FirstHealth Fitness Welcomes New Exercise Is Medicine Clinical Program Manager
| Date Posted: 12/4/2019
PINEHURST – FirstHealth Fitness is pleased to welcome Tim Smith, who will lead Exercise Is Medicine efforts as the clinical program manager.
Smith has spent his entire career working with clinics, patients and clinical staff. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from UNC Wilmington and a master’s degree in exercise science from Appalachian State University. Smith is also certified as an exercise specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine, and he continues to pursue certifications relevant to the Exercise is Medicine program.
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Tim Smith |
Smith first worked at FirstHealth of the Carolinas in the 1990s in cardiac rehab, and in the early 2000s he worked as a clinical manager and exercise specialist. He said he’s looking forward to helping people build health through safe, effective activities.
“My goal is to honor every provider’s referral by making sure each willing patient gets an individualized, progressive and safe exercise prescription,” Smith said. “To me, Exercise is Medicine is about expanding opportunities.”
John Caliri, director of FirstHealth Fitness, said he’s excited that Smith has come home to FirstHealth.
“Tim brings to us a breadth of experience, not only in exercise, but in how to work best with the clinics, providers and patients we serve across our region,” Caliri said. “His unique experience bridges the gap between the fitness world and the medical world. He’ll be working to streamline the Exercise is Medicine process, make sure it is carried out appropriately at all of our facilities and grow participation in it and other exercise programs.”
Exercise is Medicine is a physician-referral program hosted by FirstHealth Fitness. It allows patients to meet with an exercise specialist to develop goals and an exercise prescription.
The program is designed for people of all fitness levels, including cancer survivors, patients with diabetes and patients looking to improve heart health.
“Many of the patients we see have tried everything else, and we hope to provide a program complete with guidance and accountability to help people change their lives,” Smith said.
About FirstHealth Fitness
FirstHealth Fitness serves more than 11,000 members at six locations, including Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Sanford, Richmond, Raeford and Troy. FirstHealth Fitness centers are medically-based, full-service facilities that offer everything from personal training to group exercise classes to wellness services.
