“The Pritikin curriculum has made cardiac recovery both educational and enjoyable for our patients. They are able to stay engaged and informed at each visit without being confused by an overload of medical jargon.” – Mackenzie Robinson
Located next to the RescueMD's medical practice, the Rescue MD Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) facility in Allen, TX is equipped with everything a recovering cardiac patient might need. Every time I visit the facility; I leave with a renewed appreciation for the team that makes it all happen. Mackenzie Robinson, EP and Brook Taylor, RD who together manage the ICR program do an amazing job at individualizing care for each patient. Their joy and confident expertise encourage anxious new patients to keep an open mind as they learn all about adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
After nearly a year of teaching the Pritikin ICR Curriculum, they have plenty to share about the small-but-mighty program they manage.
The Facility
When you drive up to the new Rescue MD facility, you are greeted by a modern clinic with plenty of parking close to the entrance. The rehab building next to the physician office is furnished with new equipment and great audio options in the exercise area. They have treadmills, recumbent and stationary bikes, free weights, and resistance bands to accommodate all fitness levels. Adjacent to the exercise area is the education space.
The thoughtful design and equipment used in the Cooking School Workshop space maximizes the patient experience. As the presentation area is highly visible, it’s easy to follow along with the educational cooking demonstrations. Beyond making lessons easy to see, the Rescue MD team makes a point to use common kitchen tools many home cooks already have in their own kitchens. The goal is to make sure patients feel comfortable and un-intimidated as they learn to adapt their cooking methods. The team goes out of their way to make sure when patients go home, they feel confident recreating the heart-healthy dishes – even those who’ve never cooked before!
The Patient Experience
From the very first visit, patients are welcomed with a bright smile by a team member who will help with the check-in process. During orientation, the team will guide them through completing necessary paperwork and a tour of the facility. Patients are encouraged to ask questions along the way as the team outlines the program and reviews orientation materials. Next, the patient’s vitals are recorded, they are fitted for a heart monitor band, and they complete the 6-minute walk test. Before heading home, they’ll review and identify which flexible scheduling option they’d like to book and then, schedule out their ICR sessions.
During each subsequent visit, Makenzie in her role as lead exercise physiologist and patient liaison, helps to motivate and support patients. She makes sure that patients are not only safe and ready to exercise, but she’s also able to answer their questions, and correspond with their cardiologist’s office. Her welcoming personality soothes her patients; she often goes out of her way to help them as best she can.
Brooke’s commitment to -and enthusiasm for- heart-healthy nutrition shines through during Cooking School and Nutrition Workshops. Her inspiration is “being able to educate people about heart disease and show them that they have the power to take control of their health through both exercise and nutrition. It’s more than just helping people heal physically, it’s about empowering them to make lasting lifestyle modifications that will improve their long-term wellbeing.”
Armed with the comprehensive Pritikin Curriculum, Mackenzie and Brooke can focus on what they do best: direct patient care. This is especially helpful given the ratio of staff to patients. Every time I visit, I’m struck by the level of personalized attention patients receive at Rescue MD; the smaller classes offer more opportunity for interactions between staff and amongst patients. Both Makenzie and Brooke are committed to optimizing every patient’s experience going out of their way to forge connections from a cardiovascular standpoint, but also on a personal level.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to work with patients who are regaining their strength and quality of life after heart issues, and it feels great to be able to provide support during that recovery journey.” – Mackenzie Robinson
I’m not the only one impressed by the Rescue MD offering, their patients can attest to the program’s effectiveness! They have had several Intensive Cardiac Rehab graduates come back to visit. One patient was so excited to share that after graduating from ICR, they were able to go back to volunteer firefighting. Witnessing anxious and overwhelmed patients transform into confident, happy and healthy versions of themselves as they progress through the curriculum is incredibly motivating! Often, patients finish the program having exceeded their initial goals, some have even adopted a running habit by the end of their sessions.
The Team
With a small team, Brooke and Makenzie find communication is key. They’ve fostered a highly collaborative environment where all feel heard. This positive environment is made possible by Dr. Okoro, who oversees the ICR program.
Her leadership style encourages her team to own their autonomy, make decisions and brainstorm solutions. “When people feel trusted to lead, they’re more likely to be motivated to do their best and take pride in their work.” That said, she makes herself available providing guidance, feedback, and praise as appropriate. “When someone does great work, I make sure to acknowledge it publicly, whether that’s in a team meeting or through a shout-out in our communication channels.”
Dr. Okoro’s approach certainly influences her team. Mackenzie shared, “I encourage a collaborative environment by organizing regular brainstorming sessions and ensuring that everyone feels heard. I create opportunities for team members to help each other out. This fosters a sense of community and motivates everyone to do their best.” Similarly, Brooke makes an effort to “foster a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and challenges. This helps reduce stress and encourages creativity and innovation. When the work atmosphere is upbeat, people are naturally more motivated.”
A cardiac rehab facility is only as good as its people and when it comes to Rescue MD, it’s clear they’ve got the very best! Keep up the great work, Rescue MD.
