Uphs – Portage Heroes | Adeline Kariainen, Ms, Ep-c, Atc
October 12, 2021
Adeline Kariainen, Certified Exercise Physiologist at UP Health System – Portage.
What is your role at UPHS – Portage?
I am a Certified Exercise Physiologist working in cardiac and pulmonary rehab. My role is to work on creating personalized exercise prescriptions, educating patients on the body’s response to exercise, and the benefits of living a physically active lifestyle.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My inspiration for getting into healthcare was my grandfather. My grandfather had lung cancer and cardiac health complications. His strength, even when faced with adversity, made me want to help others just like him.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
I start my workday at 6:30 getting the gym ready for patients to come exercise. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we see cardiac patients from 7 am – 2 pm and then work on patient notes. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we see patients from 10 am – 12 pm and then I will either do new patient intakes or paperwork.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been working here at Portage for 4 months now. I am originally from the area and moved back here from eastern Montana. I had been working there for two and half years in cardiac rehab, and as an adjunct instructor and athletic trainer at the local community college.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
I am working with a larger patient load compared to my cardiac rehab experience in Montana. Also in Montana, my previous experience did not offer a pulmonary program.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What/where is your favorite local gem?
I enjoy backpacking, hiking, traveling, downhill skiing, cooking, and more. My local gem is High Rock Bay. Over the summer I backpacked there and fell in love with its simple beauty.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
What I enjoy most about working here at Portage, is having great, supportive coworkers and how caring the patients are (especially when it comes to telling them all about my solo backpacking trips and/or travels!)