Olympic Medical Center's Ronald Hodges recently received certification as a clinical exercise specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Hodges holds a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and sports medicine from Oregon State University.

He previously worked as an exercise instructor for faculty staff fitness at Oregon State University and as lead exercise specialist for Samaritan Health Services' cardiac rehabilitation program in Corvallis, Ore.

He joined Olympic Medical Center in October 2008 as cardiac rehabilitation program coordinator.

"My responsibility is to encourage our cardiac rehab patients to make lifelong behavior changes which will improve their health through nutrition, exercise and stress management," he said.

Hodges sees his professional life as a two-way street incorporating wellness information he learns on the job into his own life while sharing his experiences and successes with his patients. He maintains healthy eating habits and participates daily in physical activities including hiking, biking and dancing.

For more information on Olympic Medical Center's cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, call 417-7486 or see www.cardiacprogram.com.

Olympic Medical Center is a comprehensive health care provider for more than 70,000 residents of Clallam County. It provides inpatient services at its 126-bed acute care facility and outpatient services including cardiac, imaging, rehabilitation therapy, laboratory, sleep medicine, home health and comprehensive cancer care services at locations throughout the region. For more information, call 417-7000 or see www.olympicmedical.org.