Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Bradford is pleased to announce the completion and passing of the certification process through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for our Outpatient Pulmonary Program!
Our pulmonary team of AnnMarie Kulis, Donna Badger, and Eliza LoConte has spent the last two years bringing our outpatient program into alignment in order to meet these very strict standards. There are only 18 other certified programs in the entire state!
AACVPR Program Certification
AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual facilities for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. The Program Certification process is designed for program-based adult cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Donna Badger, RRT, Respiratory Supervisor said: “We have been working hard to achieve this AACVPR certification for the past two years. It is both an honor and validation to have accomplished this with more than a little help from this great team. I am so very proud of us all. Our patients can trust that they are receiving the best care that is backed by the strongest standards in the field.”
“I am very proud to have contributed to our program’s journey toward AACVPR accreditation, working alongside my team to uphold the highest standards of care, compliance and patient outcomes,” said Eliza LoConte, RRT, Lead Therapist.
AnnMarie Kulis, MS.HA, BA.GS.HSE, RRT, Respiratory Manager added: “I am so proud of this team! They show amazing dedication to their patients and their program every day and this certification is one more way for them to display it. They demonstrated great diligence in their efforts to meet the highest standards for our patients.”
Celebrating Whittier’s Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
At Whittier’s Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, our team of specialists is dedicated to helping patients manage chronic lung disease and achieve the best possible quality of life. Through structured, individualized rehab plans, our therapists guide patients in building endurance, improving breathing techniques, and learning strategies to manage their condition with confidence.
Our program goes beyond exercise. Clinicians provide education on oxygen use, medications, nutrition, energy conservation, and infection prevention—giving patients and their families the tools they need to succeed at home and in the community. Just as importantly, our team fosters encouragement and support every step of the way.
Working in collaboration with pulmonologists and other healthcare providers, Whittier’s outpatient team ensures each patient receives evidence-based, personalized care. Patients come to Whittier for outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation when living with conditions such as:
- COPD and emphysema
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Post-COVID recovery
- Neuromuscular disease
- Lung cancer
- Lung transplant rehabilitation
- And many other chronic respiratory diagnoses
By focusing on outpatient rehab, we help patients return to the activities they enjoy, manage symptoms more effectively, and reduce the risk of hospital readmission.
Please join us in congratulating our Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation team on this well-deserved recognition!
In the photo, left to right back row: Bob Iannaco, Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Bradford Administrator; Andrew Arcidi, Whittier Transitional Care Unit Administrator; Lauren Arcidi Varney, Director of Outpatient Services; Paul Liguori, Medical Director. Front left to right: Caitlin Clifford, Outpatient Office Manager; Eliza LoConte, Lead Therapist; Donna Badger, Respiratory Supervisor; AnnMarie Kulis, Respiratory Manager.
