, we developed new asthma education activities. We went from doing aerosol treatments many times a day (I lost count of how many each week) to the development of “Advair” and better management of the kids. I have watched many of our asthma kids go from campers to counselors in training to counselors to BOD members of the camp as well as employees of the camp. I am still a BOD member of the camp, and I go back each year to help my nurse colleague the week she works at camp.

People might be surprised to learn...

• I have had a fortunate experience of living on a boat in the Caribbean. To meet so many wonderful islanders and cultures while enjoying a simpler way of life puts true value on what is important.

• I am beginning a new professional chapter in Maryland in large part so that my wife, Jenn, and I can be closer to our daughter and grandchildren.

• I have had a pet dog (or two) all of my life since I was in 6^th grade. 

Outside of work, you can find me...

• In the ocean

• Spending time with my wife Jenn and our family; traveling to London to see our daughters (who live there); running or exercising daily; and/or working on our seemingly endless list of home projects

• Enjoying live music (preferably at an outside venue), reading a book, planning some type of outing with family or friends, or going to Indy Car races with my husband and grown kids

One day I want to...

• Watch my nephew play college soccer live in person!

• Take the entire family on a memorable multigenerational trip in Europe

• Take a trip to Slovenia, which is my husband’s family country of origin

A quote, title, lyric, or other pop culture reference that describes me is...

• “The ocean made me salty”

• "The Long and Winding Road"

• "It’s 5 o’clock somewhere"