Talking All Things Cardiopulm

Rachele Burriesci, PT, DPT, CCS, GCS
  • 4.8 (8)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

This podcast is designed to discuss heart and lung conditions, treatment interventions, research, current trends, expert opinions and patient experiences.The goal is to learn, inspire and bring Cardiopulm to the forefront of conversation.

  1. 12/18/2025

    Episode 107: From Residency to ICU innovation: Advancing Early Mobility & Verticalization with Jenna Hightower

    Early mobility is not just a catch phrase. It’s activity that can change the trajectory of a patient’s condition, hospital stay and potentially life. Join me as we welcome Dr. Jenna Hightower, PT, DPT, CCS, critical care physical therapist, and CVP Emerging Leader award recipient.   In this episode we learn about Jenna’s physical therapy journey and her evolution from an exercise physiologist in outpatient cardiac rehab to PT residency to her love and passion for the ICU setting.  Jenna learned early in her career that she could make tremendous impact in the ICU despite the level of complexity and ICU acquired weakness. Listen as we discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, physiologic benefits of in-bed verticalization and early mobility progression. With a little persistence, hard work and communication change can be made. If you work in acute care, critical care, or are passionate about advancing ICU mobility, this episode is a must-listen! In this Episode: PT residencyCritical Care CultureBedrest & deconditioningProning & verticalizationABCDEF BundleThe Ramsey ProtocolPhysiologic benefits of verticalizationTransition to a non-clinical role Resources: VitalGo Website VitalGo Instagram Tilt Talk Podcast: Apple.   Spotify     Youtube Kayli Dayton website Bio: Dr. Hightower earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University in 2017. Following this, she completed a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Critical Care Residency through Mercer University at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in 2018.  Dr. Hightower has served as a Critical Care Physical Therapist in multi-specialty intensive care units at both Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and Mayo Clinic Florida. Her expertise lies in early mobility interventions within the ICU, particularly for patients on advanced mechanical circulatory support devices such as ECMO, IABP, Impella, and LVAD, as well as those on various forms of mechanical ventilation. She specializes in managing complex cases involving multiple end-organ failure or shock requiring invasive support, with a particular passion for pre- and post-heart and lung transplant care. Dr. Hightower has frequently integrated the use of the Total Lift Bed into her patients' care plans to enhance outcomes, despite the complexity and acuity of their conditions. Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    1h 8m

  2. 12/11/2025

    Episode 106: The MUSECLS Framework: A Roadmap for developing and sustaining an ECMO mobility program in the ICU

    In this episode, Dr. Rachele Burriesci, PT, DPT, CCS, GCS sits down with Dr. Aaron Thrush, PT, DPT, MPH, CCS one of the lead authors behind the groundbreaking article “Development and Application of a Novel Framework for Mobility and Rehabilitation Under Support of Extracorporeal Life Support: The M-U-S-E-C-L-S Framework.”  Together, they break down the first ever systems level roadmap designed to guide ICU teams in safely developing, implementing, and sustaining mobility programs for patients supported by ECMO and other mechanical circulatory devices.   In this episode we discuss: Team members required for a successful ECMO mobility teamIncluding the patient in patient-centered careComplementing existing clinical practice guidelinesCollaboration and communication required to sustain and succeed Developing progressive and inclusive cultureEquipment needs, staffing considerations, competencies, and policies.  Access article here   Reach out to Aaron Thrush: ThrushA@ccad.ae Aaron Thrush is a board-certified cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialist (USA) with expertise in acute and critical care rehabilitation. He is the Education Specialist and Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where he previously led ICU physical therapy. Aaron has published research on lung transplantation, cardiac rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and functional outcome measures, and serves as Director of Research & Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Content Expert for the Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (USA). An international speaker, he has presented across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    1h 43m

  3. 12/04/2025

    Episode 105: Part 2 An International PT Journey with Dr. Aaron Thrush

    Lucky for us, I was able to get more time with Aaron to discuss his life abroad.  We had some time after discussing his newest publication to dig further into the regular day life in Abu Dhabi and into to another world of culture and cultural competency.  Join us for an episode of common ground, laughs, food, and culture!  Stay tuned next week for our publication breakdown of the MUSECLS framework! Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    57 min

  4. 11/15/2025

    Episode 104: An international PT Journey with Dr. Aaron Thrush

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to treat patients internationally as a physical therapist?  Does that opportunity feel just out of reach? Have you considered being more involved in the APTA or the Cardiovascular & Pulmonary (CVP) Academy or other leadership roles and just don’t know where to start? Join me in welcoming Dr. Aaron Thrush, who shares his inspiring journey from Philly to Abu Dhabi, from the neurologic population to a passion for CVP and from inpatient rehab to the ICU. Dr. Thrush takes us through his evolution from staff clinician to a respected leader in education, research and CVP physical therapy internationally.  If you’re a physical therapist interested in international practice, career growth, CVP physical therapy, or expanding your professional impact, this conversation is packed with insight and lived experience you won’t want to miss. Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    38 min

