Billy, Vicky and Betty successfully completed the Pulmonary Rehab Program at RWJUH Hamilton, and celebrated with a cake presented by Lead Pulmonary Function/Rehab respiratory therapist David Rubino, BSRT, RRT, CPFT.
April 24, 2025, Hamilton Township, NJ: There were no caps or gowns, but the first graduates of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s (RWJUH Hamilton) Pulmonary Therapy Rehabilitation Program (Pulmonary Rehab) walked away with something much more important—improved lung function and quality of life. Vicky and Betty, both patients of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, Arthur Pacia, MD, board-certified in pulmonary medicine and Medical Director of Respiratory Care, Pulmonary Function and Pulmonary Rehab at RWJUH Hamilton, and Bill, a patient of Kevin Law, MD, board-certified in critical care, pulmonary disease and sleep medicine, and also a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. All three patients successfully completed the 18-week program that taught them various methods of controlling their condition and living healthier so that they could reduce their dependency on professional medical attention.
Pulmonary rehab, a supervised medical program, can help lessen symptoms, make daily activities easier to do, and improve the quality of life for people with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and even long-term Covid. The program is designed around a patient’s specific needs, based on a thorough assessment that includes medical history, symptoms, and current treatments.
“The program was very difficult for me when I started as I couldn’t even walk,” said Vicky. Before pulmonary rehab, I struggled with simple daily tasks like making my bed and doing laundry. Rehab built up my strength, helped my breathing, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my overall well-being.
For Betty, the program provided much more than physical benefits and has had a huge impact on her mental health. “I feel very good mentally, much better than I've been,” she said. “You don't realize that not being able to do something simple like tying your shoes can impact your mental health.” Betty counts the fellow members of her rehab group and the pulmonary rehab team at RWJUH Hamilton team among her new friends. “The program has really made a difference for me. I can do more at home and getting out of the house means so much. I didn’t go out a lot and this program has changed all of that for me.”
The pulmonary rehab program has provided Bill with the structure and discipline he needed to continue an active exercise regimen, which he is currently doing at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center in Hamilton. “The Fitness & Wellness Center has everything you could possibly want,” said Bill. “I do similar exercises that I learned in rehab so it’s really wonderful.”
Pulmonary rehab is truly a group effort. Billy, Betty and Vicky are grateful for their team at RWJUH Hamilton, including new therapy dog, Finn.
“We are currently developing a connection between our graduates and the fitness center to create a seamless experience that will include a structured exercise program they can continue a few days a week,” explained Nicholas Gervasi, MBA, RRT, CPFT, Supervisor, Respiratory Care/Pulmonary Laboratory. “It’s very important that our patients keep moving, continue with their gains, and keep applying everything they’ve learned through the program. Their improvements don’t just stop here.”
Bill added, “Without this team of experts, I wouldn't have realized the gains I was making. Their support has made the biggest difference.”
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton offers patients an educational and supportive program monitored by trained medical professionals. “Through this wonderful new program, we’re empowering our patients with chronic lung conditions to regain independence, improve their quality of life and breathe easier every day,” said Seth D. Rosenbaum, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for RWJUH Hamilton.
Meet RWJUH Hamilton's Pulmonary Therapy Team.
In addition, RWJUH Hamilton will be offering a free monthly support group for all our program participants to help support or address any questions or concerns that may impede their progress or even daily life.
All RWJUH Hamilton Respiratory Therapists on the Pulmonary Rehab Program team are Certified in Pulmonary Rehabilitation, AARC/AACVPR.
Learn more or call RWJUH Hamilton Pulmonary Rehabilitation specialists at 609-689-7086.