The Pulmonary Rehab Program

Chronic lung disease causes shortness of breath and panic. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States today. The Richard (Rick) Rosenbaum Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Monongalia Health System offers a specialized program to help give those who are suffering from emphysema, chronic bronchitis, black lung, asthma and other lung problems a chance to live and breathe more easily.

Will Pulmonary Rehab benefit you?

As an adult, if you have been hospitalized with a breathing problem or easily become short of breath while walking or doing light work, you may benefit from Mon Health System's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Shortness of breath could be related to previous work in a coal mine, foundry, farm, or extensive exposure to asbestos. Cigarette smoking is also a major cause of chronic lung disease.

Programs and Services

How Pulmonary Rehab Works

Through 12 weeks of outpatient therapy, in three one-hour sessions each week, individuals enrolled in the program will receive:

1. Breathing retraining exercises to help decrease shortness of breath.
2. Panic control techniques.
3. Relaxation techniques.
4. Reconditioning exercises using treadmill and exercise bicycles to strengthen weakened muscles.
5. Individual educational sessions.

After completion of the 12 week program, participants return monthly for follow-up visits to assure continued progress with their prescribed home exercise program.


Goals of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

1. To decrease symptoms of the disease through techniques which help to improve lung function.
2. To decrease the number of hospital admissions.
3. To help those individuals regain strength and improve the quality of life.
4. To help those individuals be more in control of their breathing rather than their breathing in control of them.

Any individual with lung disease may enter the program through a physician referral. Studies which must be completed prior to entering the program include:

History and physical examination.

1. Lung Function Studies (PFTs)
2. EKG
3. Chest X-ray
4. Arterial blood gas
5. Complete blood count (CBC)

Insurance Coverage

The Pulmonary Rehab staff can assist you in verifying your insurance coverage.

To sign up for the program or to just find out more about Pulmonary Rehabilitation for yourself or a friend, call the Rick Rosenbaum Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Address and Phone:

200 Wedgewood Drive, Suite 105
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 598-2408


About The Staff

Team Approach

 - The Pulmonary Rehabilitation team includes registered respiratory therapists and a registered nurse, all of whom are specifically trained in Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A registered dietician, social workers, and pulmonologists (lung specialists) are available for consultation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Staff:

Julia Bartlett is a registered respiratory therapist. She was instrumental in the development of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program and has held the position of coordinator since its inception in 1982.

Charlene Porter is a registered respiratory therapist who worked as a staff therapist at WVU Medical Center and Mon General Hospital before becoming a rehab specialist in the Pulmonary Rehab Program in 1983.

Janet Wean is a registered respiratory therapist and registered nurse. She had worked as a staff therapist and a nurse at Monongalia General Hospital before becoming a nurse therapist in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in 1984.