Occupation: Exercise Physiologist, Miriam Hospital

Ronald Scott was initially thinking of going into physical therapy but had a change of heart when he discovered an unexpected interest in the human heart. At a professor’s recommendation, he began volunteering at the Center for Cardiac Fitness at the Miriam Hospital in Providence. He went on to do his internship at Miriam and was offered a position there after he graduated.

He now works at Miriam as an exercise physiologist, creating exercise prescriptions for cardiac patients. He loves seeing the results of his work: “Our patients start off on the first day and sometimes can barely walk five minutes on the treadmill.” But after completing the Center’s 12-week program that includes exercise, nutrition information, stress management tips, and behavioral or dietary modifications, the patients’ stamina and wellness increase dramatically.

Scott hopes eventually to become a physician’s assistant. “That internship was a big help,” he remembers. “Not just for me, but for a lot of my classmates. The internship really helps you decide what you want to do for your career.”