Receives National Recertification

Members of the Regional Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program are from left, Kay Berry, RN, program nurse; Theresa Bramblett, CRT, respiratory care practitioner; Lisa LaCroix, RD, LD, program dietitian; Vicky Yandle, RN, BSN, program coordinator; and Terri Rash, RN, BSN, program nurse.

The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties (RMC) was recently awarded national recertification for its Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). RMC’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is one of only five in the state to receive this prestigious certification.

”We are very pleased to receive this recognition of the cardiac rehabilitation services we provide for the community,” commented Trudy Wingard, RN, BSN, Director of Cardiovascular and Imaging Services at RMC. “Cardiac rehabilitation is a vital part of operating a well-rounded, recognized center of excellence in cardiac care.”

The three-year, national certification ensures that RMC’s program meets national quality standards for its services. To receive the certification, the program was judged on its management, personnel, documentation and patient care.

“This certification sets us apart as one of the very few programs in South Carolina that is certified by the AACVPR,” Wingard noted. “RMC’s Cardiac Rehab staff has extensive experience and knowledge in exercise and education. Their dedication to the participants in the program is evidenced through the many compliments received from them. We continue to receive referrals for our program and look forward to providing this quality service to our community and surrounding areas.”

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Coordinator Vicky Yandle, RN, BSN added, “RMC’s Center for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation is an outstanding outpatient program for patients with heart disease, and it is satisfying to receive acknowledgement of our hard work from such a reputable organization as the AACVPR. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department aims to deliver the highest level of service to our community. Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program first sought and received certification in 2006, and at that time we were one of eight in the state to receive this designation.”

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program at RMC is designed to meet the needs of the individual patient, depending upon the specific heart problem and medical profile. The rehabilitation process is supervised by the patient’s physician and a team of cardiac professionals. The goal of RMC’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is to help patients regain and maintain their maximum quality of life through carefully monitored physical conditioning in a supportive environment.


Founded in 1985, AACVPR is the premier professional organization dedicated to development of its members who are involved in the profession of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The AACVPR is a national, multi-disciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry, and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve.