What do you do for a living?

I am a Cardiac Rehab Exercise Therapist working in the Cardiac Rehab Program at Halton Healthcare – Milton District Hospital.  I am certified with the American College of Sports Medicine as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.  I work with a multi-disciplinary team including cardiologists, nurses, kinesiologists, a dietitian and a social worker.  Our mission is to assist people in recovering from a cardiac event (heart attack or heart surgery) and making positive heart healthy lifestyle choices.  

In cardiac rehab I prescribe and supervise exercise programs. I also advise patients on risk factors related to heart disease.  This includes smoking cessation, blood pressure monitoring, following a health diet and managing blood sugars and cholesterol levels as well as managing stress.  The goal is to help people live a healthy lifestyle and improve their heart health.

What was your career path that got you to your current position?

I was inspired to start a career in Cardiac Rehab by my father.  Following heart surgery, he was referred to a CR program.  I attended the CR education class with him and thought that it would be a great job for me!  I already had 2 degrees – Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Arts Sociology.  This gave me the background in health and exercise as well as emotional health.  I wanted to learn more about the heart, diagnostic testing for heart disease and follow up care for heart disease so I went back to school.  I attended Mohawk College and the Cardiology Technology program.  I now also teach in the program!

My first job in healthcare was at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga as a Cardiology Technologist in 2001.  I conducted diagnostic tests including ECG, Stress Tests and Holter monitoring.  I also helped out in the Cardiac Rehab program.  This was my true passion and I became full-time in Cardiac Rehab in 2003.   We had very few women referred to our program.   I wanted to help the women connect and to learn how their experience may be different then the men in the program. I facilitated a monthly ‘Women’s Group’.  Each session would include different topics like, friendships, goal-setting, exercising and gratitude.  The women in the group became fast friends and good supports for one another.

What is your interest in women’s heart health and what made you decide to pursue a career related to it?

My job at Milton Hospital is very exercise class focused.  I wanted to expand my knowledge and use my skills to improve the lives of women experiencing heart health challenges.  I found the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance - CWHHA.  I am very happy to be involved with so many amazing healthcare professionals and women with lived experience.  I believe we are making a difference and are improving the lives of women in Canada.   

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

In 5 to 10 years, I will be eligible to retire.  I hope to still be involved with the CWHHA.  I think I will still be teaching aqua fit classes – another of my many jobs!  I hope to travel more.

What advice would you share with someone in high school (or college/university) looking to pursue a career in women’s heart health?

My advice, to students starting University or College is to be open to opportunities and commit to life long learning.  Your schooling can start you with one career and then take you to a new career that you didn’t even know was possible.  I thought I would be a swim coach. I was for awhile. I was a lifeguard too.  Then I worked with young offenders in a maximum-security facility.  Changes with my family, my home and the organization that I worked with lead to changing needs and opportunities for new careers.  It was challenging at times but my education and skills were transferable.  

There are so many opportunities to work in healthcare and the fitness industry to promote women’s heart health including; cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, cardiovascular perfusionist, cardiology technologist, cardiac diagnostic sonographer, cardiac medical technologist, cardiac rehab therapist, cardiac nurse and other disciplines assisting in cardiac care including dietitians, social workers, psychologists and diabetes care.  Even in management of hospitals and creating policies for women’s healthcare or community fitness programs that promote women’s heart health! There are endless possibilities!  

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

If you have any questions about my career choices you can contact me at, https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinpohl

Wishing you all the best in your career pursuits,

Robin Pohl