July 25, 2014
West Columbia, S.C. – John Leech, manager of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Lexington Medical Center, has become a Fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The organization recognizes excellence, professional achievement and outstanding service in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
To become a Fellow, applicants must meet criteria including submitting a resume with a record of distinguished service in the field of cardiac rehabilitation, peer recommendations and evidence of a high degree of professional development and commitment. A committee considers each application when selecting Fellowship candidates.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be recognized for my contributions to cardiac rehabilitation at the state and national level,” Mr. Leech said. “Becoming a Fellow in AACVPR has strengthened my commitment to provide our patients with the best possible care.”
As Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager at Lexington Medical Center, Mr. Leech’s primary goal is to create a program that helps patients recover from cardiac incidents and teach them necessary lifestyle skills to prevent future incidents. That includes exercise, healthy nutrition, smoking cessation, stress management and relaxation training. Mr. Leech provides cardiac rehabilitation staff members with the tools and support needed to ensure that the hospital’s patients have the best possible experience and that the program meets and exceeds national standards.
Mr. Leech has worked in cardiac rehabilitation since 1984 in Texas, Wisconsin and South Carolina. He chose his career path after his father passed away from a heart attack. In addition, several other members of his family have suffered from cardiovascular disease.
In a letter to Mr. Leech announcing his acceptance as a Fellow, AACVPR stated, “Your service to AACVPR, to your profession and to your affiliate organization, as outlined on your application, set you apart as a leader and outstanding professional in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.”
Cardiac rehabilitation is one component of Lexington Medical Center’s comprehensive cardiovascular care program. Affiliated with Duke Medicine, the hospital offers a full range of cardiac care including open heart surgery and therapeutic catheterizations. This year, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) awarded Lexington Medical Center the highest rating possible – a three-star rating – for its heart program. Only 15 percent of heart programs in the country have achieved a three-star rating this year.
Additionally, Lexington Medical Center has received full chest pain accreditation with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC). To receive this accreditation, Lexington Medical Center demonstrated its ability to quickly assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. By becoming an accredited chest pain center, Lexington Medical Center has enhanced the quality of care for cardiac patients and has showed its commitment to the highest standards.
Lexington Medical Center is a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It anchors a health care network that includes five community medical centers and employs a staff of more than 8,000 health care professionals. The hospital is ranked best hospital in the Columbia Metro and #2 hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report and was named one of the “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” by SC Biz News, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. Lexington Medical Cancer Center is an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence and has a clinical research and education affiliation with MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The network includes a cardiovascular program recognized by the American College of Cardiology as South Carolina's first HeartCARE Center. The network also has an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, an Alzheimer's care center and more than 70 physician practices. Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 100,000 patients each year. The hospital delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and performs more than 25,000 surgeries. Its postgraduate medical education programs include family medicine and transitional year residencies.
