Cardiology
Cardiac psychology is a specialization of health psychology that focuses on the primary and secondary prevention of heart disease by incorporating strategies to address the emotional and behavioral barriers to lifestyle changes (e.g. smoking cessation), and that seeks to enhance recovery in cardiac patients by means of providing patients tools (e.g. stress management and psychotherapy) to cope with life and physical changes associated with their disease. Cardiac psychologists can help cardiac patients across the lifespan: prevention, pre-surgery, post-surgery, and rehabilitation of cardiac disease with a particular emphasis on achieving optimal quality of life outcomes. Common cardiovascular diseases encountered on this rotation include coronary heart failure, palpitations, atrial fibrillation, and sinus tachycardia. Fellows learn a variety of interventions to assist with treating these disorders to include biofeedback, capnography, physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and self-relaxation techniques. Fellows are also encouraged to become involve with program development activities for this population.
Pulmonary
Clinical health psychologists are in a unique position to understand the relationship between breathing disorders and psychological distress, outside of the common belief that most breathing issues are a direct result of underlying anxiety and mental health. Common pulmonary disorders encountered on this rotation include dyspnea, vocal cord dysfunction, chronic hyperventilation syndrome, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Fellows learn a variety of interventions to assist with treating these disorders to include biofeedback, diaphragmatic breathing techniques, smoking cessation, motivational interviewing, and self-relaxation techniques. Fellows will also collaborate with other specialty clinics in treating these patients to include Speech Therapy and Ear, Nose, and Throat.
Endocrinology
The study of endocrinology, the branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones, is critical to the overall understanding of disease states and pathophysiology. This understanding is crucial to shaping one’s identity as a health psychologist. Common endocrine disorders encountered on this rotation include diabetes, infertility, low testosterone, osteoporosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid disorder. Fellows learn a variety of interventions to assist with treating these disorders to include providing targeted psychoeducation, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, goal setting, motivational interviewing, and self-relaxation techniques.
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