Barb Flato is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
Flato, the Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at CHRISTUS Spohn-Shoreline, is an advocate for continuing medical education, speaking regularly at the Texas Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation conference and other forums across the country.
“I’ve been active in the national organization for 30 years and it’s essential for my staff to be able to learn and know about changes in the industry,” says Barb. “It also helps to ensure we’re following best practices not only around the state but also around the country. The learning opportunities also include networking and seeing what other cardiac rehab programs are doing, which is valuable in our approach.”
Barb Flato (left) and Veronica Garcia in Cardiac Rehab at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-Shoreline.
To ensure that her staff continues to gain that valuable knowledge, Flato participates in Giving From Within, CHRISTUS Spohn’s associate giving campaign, which raises funds for numerous programs that strengthen our healing ministry. She is a member of the Hour Giving Society, designating a full hour of her salary each pay period toward cardiac rehab.
One invaluable use of those Giving From Within funds is directed toward sending cardiac rehab staff to the state conference and foster enhanced learning opportunities. Another is focused on gaining an important certification.
“In 2015 our national organization gave the first CCRP (Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional) national certification test,” says Barb. “I took it and passed it, and then at that point I challenged all of my staff that if they would take it and pass it that we would use Giving From Within funds to pay for the testing. Veronica Garcia took it at the state meeting last year and passed it, and became the first person on our staff to earn the CCRP merit.
“The greatest thing that our cardiac rehab staff has gained is continuing education paid for through the funds. We don’t have to worry about not paying for conferences and other venues that are valuable learning tools.”
The CHRISTUS Spohn Cardiac Rehab program offers electrocardiograph-monitored exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families to help people who experience a cardiac event or heart disease to recover faster, return to more full and productive lives and reduce the risk and severity of future heart disease.
It’s a calling that’s near and dear to Flato’s own heart.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and it’s my passion,” says Barb. “I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life and I love coming to work every day. What more could you ask for in a job?”
Our associate giving program allows associates to suggest, select and fund projects for the benefit of our patients, visitors and our very own CHRISTUS Spohn family. Employees may choose the projects or programs toward which they want to direct their contribution. Gifts to Giving From Within can be given through a payroll deduction or as a one-time gift (cash, check or credit card). Employees also can choose to join the Giving Hour Society, giving the equivalent of one or more hours of salary per pay period.
Click here to view in 2015 Annual Report.
Posted on March 17, 2016