By Maria Buckley, PhD, representing the Psychosocial and Nutrition Experts Group | October 10, 2018
The 33rd AACVPR Annual Meeting drew an impressive group of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals from the United States and abroad. The conference was a testament to the premium the organization places on the highest-quality science-based practice in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
AACVPR values members across all disciplines and career stages. This year’s presenters ranged from impressive early-career investigators, to experienced practitioners and scientists, to esteemed leaders in the field. The dedicated meeting time allotted to support young professionals reflects AACVPR’s vision that the future of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation rests largely on emerging experts.
The Annual Meeting is a shining example of AACVPR’s welcoming, energetic, positive and collaborative spirit. The association’s appreciation of volunteer service is evident in the respectful, mentoring approach to inducting new members serving on various committees, work groups and projects. Moreover, AACVPR takes the time and effort to seek feedback from its members to recognize many individuals who have made significant contributions to the association across multiple disciplines, affiliates and programs at several awards ceremonies at the Meeting. The enthusiasm, caring and scientific rigor that permeated the event clearly reflect the committed, compassionate, evidence-based and team-oriented approach that our patients experience on a daily basis in each of our cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
On a personal note, AACVPR has been, by far, the most valuable professional organization that I have joined in my career as a pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation psychologist. The association has offered me myriad opportunities to learn, grow, contribute and introduce behavioral medicine psychology residents to this outstanding organization. All of my fellow colleagues within AACVPR committees, leadership and work groups have been tremendously supportive and knowledgeable, and they have improved my practice. My involvement in AACVPR is possible due to my good fortune of being embedded in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs at The Miriam Hospital with the full support of program and hospital administration. I strongly encourage members at all career levels to seek opportunities to share their knowledge and expertise at upcoming national AACVPR and state affiliate conferences to continue to strengthen our service to our cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients who place their trust in us to improve and empower their lives.
It is with curiosity and anticipation that I am looking forward to reuniting with this phenomenal group of AACVPR members and learning more about the latest updates in science and practice in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at the 34th AACVPR Annual Meeting in 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Mark your calendars now for Sept. 18-21, 2019!