  5. 10/28/2025

    Episode 103: Welcome Back

    Returning to the mic after a summer hiatus, Rachele recaps summer fun, garden woes, new collaborations and the joy of being in the room.    Follow PrO2:  Instagram Facebook  Linked-In  Website  Newsletter    Coupon Code for PrO2: ALLTHINGS15  (I do not receive commission just sharing a 15% off coupon code for a device that I believe in)   Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    27 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    Episode 102: Innovation, Invention and IMT with Ken Chatham

    One word. Legacy.  When one looks back on their career they might question: did I do enough, did I make a difference, did I leave a legacy?  There is no question in mind that Ken is a person that has left his mark on the respiratory muscle training world, with his passion for understanding and innovation to create the devices he needed to accomplish his goals, he has left us not only with a superior device to assess and train the respiratory muscles, but also a protocol to effectively make a difference.   30 years of research, trial and error and digging into root causes, Ken is a major reason why we know IMT is an effective training modality across the spectrum: from weaning off vents, to patients with COPD, pneumoconiosis, SCI, to training world class athletes on the pitch. Not only did he help us understand how to assess and train respiratory muscles he also developed the device to do just that. Through multiple iterations and developments over 30 years we now have the PrO2 and the novel TIRE protocol.  Join me in this episode as we hear Ken take us through his life’s work and learn from his vast knowledge and experience.   Trial the PrO2 at the Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Fall Conference Sept 13 @ the exhibitor table!  Get 20% off + no shipping.   If you won’t be heading to the fall conference I have a coupon code just for you: Code: ALLTHINGS15 to save 15% on your PrO2 device! https://www.pro2health.com/products-list Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    1h 18m

  7. 05/13/2025

    Episode 101: Clinical Decisions in Orthostatic Hypotension

    Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common finding in the acute care setting. So, the question is, are there any hard and fast rules surrounding orthostatic hypotension?  Are there cut-offs for activity / exercise? The quick answer is: it’s complicated and it depends. It requires knowledge, experience and clinical judgement every step of the way. Each case, each patient may have different symptoms and different levels of blood pressure dropping at different points in time. One clear point is assessing vital sign response to position changes and activity are paramount. Assessing your patient and recognizing subtle changes are equally important. And lastly, trusting your gut/intuition has a role as well. Join me as we discuss the definitions of OH, common symptoms and real case examples.  1:1 Virtual Cardiopulmonary Mentoring for Clinicians and Students All Things Cardiopulm LLC Facebook Page Join my newsletter Follow Pro2 Health on Instagram, Facebook & Linked-In Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    1h 15m

  8. 04/27/2025

    Episode 100 of Talking All Things Cardiopulm

    Happy 100th episode of Talking All Things Cardiopulm!   My mission from day one was to bring Cardiopulm to the forefront of conversation, to give clinicians tools to use in their own practice and to help bridge the gap between research and the clinician. I created this podcast, because I felt like it needed to exist. I hope to continue going for as long as I can, to provide value and resources for you.   If you want to support Talking All Things Cardiopulm, share an episode with a colleague, repost it on your favorite social media platform and/or write a great review! I appreciate you being here, for listening, for the support and for wanting to be a part of the Cardiopulm conversation!   SIGN UP for the Innovative Treatments, Effortless Documentation Summit 💥 Event Dates: May 6–8 (Live Pre-Party: May 5 @ 8 PM EST)🎯 Audience: PTs, OTs, and students focused on adult rehab🧠 What’s Included: 20+ PT and OT expert-led sessions, documentation strategies, treatment ideas⏰ Free Access: 24 hour access to the pre-recordings that day with a free ticket🏆 Power Pass Upgrade: 1-year access + 20 contact hours (OT - AOTA approved provider) and 20 PT CEUs + workbook + exclusive prizesJoin the All Things Cardiopulm Newsletter  1:1 Virtual Mentoring Find me on: IG: @all_things_cardiopulm Threads: @all_things_cardiopulm Website: www.allthingscardiopulm.com Youtube: @allthingscardiopulm Linked-In: Rachele Burriesci Text at 913-308-4494

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This podcast is designed to discuss heart and lung conditions, treatment interventions, research, current trends, expert opinions and patient experiences.The goal is to learn, inspire and bring Cardiopulm to the forefront of conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachele Burriesci, PT, DPT, CCS, GCS
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking All Things Cardiopulm
  • Show Website
    Talking All Things Cardiopulm