CalvertHealth Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs Recertified by Industry Leader

CalvertHealth is proud to announce the certification of its cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of CalvertHealth’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

One of the primary goals of CalvertHealth’s program is to teach patients who have survived a cardiac or pulmonary issue how to exercise safely and confidently so they will continue on their own after they leave the program. “We help them learn how to listen to their body so they know they are working at the right intensity to get optimal benefit from exercise,” said Holly Dooley, RN, MSN, who coordinates the nationally accredited program at CalvertHealth Medical Center.

The 12-week program, which is covered by most insurance, includes monitored exercise three days a week and is designed around each patient’s personal needs and physical condition. Nutrition counseling is offered along with education about how to modify risk factors.

To earn accreditation, CalvertHealth participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.


Members of the CalvertHealth Outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs Kelly Brogan, Holly Dooley, Edwina Johnson, Meg Ims, Mary Smith and Jen Lundeen.