Student intern helps Cardiac Rehabilitation patients work toward healthier lives

Written by Zoe Walsh, Communications intern for IU Health's Metro Region

Gaining hands-on experience is a vital part of a student preparing for a career in the medical field. Peter Chrobak, an intern in the Cardiac Rehabilitation department at IU Health West Hospital, is making sure he has the necessary knowledge to become an exercise physiologist.

Chrobak is a student at Indiana University Indianapolis, pursuing a degree in exercise science. This internship is the last thing he must complete before he graduates.

Chrobak has been at IU Health West for a little over three months and enjoys the responsibilities that come with the role. Documenting a patient’s medical history, blood pressure levels and oxygen saturation levels are common tasks he performs. He finds it rewarding to support patients as they work towards a healthier life.

“I like seeing [patients] recover and get back in shape and get better,” Chrobak says.

He’s also tight knit with his team. They collaborate closely to help him apply his skills in a real-world healthcare setting

“Our internship program exposes students to real-world patient care, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, such as patient assessments, exercise prescription and electrocardiogram interpretation” explains Aaron Wright, the internship coordinator for the unit. “Our internship also develops professional skills, including communication, teamwork and patient interaction.”

Interested in joining a supportive team committed to high-quality care and learning? Explore opportunities at careers.iuhealth.org.