The founding of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) isn't likely to be regarded as being a revolution in the life of most exercise physiologists. And yet, it is clear (or it should be clear) that the idea itself isn't hard to understand. When one compares the work of the ASEP leaders since 1997, it seems quite clear that exercise physiologists have entered a period of "new thinking" about the basic questions of "professionalism in exercise physiology" and the exercise physiologist as the expert in the application of "exercise as medicine."

“Tommy,” a student said, “do you still believe the exercise physiologist’s future is among the entrepreneurs?” Excellent question Joe. Short answer is Yes. Let me do some thinking about it, and I will get back to you. So, what do I know now that I didn’t them? Admittedly, the answer is the same, but not as long as I thought it might be.

From what I’ve read, banks have trimmed their loan portfolios. This is due in part a result of the tight margins created by the interest rate cuts. Everyone is short of cash, including venture capital funds. Does this mean that there are no opportunities for healthcare professionals as entrepreneurs? I don’t think so.

Part of understanding the power of exercise is movement by an exercise prescription defined by an exercise physiologist. The world of exercise has changed from "just do it" to "exercise is medicine." And, as such, as with all prescriptive medicine, exercise should be prescribed. The leadership in this regards ought to be the Board Certified exercise physiologist who has met all the prescriptive facets of exercise by passing the "Exercise Physiologist Certified" exam.

The courage to admit this thinking is the beginning of the future for exercise physiology. We should celebrate this new culture evolving in regards to exercise and exercise physiology.

Among other considerations, when choosing a career, it seems to me that professional development ought to be a highly regarded factor. Doesn’t everyone want to be a professional? All students should think about the importance of being referred to as a “professional” from within the context of an established professional field. It seems of little advantage otherwise to be referred to as a professional outside of an established career option.

A fitness professional, for example, is not a professional in the same context as a physical therapist is from within the physical therapy association. In fact, it is the association that lays the ground work for professional development. All students should understand this point. It has direct bearing on what they call themselves, whether they are respected in what they do, and how much security they will have in the long run. For certain, employers understand this point. They expect their employees to provide reasonable evidence of their professional commitment to a professional organization. It is also proper for employers to expect the employees to become certified and/or licensed by the professional organization. All of this bears directly on the employees’ commitment to services and the degree to which the employee understands right from wrong and how to therefore harm to the client. You can (or should) expect the employer to ask about a code of ethics, standards of professional practice, and certifications. They should feel more comfortable hiring a board certified exercise physiologists versus someone with a certification that is not link to an academic degree.