Exercise professionals from all over are connecting with health care providers in different capacities, working as a part of the extended healthcare team, and providing their expertise to increase patient physical activity levels. Learn techniques and lessons from exercise professionals who serve as a community-based exercise resource to work with sedentary, at-risk patients.
Lauren Stobbie
(Jacksonville, Florida, USA)
About Lauren:
- M.S. in Exercise Science
- B.S. in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- EIM Credential Level I
- Crossfit Level 1 Trainer
Describe your work with healthcare professionals:
All of the clients I work with are in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. While addiction is their primary medical diagnosis, we work with clients with a very wide range of medical limitations and chronic diseases. All patients participate in our 8-week "Health and Wellness" group, where they learn about fitness concepts, nutrition, supplement use, and how to develop their own exercise program. Participants can choose from several activities, including strength training, yoga, conditioning, boot camp-style classes, or one on one personal training.
How have you established a relationship with healthcare providers?
I work directly with three doctors that manage our client base onsite, as well as an extensive team of ARNPs, physician assistants, and nurses.
How have you maintained your referral sources?
I work closely with the medical team. It was important to me to not create a "cookie cutter" wellness program. Every person we see has individual needs and goals and their workout program should be structure to meet those specific goals. We have built trust at Lakeview Health. Medical staff is able to see the impact our wellness program has on a daily basis with these patients, helping them reach their physique goals, to rehabbing injuries, to improving their mood and providing better sleep at night. Our patients are our biggest advocates.
What have been your biggest challenges?
Most of the challenges stem from the client base that I am working with. It's a challenging population, but has also been rewarding. Many of our clients are dealing with multiple injuries, as well as mood disorders and a wide range of diseases. I have had to take time to learn from the medical and clinical teams and other resources so that I can provide the best care to each one of our clients.
What been the key to your success in working with the healthcare system?
The biggest key to success is having open and honest communication with the healthcare providers you are working with. They are experts in their field just as we are experts in our field, and when we work together, we can provide the most success for clients. Also, you never stop learning.