Introducing a new series “Meet your NCCRA Board members”
In the weeks leading up to the NCCRA symposium we would like for you to have the opportunity to meet the NCCRA Board members that represent you.
This week we would like to introduce you to Jeff Soukup. Jeff is the VP of the Coastal Region.
Jeff Soukup – Coastal VP
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Wilmington, NC
Jeff.Soukup@nhrmc.org
Tell us what led you to run for the position on the NCCRA Board of Directors
My decision to get involved with NCCRA stemmed from my desire to be a part of the organization that supports cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals across the state. Additionally, past professional service opportunities have provided great satisfaction to me through the building of lasting relationships and also has provided a positive challenge by working alongside others who have been very successful in their professional careers.
Please provide a bio highlighting special training, skills or hobbies that you bring to your profession and the board of directors. Please focus on the professional qualifications and strengths
I received my doctorate in Human Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi in August 2003 after spending the previous 14 years working at Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama as a certified diabetes educator and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation exercise physiologist. In 2003, I joined Appalachian State University’s Exercise Science department to begin the clinical exercise science curriculum. In 2007, I accepted a dual appointed position as the Clinical Director of the Appalachian Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program and Instructor at Appalachian State University where I served for 10 years prior to joining New Hanover Regional Medical Center as the Manager of the Intensive Cardiac Rehab department and Program Director for Dr. Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease. Most recently, I became the Manager of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Wellness Programs at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. I held certifications from the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and am currently certified as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine. I served on ACSM’s Committee on Certification and Registry Boards from 2002 – 2017 serving on both the Health Fitness Specialist sub-committee and Exam Development Team sub-committees. I was the chair of the Exam Development Team from 2011 – 2014.
Describe the direction that you would like NCCRA to take in the future and what part you would like to take in that journey.
My personal passion has always been exercise and my professional passion is clinical exercise physiology. My hope is that I can play a role in enhancing the application of evidenced-based exercise testing and training in cardiopulmonary rehab and I believe that the interdisciplinary structure of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation is ideally situated to treat many different clinical populations. I hope I can play a role in leading NCCRA toward the development of new programming that goes beyond cardiac and pulmonary populations.
What are your interests outside of work?
Exercise and DIY projects